About The Position

NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Friday, July 24, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 28, 2027, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase. Additional four percent (4.0%) increase on April 2028, April 2029.

The position is located in the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department and reports to the Building Official. The Building and Safety Division is responsible for the review of plans, inspection of projects to ensure compliance with State and City codes, law, and standards, and the management and maintenance of records.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part -time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligibility List is in effect for up to one year.

Examples Of Essential Functions

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification:

Inspects building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations during the process of building construction, alterations, moving, demolition, repair, or use to with State and City codes, law, and standards;
Maintains files and records of inspections;
Writes letters requesting compliance with building code standards for work completed without permits;
Reviews permit applications for conformity with building laws, regulations, and related ordinances; and
Provides technical information relative to building construction and code requirements to the public.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent. Additional course work in building trades or related field, highly desirable.

Experience: Four (4) years full-time experience in building inspection, building trades or code enforcement, preferably in a municipal setting.

Knowledge of: Building construction methods, practices, techniques, materials, equipment and safety hazards associated with construction, remodeling and repair; applicable local, state and municipal regulatory building codes; possible defects and faults in construction.

Ability to: Read and interpret building and construction plans and specifications; Detect and locate defective construction and to ascertain the stage of construction when defects are most easily found and remedied; plan and organize work; enforce codes with firmness, tact and impartiality; interpret technical information; read and interpret plan and specifications; analyze and comprehend problems; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and work with minimum supervision.

License/Certification

Possession of a valid International Code Council (ICC) certificate as a Building Inspector.

Due to the performance of required field duties, a valid California Class C Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions is required.

Additional Information

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed in the field, mobility in the field at construction sites with potential exposure to dangerous machinery and potential physical harm, ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, some office work that requires extended sitting, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Testing & Selection Process

All application materials received on-line by the final filing date will be reviewed. For consideration, a completed employment application and supplemental questionnaire submitted on-line is required. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Incomplete application may be removed from consideration. All information submitted is subject to verification.

Qualifications

Those applicants who are assessed as meeting the desired qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:

An appraisal (oral interview) examination weighted 100% to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete the appraisal interview with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority.

An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). A pre-placement medical exam will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this position please click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

01

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

None
High School or equivalent
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Coursework beyond bachelor's degree
Master's Degree or higher

02

Do you fluently speak and/or write any language(s) other than English?

03

Which of the following best describes your full-time experience in the field of building inspection or building trades?

None
Six (6) months to a year
One (1) to two (2) years of expereince
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
Three or more years of experience

04

Which of the following best describes your full-time experience performing work in building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades?

None
Six (6) months to a year
One (1) to (2) years of experience
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
Three (3) or more years of experience

05

Which of the following best describes your full-time experience conducting building inspections in a municipal setting? (Please select one only.)

None
Six (6) months to a year
One (1) to two (2) years of experience
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
Three (3) or more years of experience

06

Which of the following best describes your full-time experience inspecting or supervising building construction?

None
Six (6) months to a year
One (1) to two (2) years of experience
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
Three (3) or more years of experience

07

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

08

If you are currently in the process of receiving a International Code Council (ICC) certificate as a Building Inspector?, what date are you scheduled to obtain the certification?

09

Please describe your work experience that qualifies you for the position of Building Inspector.

10

Please describe your experience working with multiple stakeholders (e.g. owner, tenant, contractor, fire department, inspectors, etc.)

Required Question

City of Downey

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