Under general supervision, performs either non-structural plan check and inspection of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial structures or of City capital improvement, development, and/or encroachment projects to ensure compliance with codes, ordinances and regulations, including inspecting projects and materials, preparing daily reports, coordinating departmental activities with contractors and utility companies; performs code enforcement through issuance of warning notices, stop work orders and correction notices and administers fines for violations; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received and ExercisedReceives general supervision from the Supervising Inspector or Division Manager. Exercises no supervision of staff.
Class CharacteristicsThis is the journey-level in the Inspector classification series and incumbents are assigned to the Public Works Department, where they function as engineering construction inspectors on capital improvement, development, and/or encroachment projects. Depending upon the needs of the City and the qualifications of incumbents, incumbents may promote from this class to the higher advanced-journey level class of Senior Inspector, which is also utilized in both departments. This class is distinguished from the Senior Inspector in that the latter has responsibility for more complex inspections requiring a higher level of certification and/or experience and the use of considerable independent judgment and initiative.
Typical DutiesManagement reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.When performing all assignments:- Inspects properties and materials for compliance with plans, specifications and codes including both new and existing structures.
- Responds to questions and complaints regarding codes and regulations, inspection schedules, inspection results and code compliance requirements.
- Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; resolves complaints and problems.
- Maintains construction/building inspection files and logs; prepares reports, correspondence and requests for progress payments.
- Writes citations or stops work in progress, depending upon the nature of the infraction; documents actions and testifies in court as required.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
When assigned to construction inspections:- Interacts with contractors, engineers, architects and others engaged in capital improvement, development, and/or encroachment projects regarding progress, scheduling, project problems, plan interpretation, specification interpretation, testing and field measurements; may coordinate the work of consultants for testing and special inspections.
- Coordinates inspection-related activities with contractors and utility companies, including conducting pre-construction meetings, preparing pay estimates, preparing change orders, and scheduling inspections.
Knowledge of:Construction methods, materials, tools and equipment used for residential, commercial, and industrial projects or for City capital improvement, development, and/or encroachment projects; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures governing the construction of assigned projects; occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction; safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices; mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; record keeping principles and procedures; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; and techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and departmental policies of capital improvement, development, and/or encroachment projects; review, understand, interpret, and analyze construction blueprints, plans, specifications, architect and engineering drawings, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies; detect faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied; coordinate and deal with contractors and property owners, and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner; prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, and other written materials; maintain accurate and precise records; effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations, and individuals; maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written and electronic records of work performed using modern technology; make accurate mathematical computations; operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; organize your own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
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: Education Equivalent to completion of high school.
AND
ExperienceTwo (2) years of either construction or building inspection experience, depending upon assignment.
Licenses and Certifications- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
Desirable CertificationsAt the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess or obtain within specified time limits designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP)
- Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC)
- OSHA Competent Person
- Construction Inspection Certificate
Additional Information
Physical DemandsMust possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and make inspections; color vision to identify materials, structures, wires, and pipes; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
Environmental ElementsEmployees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT
EFFECTIVE: MARCH 2016
Resumes cannot be substituted for a completed application. The recruitment process is as follows:
- The most qualified candidates, as determined by initial screening of applications, will be invited to participate in a practice exam and/or oral panel interview.
- Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled for mid-February 2026.
- The eligibility list will be established from the interview process. Individuals on the eligibility list may be asked to participate in a second round of interviews based on specific individual qualifications and the City's needs. The eligibility list will remain in effect for one (1) year for potential future vacancies.
The City of San Ramon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin, sexual orientation or disability. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Division at
hr@sanramon.ca.gov.
Information contained herein, including the recruitment process, is subject to change without notice.
