Building Inspector II

Building Inspector II

This classification will independently perform the full range of combination building inspection duties involving residential, commercial, and other construction; inspects building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing installations for compliance with approved plans, applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; resolves inspection and code-compliance issues; provides technical assistance to contractors, design professionals, property owners, and the public, and performs related duties as assigned.

Building Inspector II is the experienced journey level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents independently perform combination inspections involving multiple construction disciplines and are expected to exercise judgment in interpreting and applying applicable construction codes.

This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector I by the greater degree of independence, complexity of assignments, required building inspection experience, and requirement for multiple ICC commercial inspector certifications.

It is distinguished from Senior Building Inspector in that the Senior classification handles the most complex and sensitive inspection assignments, serves as a technical resource, assists in training and mentoring inspection staff, and is required to demonstrate competency in all four major commercial inspection disciplines.

Works under the general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other designated supervisory staff who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. May provide technical assistance and training to Building Inspector I employees. No supervision exercised.

Independently performs combination inspections of residential and commercial buildings and structures.

Inspects structural, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction for compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.

Performs inspections at various stages of construction including foundation, reinforcing steel, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-resistive construction, accessibility, energy compliance, and final inspection.

Reviews approved construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and related documents in preparation for and during field inspections.

Determines whether construction complies with approved plans, applicable codes, standards, ordinances, and permit conditions.

Identifies violations and deficiencies and determines appropriate corrective action.

Issues correction notices and, within delegated authority, stop-work or other enforcement notices.

Conducts follow-up inspections and verifies correction of identified violations.

Explains technical code requirements to contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners, and members of the public.

Resolves routine to moderately complex disputes regarding inspection requirements and code interpretation.

Coordinates inspection issues with plan review staff, code enforcement personnel, fire personnel, public works staff, and other agencies.

Reviews minor field changes and construction modifications within delegated authority and refers changes requiring engineering or formal plan review to appropriate staff.

Evaluates alternate construction conditions and refers requests for code modifications or alternate methods and materials to appropriate authority.

Investigates complaints involving construction without permits, unsafe construction, and code violations.

Prepares accurate inspection reports, correction notices, correspondence, and other documentation.

Provides technical assistance and informal training to less experienced inspectors.

Participates in continuing education and obtains additional ICC certifications in preparation for advancement to Senior Building Inspector.

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods, materials, and practices used in residential and commercial construction

Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems

Current California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Green Building, and related codes and standards applicable to assigned duties

Accessibility requirements applicable to building construction

Accepted inspection practices and procedures

Construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and technical reports

Code enforcement methods and procedures

Principles of documentation and evidence necessary for enforcement proceedings

Permit and inspection tracking systems

Principles of effective public and customer relations

Skill in:

Learning the correct local, state and federal regulatory codes and standards

Understanding and interpreting plans and specifications

Communicating effectively both orally and in writing

Using standard office equipment, software applications, and computerized permit tracking systems

Ability to:

Independently conduct residential and commercial combination inspections

Apply building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing requirements to field conditions

Interpret complex construction plans and specifications

Recognize unsafe or noncompliant construction

Determine appropriate corrective actions

Exercise independent judgment within delegated authority

Resolve routine code interpretation and inspection disputes

Explain technical requirements clearly to construction professionals and the public

Coordinate effectively with plan review and other regulatory staff

Prepare clear, complete, and defensible inspection documentation

Assist in training and developing less experienced inspectors

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

College-level coursework or technical training in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, code administration, or a related field is desirable.

An Associate's degree in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience:

Two years of work experience as Building Inspector I with the City of Santa Monica or four years of paid work experience performing combination inspections, including residential and/or commercial construction inspection.

Licenses and Certifications:

Licenses:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Certificates:

Possession and maintenance of the following ICC certifications is required:

Commercial Building Inspector (B2) or Residential Building Inspector (B1). A candidate who does not possess both of these certifications at the time of hire must obtain the other certification within 12 months of hire.

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following commercial certifications:

Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)

Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2)

Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following residential certifications:

Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)

Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)

Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)

Possession of additional ICC certifications in the remaining commercial inspection disciplines is highly desirable.

Required certifications shall be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Applicants must file a clear, concise and complete City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma, if applicable and copies of your certificates from the International Code Council with your application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following: Oral Interview: 100%. Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us! Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call View phone number on click.appcast.io. TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io (Hearing Impaired Only). Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three works days prior to the examination.

Some work is generally performed indoors. On occasion when inspections are being conducted will shadow/train with experienced staff at construction sites, abandoned buildings, and outdoor work sites, learning building codes, ordinances and documentation standards.