Description

The City of Fairfield is accepting applications for a Building Inspector I within the Community Development Department!

Are you ready to play a vital role in ensuring the safety, structural integrity, and high quality of development in one of California's most vibrant communities? The City of Fairfield is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented professional to join our Building Division as a Building Inspector I. In this role, you will serve as a frontline representative of the City, working directly with contractors, developers, and homeowners to inspect residential, commercial, and industrial structures for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes. If you possess a strong eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to public safety, Fairfield offers an exceptional environment to advance your career and make a lasting impact on our growing community.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 5, 2026

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily outside and may include exposure to construction noise, heights, potential electrical shock, and construction machinery. May include exposure to unsanitary conditions, odors, and hazardous chemicals. At times, work may include reviewing plans at a desk and covering front counter duties.

Physical Demands

Duties may include transporting light to heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), reaching, pushing, pulling, crawling, climbing, stooping, prolonged periods of standing; walking on uneven surfaces, stepping over trenches, walking on roofs up to 8/12 pitch; climbing ladders and scaffolding two to four stories in height; using a computer keyboard / tablet for data input and typing reports. Ability to see well enough to read gauges, manufacturers' labels and fine print on plans; depth perception to climb ladders and walk on roofs and multi-level framing; ability to distinguish colors to determine correct wiring.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Building Inspector I/II/III classifications are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience, obtaining the required certifications and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.

Supervision Received And Excercised

Supervision is received from the Building Inspector Supervisor or other management staff. Training, guidance and direction may be provided by the Senior Building Inspector. The Building Inspector III may provide limited guidance to other inspectors as needed.

Experience

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) full-time year of building inspection experience with a public agency inspecting all of the major trade fields (carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) is required.

OR

Four (4) full-time years of responsible and relevant journey-level experience in either one of the major trade fields or in the performance of a wide variety of building trades work performed in conformance with standard building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes are required.

An Associate's degree in Building Construction / Inspection Technology may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Education

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required. Related college course work and certification with the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), International Code Council (ICC), or American Construction Inspectors Association (ACIA) are highly desirable.

Required Licenses And / Or Certificates

Possession of a valid California Driver's license is required.
Certification from the ICC as a Residential Building Inspector - or equivalent certification under the ICBO legacy program - is required to be complete within the first six (6) months in the position. Certification shall be maintained as a condition of employment.

Examples of Duties

For the complete job description please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs

The Selection Process

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.

How To Apply

Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGov's Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.

Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up-to-date.

If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.

Reference Checks

The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the City.

Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the “References” section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.

FULL-TIME/PRO-RATA POSITIONS - The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave. For a more detailed overview of the benefit package, please click on the following link: FEA Employee Benefits.*

PART-TIME POSITIONS – For benefits associated with part-time positions, please see the Fairfield Part-Time Employees' Association (FPTEA) Memorandum of Understanding.*

Benefits, terms and conditions of employment may be amended or modified through the collective bargaining process.

01

I understand that my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used by the City of Fairfield to assess my application and determine advancement in the recruitment process. NOTE: We encourage applicants to provide detailed and thoughtful answers, as responses to the supplemental questions are reviewed during the initial screening process. Responses such as "see application" or "refer to resume" will not be accepted as this does not adequately answer the specific question or demonstrate your qualifications.

Yes, I understand.

02

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment?

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

Less than High School
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or Higher

04

Have you completed any college coursework and/or obtained certification through the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), International Code Council (ICC), or American Construction Inspectors Association (ACIA)? If you have not, please type N/A.

05

Please indicate which best describes your qualifications for this position:

I have at least one (1) year of full-time building inspection experience with a public agency inspecting all of the major trade fields (carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing).
I have at least four (4) years of full-time relevant journey-level experience in either one of the major trade fields or in the performance of a wide variety of building trades work performed in conformance with standard building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
I have at least three (3) years of full-time relevant journey-level experience in either one of the major trade fields or in the performance of a wide variety of building trades work performed in conformance with standard building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes. I also have an Associate's degree in Building Construction / Inspection Technology.
I do not meet the minimum requirements for this position.

06

Please indicate if you have any of the following certifications:

Certification from the ICC as a Residential Building Inspector or equivalent certification under the ICBO legacy program.
Certification from the ICC as a Commercial Building Inspector or equivalent certification under the ICBO legacy program.
Certification from the ICC as a Commercial Inspector (i.e. combination of Commercial Building, Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing) or the equivalent under the ICBO legacy program.
I do not have any of the above.
Required Question

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Building Inspector I