Building Inspector I/II

Salary: $34.38 - $48.44 Hourly
Location : Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04713
Department: Community and Economic Development
Division: Measure H - Building Safety
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCEA


The Position
Join Our Team as a Building Inspector and Help Create Safer Housing!

Are you passionate about building safety, code compliance, and improving the quality of housing in our community? The City of Modesto is seeking Building Inspector I/IIs to join our team and play an important role in the City's Rental Housing Safety Program.

As a Building Inspector assigned to the Rental Housing Safety Program, you'll help ensure that rental housing is safe, habitable, and compliant with applicable building and housing regulations. You'll work directly with property owners, property managers, tenants, and members of the public to identify unsafe or substandard conditions and help bring properties into compliance.

As a Building Inspector with us, you'll:

• Inspect Rental Properties: Conduct inspections of residential rental properties to identify building, safety, maintenance, and habitability deficiencies and determine compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Make a Tangible Impact: Help protect the health, safety, and welfare of Modesto residents by identifying unsafe housing conditions and working with property owners to correct violations.
• Conduct Follow-Up Inspections: Monitor compliance, perform re-inspections, and verify that required repairs and corrections have been completed.
• Work as Part of a Team: Assist with new construction inspections to ensure new buildings are built safely,.
• Serve the Community in the Field: Spend significant time in the field conducting inspections while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, and effective communication when working with a diverse range of property owners and residents.

Join us and become part of a team dedicated to improving the safety and quality of Modesto's rental housing. Your knowledge, judgment, and commitment to public service can make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents throughout our community.

Salary Incentives:

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)

5% Education Incentive (master's degree)
Application Process

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."

Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.


Tentative Testing Schedule

Online Exam

September 29, 2026 - October 5, 2026


The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.
Essential and Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions :
Make field inspections of building construction and its components in residential, commercial and industrial applications to assure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of City, State and Federal agencies.
Examine, evaluate and approve the construction of structural framing systems in compliance with Title 24, Title 25 and applicable fire, life, and health and safety requirements.
Examine completed construction and general workmanship prior to occupancy; maintain plan files, progress reports, and properly complete permit inspection records.
Investigate alleged violations of zoning ordinance and related policies.
Perform inspection duties in trade specialties such as plumbing, electrical and mechanical, structural, and finish trade areas.
May perform necessary field work and/or issue permits for residential building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical code compliance and special inspection applications.
Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating, and electrical installations, and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements for compliance with applicable codes and standards of workmanship; check stud, joist, rafter spacing and other structural member factors.
Examine grade, quality, and treatment of lumber, cement, lath, wire and composition.
Ensure proper and safe installation of routine and complex building systems.
Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments and divisions.
Review plans, schedules and specifications for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
Ascertain conformance to Uniform Building Code, Plumbing and Electrical Codes, and pertinent provisions of State and County health and environmental ordinances.
Confer with architects, contractors, builders, and the general public in the field and office; prepare correspondence as required.
Recommend amendments to building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes.
Maintain detailed records and prepare reports.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City of Modesto employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Building Inspector I

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of a building department.

Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.


Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, including uniform building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes.


Techniques of reading and interpreting drawings and blueprints.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.


Ability to:

Read and interpret building plans, specifications, and building codes throughout the course of construction.


Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.

Learn to advise on standard construction methods and requirements.


Learn to apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.


Learn to perform and apply journey level inspection skills in a variety of specialty trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work as a combination Building Inspector.


Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.


Learn to enforce state and municipal codes under the jurisdiction of the department.


Prepare precise written inspection correction lists and properly complete permit inspection records.


Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.


Perform medium manual labor, including but not limited to, lifting and carrying up to fifty (50) pounds of weight, climbing, bending, and stooping.


Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four years of increasingly responsible journey level construction experience in one of the following building trades: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanical systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/HVAC), or a related field.

Training:

Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college with major course work in building inspection technology or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Possession of a Certified Building Inspector certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) is required by the end of the probationary period.

Building Inspector II:

In addition to the qualifications for the Building Inspector I:

Knowledge of:

Principles and techniques of building inspection work.

Ability to:

Determine that construction systems conform to City Code requirements.

Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.

Apply City codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental matters, and other regulations to field situations

Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.

Perform journey level inspection skills in a variety of specialty trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work as a combination Building Inspector.

Enforce State and Municipal Codes under the jurisdiction of the department.

Work independently with minimal supervision.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

A minimum of two years of responsible journey experience as a Combination Building Inspector.

Training:

Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree with major course work in Building Inspection Technology or a related field.

License and Certificate:

Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Possession of an I.C.C. Certificate as a Certified Building Inspector is required at the time of appointment. In addition, must have certification in one or more of the following building trades: plumbing, electrical, or mechanical

Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility : frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting; frequent climbing. Lifting : frequent lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Vision : constant use of overall vision. Dexterity : frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions. Emotional/ Psychological : frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is often performed in an outdoor construction environment with year-round exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is subject to construction site noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Work is performed at various remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA)

Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).

HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.

VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.

SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.

LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $20,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.

DISABILITY INSURANCE: coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.

RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Bachelor's degree pays in the amount of 2.5% of salary and Master's degree pays in the amount of 5% of salary.


BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.

UNIFORM AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE PROGRAM: is provided for some positions.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM is provided for some positions.

LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.

SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01


I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes

02


Do you possess a valid certificate as a Building Inspector issued by the International Code Council (ICC)?

• Yes
• No

03


Please list any/all applicable permit systems you have experience working with.
04


Indicate your approximate typing speed.

• Less than 30 WPM
• 30 - 45 WPM
• 45 - 65 WPM
• More than 65 WPM

05


In which of the following areas do you possess four or more years of journey-level experience? (check all that apply)

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Carpentry
• Mechanical Systems (heating, ventilation, AC/HVAC)
• None of the above

06


If you selected an option above, please describe your experience. In your response, include the name of the agency you worked for, duties performed, dates of employment and the supervisor you reported to. If you have none of the above experience, indicate N/A.
Required Question