The current vacancy is for Building Inspector in the Planning and Community Development department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Building Inspector vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Under general supervision, the Building Inspector performs field inspections on structures during various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and municipal codes relating to construction (including building code, electrical code, mechanical code, plumbing code, zoning ordinance and others); performs related tasks as assigned.

Recruitment #26-023

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

On Thursday, 10/23/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
1. Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
2. Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

Week of 10/27 and 11/03/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/14/25.
Week of 11/17 and 11/24/25: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

Performs field inspection of structures under construction to ascertain compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
Communicates with property owners, contractors and others in the process of field inspection to schedule inspections, explain requirements, cause compliance with plans and codes and give final sign-off approval.
Provides information to the public regarding city codes relating to construction; assists architects, engineers, contractors and property owners in interpreting and meeting code requirements.
Prepares and maintains forms, records and reports relative to inspection activities.
Accept, review and process construction related permit applications.
May check plans of simple construction projects for compliance with applicable codes; may issue building permits and other construction-related permits (electrical, plumbing, etc.).
May assist with code enforcement work, including investigating code violation complaints and writing up results of inspections.
Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crawling, bending, squatting, stooping and reaching in the performance of daily activities. The position may also work on slippery uneven surfaces, or climb on ladders or scaffolding. The position requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires acute near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents and in the performance of daily duties. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The incumbent may perform work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the below knowledge, skills and abilities, combined with any required licenses and certification, is acceptable. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:

High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
Five (5) years of journey level experience in the construction or building trades.

Knowledge:

Construction codes, including building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy and others.
Principles, materials and methods used in building design and construction.

Abilities:

Read and interpret blueprints and construction plans.
Identify building code compliance requirements and make appropriate recommendations for corrective actions.
Prepare and maintain accurate paper work, such as forms, records and simple reports.
Make arithmetical computations with speed and accuracy.
Interpret, apply and explain construction-related codes, regulations and policies.
Communicate building inspection requirements, policies and decisions to the public in a courteous and effective manner.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city staff, construction professionals and members of the public.
Learn to perform journey level inspection skills and perform competent and efficient work as a building inspector.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record.
Possession, within one (1) year of appointment, and continued maintenance of certification as a Building Inspector or Combination Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience as a building inspector.
College coursework in building inspection, construction management or related.
Certification as a residential building, plumbing, electrical and/or mechanical inspector.

Chief Building Official
Deputy Building Official
Supervising Building Inspector
Senior Building Inspector
Building Inspector

City of Santa Cruz

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