SALARY:
Building Inspector I
$85,392 - $114,432 Annually ($41.05 - $55.02 per hour)

Building Inspector II
$89,652 - $120,144 Annually ($43.10 - $57.76 per hour)

Effective April 2026: 2% salary increase

There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy.

THE POSITION:

This is skilled inspection work in securing compliance with all aspects of building, zoning, planning, federal, state, and municipal codes and regulations governing new and existing construction and involving any combination of the following: installation and operation of electrical systems and allied equipment; plumbing, heating, and mechanical installations; building construction, alteration, and repair; and housing compliance investigation. Duties also include the enforcement of all applicable mandated regulations; and performs related duties as required.

Work is performed in both the field and office as it involves physical inspections and the documentation and communication of those inspection results. Structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems are inspected to verify compliance with applicable codes and approved construction documents. Work requires knowledge of all aspects of the building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades with an emphasis on requirements, installation techniques, assembly methods, and industry practices. An incumbent shall be able to investigate alleged violations and recommend of acceptable alternatives; which meet the intent of all applicable state and municipal codes. Work is subject to general supervision from the Chief of Inspection and periodic checks and reviews by a technical superior.

Building Inspector I: As the first class in this series, incumbents are expected to perform a variety of the more routine and standardized tasks and duties in building inspection work, primarily focused on residential inspections with some limited commercial inspection, under the close supervision of the Chief of Inspection.

Building Inspector II: As the second class in this series, incumbents at this level are distinguished from the Building Inspector I by their performance of the full range of combination inspections (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical) on a variety of residential and commercial projects and by their depth of knowledge and understanding of the laws, rules, ordinances and code provisions pertaining to building construction. Incumbents at this level are expected to conduct the more advanced and complex multi-family, commercial, and accessibility inspections. Incumbents at this level exhibit a thorough understanding of the California Accessibility Codes (CBC 11a & 11b). Incumbents in this position are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Incumbents may provide technical assistance, training and guidance to employees in lower level classifications.

NOTE: Positions in the Building Inspector I/II series are flexibly staffed. At the discretion of the Department Director, positions may be filled at the level of Building Inspector I or Building Inspector II based upon the level of skill and experience required by the Department. The Department may recommend an incumbent for reclassification, subject to verification by Human Resources when the employee has gained sufficient experience in independently conducting the more advanced and complex multi-family and commercial building inspections, meets the requirements of higher level position, and has successful performance including completion of the probationary period.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

The first application review date has passed, applications submitted after the first review date will be screened as needed.

Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Additional documents will not be reviewed during the application evaluation process. If selected to proceed further in the recruitment process, an opportunity to provide work samples, letters of recommendation, etc. will be appropriate during the interview process.

Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower-level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your online application.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

To view the full job description which includes list of Essential Functions, please click on the following link: Building Inspector I/II.

A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. College course work in Construction Technology or Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Electrical or Mechanical engineering or a related field is desirable.

Building Inspector I: Three (3) years of experience in a construction trade with emphasis in construction, structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical and engaged in a wide variety of construction and installation work. Experience in building inspection is desirable.

Building Inspector II: Three (3) years of experience at the journey level in building inspection or as a superintendent in a construction trade. Two (2) years of experience in building inspection for a public agency is desirable.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform essential functions may also be considered.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License. Revocation of the license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

Building Inspector I:

International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential or Commercial Building Inspector in addition to one additional ICC certification as a Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical Inspector with either the Residential or Commercial designation.

Certification as a Residential Combination Inspector is required within one (1) year of initial appointment. ICC Certification as a Combination Inspector may be substituted for the Residential Combination Inspector Requirement.

A California Contractor’s License in good standing (active or inactive) is desirable.

Building Inspector II:

International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential or Commercial Combination Inspector.

Certification as a Combination Building Inspector is required within one (1) year of initial appointment.

A California Contractor’s License in good standing (active or inactive) is desirable.

ICC Certification(s) in any related discipline or as a Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) is desirable.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local codes, regulations and ordinances relating to all aspects of construction.

Considerable knowledge of the methods and practices involved in installing, repairing, and maintaining a variety of building systems.

Considerable knowledge of plumbing, heating, and mechanical equipment and appliances.

Considerable knowledge of possible defects and faults in the above systems and appliances, and of standard testing of devices and effective corrective measures.

Knowledge of permitting, inspecting, or other related software applications.

Skill in using current technology including, but not limited to, modern office equipment, smart phones and tablets.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

Ability to detect and locate defective installations.

Ability to contact and interact with tenants, building owners, contractors, craftsmen, architects, engineers, co-workers, and others, to effect and maintain satisfactory working relationships.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints and diagrams.

Ability to maintain accurate and up to date inspection records and permit files.

Ability to confer with architects, contractors, builders and the general public while promoting and providing quality customer service.

Ability to interpret plans, deliver corrections, and enforce the codes with firmness, tact and impartiality.

Ability to handle challenging interactions tactfully, professionally, courteously and constructively.

Ability to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays and be scheduled for standby duty.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 – all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Costa Mesa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of Costa Mesa

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