City And Job Overview

The City of Garden Grove is now accepting applications for:

BUILDING INSPECTOR

Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Click here to apply online: Join Our Team

Join the City of Garden Grove's Building Inspection team! High rise hotels, multi-family residential units, and numerous ADU's make the Building Inspector position a unique and exciting opportunity. We are looking for dependable, organized, and team-oriented individuals with a passion for community impact who want to create a legacy of excellence. Your decision making skills will shine as you navigate complex situations while making a positive difference in the lives of residents and the community as a whole.

Under general supervision, Building Inspectors inspect buildings and structures in all stages of new construction, alterations, or repairs to enforce all related building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy conservation, green building, and disabled access regulations. The ideal candidate for this position will possess extensive experience conducting building inspections and enforcing California building codes; have exceptional attention to detail; communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally; possess excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills; and be customer service oriented. The candidate selected for this position must successfully pass an extensive background and reference check prior to appointment.

The Community Development Department believes in the importance of work-life balance, education, training, and supporting staff growth. Apply now and join the team!

Essential Duties

Conduct field inspections of building construction, mechanical, plumbing and electrical installations to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations for residential and commercial properties;
Maintain files, reports, and records for inspection activities;
Prepare written notices summarizing violations and identifying applicable code sections;
Perform minor plan reviews for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances;
Provide building code information to the public;
Investigate complaints and violations of building codes;
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the G.E.D. (General Educational Development) exam AND one (1) year of full-time experience in conducting building inspections and/or enforcement is required.

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid California class C driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.

Required

Possession of at least one (1) current International Code Council (ICC) certification in an inspection discipline is required at the time of application. Acceptable certifications include:

International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Plumbing Code
International Mechanical Code
International Electrical Code

Certification as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Building materials and modern methods of construction; California state and/or Uniform building, residential, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes; California energy, green building, and disabled access regulations; Titles 24 and 25 of the California Code of Regulations and other related codes; the principles of construction and types of materials used in electrical, mechanical, and plumbing installations; basic electrical wiring techniques for residential projects; and effective customer service techniques and principles.

ABILITY TO

Understand provisions of applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; apply technical knowledge and use sound inspection methods to evaluate construction with approved plans and specifications and for inconsistencies with applicable codes; read and interpret diagrams, plans and specifications; perform arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately; communicate effectively, in writing and verbally; work effectively, tactfully and courteously with owners, tenants, contractors, engineers, architects, the public, other agencies, and City staff; commit to providing quality customer service; and safely perform the physical demands of the job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Incumbents in this classification stand, walk on even and uneven surfaces, climb (ladders and scaffolding), simultaneously use their arms and legs, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, distinguish shades/color vision, see small details, stand, stoop/bend/lean, turn/twist, lift, reach overhead above and below shoulder level, balance, grasp, use fingers and hands repetitively other then typing, see long distances, use a personal computer and telephone, and drive a vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work in direct contact with the public, outside, inside, electrical hazards, inadequate lighting, heights, around moving vehicles, on ladders/scaffolding, working alone - no one nearby and loud noise, in confined spaces, on slippery surfaces, and in dusty/dirty environments.

Other Important Information

How To Apply

Online applications can be completed by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to ggjobs@ggcity.org. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The application deadline is Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Online Application Packets Must Include

completed online employment application
completed supplemental questionnaire
copy of your ICC certification

The job application must be completely filled out. A resume may be attached but cannot substitute for the information required on the application. Be sure to include any education, training or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.

Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Selection Process Will Consist Of

Performance exam – conducted virtually via eSkill September 21 - 28, 2026
Oral panel interview – tentatively scheduled for October 8, 2026

Virtual testing requires access to a computer, the internet, speakers, microphone, and video recording or conferencing capabilities. Applicants who advance in this recruitment may be required to take a parallel version of the virtually administered exam in a proctored in-person setting in order to confirm their identity as the original test taker.

Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.

CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL and should be diligent in checking both their email and spam mail.

BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information accessible to those in this position, the candidate selected must successfully pass a LiveScan, thorough reference check, background investigation conducted by the Garden Grove Police Department, and pre-employment medical exam prior to appointment.

