Building Inspector/Senior Building Inspector



Job Details

Building Inspector/Senior Building Inspector

This listing closes on 7/3/2025 at 11:45 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana.

Employer

City of Paso Robles

Salary

$76,238.50 - $106,319.20 Annually

Location

Paso Robles, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2025-09

Department

Community Development

Division

Building

Opening Date

04/03/2025

Closing Date

7/3/2025 at 11:45 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

SEIU

Description


Application Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 10:00 am

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.
 To be considered with the next pull of applications, apply today!
 
The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce the recruitment for a Building Inspector in the Community Development Department. Building Inspectors perform field inspections of buildings and other structures being constructed, altered, or repaired to ensure conformance with approved plans, building codes, and ordinances; conduct field investigation of alleged violations of land use and building codes; and interpret and enforce building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, green, and energy codes. The successful candidate will be a dedicated individual who seeks both a challenging and rewarding career and has the desire to make a difference in the quality of life for our community.  

Building inspectors are classified as a Technician III or IV. Placement into and advancement within these ranges is based on experience, education, and certification. Please be sure to include all pertinent information and documentation with your application.

Wage Ranges:
Building Inspector (Technician III): $36.65 - $46.52 hourly | $76,238.50 - $96,753.54 annually
Senior Building Inspector (Technician IV): $40.28 - $51.12 hourly | $83,781.36 - $106,319.20 annually  

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.


Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life. 


Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 


The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Community Development Department is comprised of the Building, Planning, and Engineering divisions with a total of 24.86 FTEs. The Building Division is staffed with a Chief Building Official, Deputy Building Official, Development Services Manager, four Building Inspectors, a Permit Technician, and an Administrative Assistant. 

Typical Duties

  • Inspects commercial and residential buildings and structures to determine compliance with codes and approved plans
  • Confers, collaborates, and assists with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners, tenants, and the general public in the field and in the office regarding the interpretation of building code requirements and restrictions
  • Provides oversight and work instruction/review to lower-level staff
  • Provides training to staff regarding building codes and other related requirements
  • Performs plan checks to confirm conformance with codes
  • Inspects potentially substandard, damaged, illegally constructed, and poorly maintained or dangerous buildings
  • Identifies and enforces a variety of codes, ordinances, and standards violations
  • Works with approved construction documents including working drawings, specifications, and structural calculations
  • Reads and interprets building construction and engineering plans, supporting documents, and building codes
  • Prepares and maintains reports, letters, and correction notices on code issues and variations from approved plans; prepares reports as necessary 
  • Maintains and updates records of permits and licenses issued utilizing permit tracking software and performs related information research and retrieval
  • Participates and engages in continuing education activities on an on-going basis
  • Performs related duties as required

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

  • Basic supervisory principles and practices
  • Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise written correspondence, reports, and recommendations
  • Federal, state, county and city codes, regulations, policies, laws, rules, agreements, technical processes and procedures related to city and departmental activities
  • Principles, safety standards, and techniques of commercial, industrial, and residential building construction and inspection
  • Methods, practices, and materials used in construction work
  • Building codes, ordinances, and policies applicable to fire, life safety, disabled access, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural codes
  • Common sense approach to inspection and plan check 
  • Computer applications related to the work, including email, word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, representatives of other agencies, and City staff
Ability to:
  • Serve as a technical resource in solving difficult problems or assignments
  • Recognize correct installations of building systems
  • Conduct special projects involving difficult, critical, and/or technical work responsibilities 
  • Enter data and retrieve information from various computer systems
  • Detect deviations from approved construction documents and City standards and specifications
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, applicants, contractors, and the public
  • Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations
  • Compile information from varied sources and prepare accurate records and reports
  • Use initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines
  • Organize assigned work, initiate processes, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments
  • Read and interpret complex drawings, surveys, plans, schematic diagram, blueprints, codes, and regulations. 
  • Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine work for conformance with codes and the approved plans, regulations, and standard construction practices. 
  • Research and interpret codes, plans, reports, survey documents, and legal agreements
  • Maintain knowledge of pertinent construction standards and practices including those related to transportation, domestic water, wastewater, stormwater, flood control, natural gas, electric, telecommunication, traffic control, and erosion control
  • Maintain personal and professional standards of continuous improvement; update job knowledge as to changing products, technologies, and codes
  • Take appropriate safety precautions to prevent accidents, be responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment, use all required safety equipment and follow all safety regulations, policies, and procedures, and report all accidents/damage to city property
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail, and mathematical aptitude
Distinguishing Characteristics 
Technician III is the lead technician level. Incumbents may plan and conduct special projects and assignments involving difficult, critical, and/or technical work responsibilities that require practical knowledge and work background.

