About The Position

The County of San Luis Obispo Planning & Building Department is recruiting for two Building Inspectors to join the Building Division.

Building Inspectors II and III perform inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and public construction projects to ensure compliance with building codes, ordinances, and safety regulations. They review plans, issue permits and correction notices and enforce regulations to protect public safety. Inspectors III, at the more advanced level, provide expertise across all inspection areas, mentor and train junior staff, and act as a consultant on complex or specialized issues. Work is performed throughout the county at active construction sites and requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.

Daily Roles And Responsibilities

Conduct on-site inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and public construction projects at all phases, including new construction, remodels, additions, and abatement of substandard conditions.
Verify compliance with building codes, ordinances, land use regulations, and safety standards for structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and accessibility elements.
Review construction plans and specifications for code compliance and issue permits, stop-work orders, or correction notices as necessary.
Document inspection results through accurate records, written reports, and photographs; maintain clear communication with contractors, property owners, and staff.
Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior inspectors and support personnel (especially for Inspector III).
Act as a technical resource or consultant on complex or specialized construction and code compliance issues (Inspector III).
Respond to public inquiries, provide code-related advice, and resolve questions or disputes on-site.
Travel throughout the county to perform inspections at various construction sites.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Building Inspector II: This is the fully qualified journey worker level in the series. Incumbents, under general supervision, independently perform a full range of inspections in all program areas and types of construction; assists in training and supervising the work of subordinate inspectors and support personnel.

Building Inspector III: This is the lead worker/specialist level in the Building Inspector Series. Incumbents, under direction, independently perform inspections on all types and sizes of building projects and, in addition, have thorough expertise in all basic inspection areas: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, accessibility; assist in the training and orientation of subordinate inspectors and support staff; act as consultant in specialty areas.

Work Hours

This position works from 7 am to 3:30 pm and requires travel throughout the county to perform inspections as needed.

Click Here to view the full job description for Building Inspector II.

Click Here to view the full job description for Building Inspector III.

Click Here to learn more about the Planning and Building Department.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced and skilled Building Inspector with thorough expertise in all inspection areas, including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and accessibility. They can independently conduct inspections across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, review plans for code compliance, and enforce regulations effectively. This candidate is a confident problem-solver and mentor, able to guide and train junior staff while providing expert consultation on complex construction and safety issues. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety are essential.

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Building Inspector II: Either A: One year of experience as a Building Inspector I or an equivalent position; Or B: Three years of experience utilizing the uniform construction codes in the construction and building trades.

Building Inspector III: Two years of experience as a Building Inspector or an equivalent position.

Licenses and Certificates

A valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment; AND: Certification in the Uniform Building Code is required within one year of appointment for all inspector positions and must be maintained throughout employment.

How To Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov .

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement .

Equal Employment Opportunity

The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

County of San Luis Obispo

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Building Inspector II/III