The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community

Under general supervision, inspects building construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations; performs plan check, inspection, and testing of new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential structures in all phases of construction, alteration, and repair, to ensure compliance with provisions of current local, state, and federal building and housing codes.

This is an advanced journey-level classification which requires full knowledge and understanding of the application of laws, rules, ordinances, and code provisions pertaining to building construction. Employees in this class are responsible for the protection of public health and safety by inspecting for proper and safe construction of buildings and structures within the City. This job classification is distinguished from the next higher job classification of Building Inspector Supervisor in that the later inspects the most complex projects, mediates disputes between inspectors and customers, exercises full supervision over inspectors and other assigned staff, and is responsible for the work of the section. This job class is distinguished from the next lower job classification of Building Inspector in that the former has an increased scope of duties and performs more complex responsibilities.

Examines plans, blueprints, and specifications for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and miscellaneous structures; and performs field inspections to determine compliance with applicable codes and laws relating to new and existing construction.
Inspects complex single and multi-family residential structures.
Inspects complex structural systems comprised of various building materials, including but not limited to, concrete, masonry, steel, timber, glass, and composite construction.
Inspects complex and special occupancies; various types of construction; life safety features, such as fire and smoke protection systems; means of egress; and accessibility.
Inspects structural, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, green building, and energy building components.
Inspects and verifies certificates of occupancy.
Climbs up and down scaffolding and other objects, and crawls under buildings and other structures.
Makes judgments as to the acceptability of construction work.
Provides professional advice and technical assistance to developers, architects, contractors, engineers, homeowners, city staff, and the general public; and refers to other agencies for assistance and/or information.
Responds to citizen complaints; issues citations; and prepares criminal complaint files.
Mediates disputes between inspectors and customers.
Utilizes current technology in the normal course and scope of daily duties, including but not limited to, permitting and inspections software; field hardware, such as hand-held computer devices; communications software and devices; and information systems that integrate, store, edit, analyze, share, and displays geographic information.
Utilizes current standard office software applications to prepare reports, spreadsheets, and correspondence.
Prepares correction notices, comprehensive reports, public handouts, and other related documents.
Maintains up-to-date and accurate records, as required.
Operates office equipment and vehicles during the course and scope of their duties.
Promotes and provides excellent customer service.
May appear in administrative hearings and in court as an expert witness.
Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Three years of experience as a journey-level, lead person, or superintendent in building construction work; or two years of building inspection experience for a public agency. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience, education, and training must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Current codes, laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to building construction; standard practices, current methods, and materials used in building construction; principles and techniques of inspection work; current office software applications, such as Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel; and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Skill in: The integration, application, and utilization of current technology, including but not limited to, permitting and inspections software; field hardware, such as hand-held computer devices; communications software and devices; the use and application of geographic information systems that integrate, store, edit, analyze, share, and display geographic information, such as GIS; and the utilization of current office software applications, such as but not limited to, Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to: Read and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications; understand and make building construction computations; perform effective inspections; recognize construction practices which do not conform to code standards, acceptable practices, and/or proposed plans; organize and present thoughts and ideas tactfully, courteously, and effectively in written and oral form; keep required records in an organized manner; remain calm when interacting with irate members of the public; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, architects, contractors, engineers, owners, other employees, and the general public in a culturally diverse community.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment in this classification.
International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Combination Inspector or Commercial Combination Inspector is required prior to completion of the probationary work test period and is a condition of continued employment in this job classification.
Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Additional ICC certification in any inspection discipline is highly desirable.
Certification as a Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) is highly desirable.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Building Inspector Supervisor and management staff.
This is a non-supervisory position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office and construction settings. Regular travel to different sites is required. Work on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work involves extensive public contact. Incumbents are exposed to electrical hazards, excessive heat and cold, fumes/smoke, smells/scents, noisy conditions, toxic agents, dirt, dust, wind/pollen, and variable weather conditions.
Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and construction settings; work around mechanical hazards, running machinery, and heavy equipment; operate vehicles; climb stairs and ladders; work in confined spaces; work at heights over 10 feet; occasionally kneel, jump, crawl, and lie down; frequently reach, bend, stoop, squat, and sit; continuously twist, stand, walk, and climb; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard and/or hand tools; utilize smell, sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; and lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentative April 7, 2026): (Weight of 100%) We will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.

The Human Resources Department may waive an examination component. Candidates must receive a minimum passing score in all examination components administered in order to be placed on the eligible list. Examinations may be scheduled in a different order in which they appear above.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

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