NEPOTISM POLICY

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of your application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identify/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

VACATION

Accrues At The Following Rates

80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
120 hours after one (1) year - 10 hours per month
132 hours after four (4) years - 11 hours per month
144 hours after nine (9) years - 12 hours per month
156 hours after eleven (11) years - 13 hours per month
168 hours after fourteen (14) years - 14 hours per month
186 hours after sixteen (16) years - 15.5 hours per month
207 hours after nineteen (19) years - 17.25 hours per month
246 hours after twenty-four (24) years - 20.6 hours per month

HOLIDAYS: 14 paid holidays a year (up to 125 hours)

SICK LEAVE: Accrues at 8 hours for each full calendar month of service.

CAFETERIA PLAN HEALTH INSURANCE: The City provides each eligible employee a fringe benefit allocation to purchase benefits for themselves and their dependents. Any unused portion of the allowance may be put into a deferred compensation plan, or taken as cash at the end of the year, or invested into a Flexible Reimbursement Account in which employees may tax-defer funds to use to pay for childcare or to cover those health and dental care expenses (deductibles, etc.) that are not reimbursed by an insurance carrier.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees may contribute to a 457(b) account up to the maximum as determined by the IRS annually. There is no City contribution.

Retirement

Tier I - Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2.5% at 55" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute eight percent (8%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 that have already been enrolled in CalPERS or another reciprocal retirement system and do not have a break in service of more than six (6) months may be hired into Tier I. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.

Tier II - Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2% at 62" three highest year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half of the normal cost to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Employees may receive $85 per pay period if designated by the department head and certified by Human Resources to use bilingual verbal and translation abilities for languages such as Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or other designated languages. A designated and certified bilingual employee required to utilize his/her verbal-only bilingual abilities (Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish and/or any other language designated by the City Manager) on City business will be paid $65 each pay period.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Employees who successfully pass probation may receive up to $3,000 per year for pre-approved completed coursework toward a college degree.

RIDESHARE PROGRAM: Incentives in the form of various gift certificates and transportation subsidies are provided to encourage ride sharing and other types of alternate commuting modes.

Please visit the City's website for more information: https://ggcity.org/hr/salary-and-benefits

THE BENEFITS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY RELEVANT TO FULL TIME EMPLOYEES. BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME BENEFITED AND NON-BENEFITED EMPLOYEES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE.

01

Please carefully read the following: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process.

Yes – I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
No – I have read, understood, and do not agree to these terms. I wish to withdraw my application from this process.

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

Some high school
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate degree
Bachelor degree
Master degree or higher
None of the above

03

How many years of full-time experience (40 hours/week) do you possess in conducting building inspections and/or enforcement?

I have no experience in this area
Less than 1 year of experience
1 year but less than 2 years
2 years but less than 3 years
3 years or more

04

Do you currently possess a valid certification from the International Code Council (ICC)?

05

Please Select Which Certification(s) That You Possess

International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Plumbing Code
International Mechanical Code
International Electrical Code
None of the options listed

06

Have you attached a copy of your valid certification from the ICC?

If not, please save your application and attach a copy of your certificate. Failure to demonstrate possession of this certificate may result in disqualification from this recruitment.

07

Do you possess a valid certification as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp)? If yes, then please be sure to attach a copy to your application.

08

Do you have an advanced specialty certification and/or ICC Certification as a Combination Inspector? If yes, please attach a copy to your application.

09

If you selected yes to Question 8, please list the advanced specialty certification(s) and/or ICC Certification as a Combination Inspector that you possess.

10

Do you possess a current and valid California class C driver license?

11

Describe your experience in detail interpreting and applying building codes and related regulations.

If you do not possess the relevant experience, please write "N/A" in the space provided.

12

Describe your experience in detail conducting field inspections of residential and non-residential construction.

If you do not possess the relevant experience, please write "N/A" in the space provided.

13

Employment as a Building Inspector with the City of Garden Grove is contingent upon successful clearance of a thorough reference check, LiveScan, extensive background investigation conducted by the Garden Grove Police Department, and pre-employment medical exam prior to appointment.

I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the above policy and procedure.
I confirm that I have read and understand the above policy and procedure. I do not agree to the above and wish to be removed from this recruitment process.
Required Question

City of Garden Grove

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Building Inspector