Technician IV is the expert technician level. Incumbents serve as experts by planning and conducting special projects and assignments involving the most difficult, critical, and/or highly technical work responsibilities that require multiple deep technical skills, extensive practical knowledge, and work background.

The full job descriptions can be found here.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
  • Equivalent to graduation from high school 
  • Four years of responsible related technical experience conducting building inspections and/or enforcement, in the building or construction trades as a contractor, construction journeyperson, builder, or construction supervisor, or a related field.

An associate degree from an accredited college, university, or trade school in a field related to work assigned and experience working in a public agency setting are desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:
Must possess a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Building Inspector (Technician III): Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification within one year of appointment.

Senior Building Inspector (Technician IV): Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application and all applicable documents. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. 

Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.
 
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
 
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.

Photos by: @brittanyappPhotos by: @brittanyapp

Vacation: Accrual of 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service

Sick Leave: Accrual of 96 hours per year

Holidays: 14 paid days per year

Health Insurance:

  • Medical: City pays $813.24 per month of the employee premium, $1,569.73 per month of the premium for employee with one dependent, and $2,047.49 per month of the premium for employee with two or more dependents; employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300 per month 
  • Dental: City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
  • Vision: City pays full premium for employee & family

Retirement: 

  • CalPERS:
    • Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 2.5% at 55, with the employee paying an 8% member contribution, plus a 2% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation. 
    • Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 2% at 60, with the employee paying a 7% member contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation. 
    • PEPRA members participate in a formula of 2% at 62, with the employee paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 7.75%) contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a current total of 10.75%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation. 
  • 457 Deferred Compensation: The City will match up to $25 per pay period
  • Social Security: Both the City and employee participate in Social Security

Life Insurance: Employee only coverage of $75,000 paid for by the City

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays the full premium for employee and family 

Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and un-reimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis

Bilingual Pay: Spanish verbal skills: $100 per month; Spanish written skills: $25 per month

Education Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to $3,000 per fiscal year for educational costs directly related to occupational field or for promotion within City service

Commercial License Incentive: Employees in eligible positions who hold a valid Class A or Class B California commercial driver license, maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate, and are cleared by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse to drive commercial vehicles shall receive $100 per pay period, subject to department director approval

Retiree Health Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement of health premiums until the age of 65 for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service

For additional details and information, please see the SEIU Memorandum of Understanding located on our website here.

01
Why are you interested in working as a Building Inspector for the City of Paso Robles? Please limit your answer to 500 words.
02
Describe your experience conducting field inspections of residential and non-residential construction. Please limit your answer to 500 words.
03
Describe your experience interpreting and applying building codes and related regulations. Please limit your answer to 500 words.
04
How many years of full-time experience do you possess conducting building inspections? Your experience must be reflected in your application to be considered in the selection process.
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 2-3 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 4+ years
05
How many years of full-time experience do you possess in the building or construction trades? Your experience must be reflected in your application to be considered in the selection process.
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 2-3 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 4+ years
06
Which of the following best describes your overall experience working with the California Building Code or local building regulations?
  • I am somewhat familiar with state or local building regulations but never really worked with them
  • I have done some home improvement subject to state or local building regulations and/or inspection
  • I have been employed in a licensed profession where my work was subject to state or local building regulations and/or inspection
07
Please list any International Code Council (ICC) certifications that you have. Copies of your certifications must be attached to your application to be considered in the selection process.

* Required Question

Employer
City of Paso Robles
Phone
(805) 227-7234
(805) 237-3962
Website
http://www.PRCity.com/HR
Address
1000 Spring Street

Paso Robles, California, 93446

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