Building Inspector I

City of Compton • Full-time • Compton, CA, US • 1w ago

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs inspections of residential or commercial buildings and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the Senior Building Inspector; does not have supervisory responsibilities.

DISTINGUISIHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry level in the Building Inspector job series. This class may be distinguished from the higher (Senior Building Inspector) level by the complexity and difficulty of work performed and by the absence of supervisory responsibilities.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with the provisions of standard building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes, handicapped accessibility codes, and other applicable federal, state and local codes, regulations and standards; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Follows daily inspection schedules and travel routes to achieve maximum efficiency and ensure completion of scheduled inspections; drives to construction/property sites to conduct inspections and related work activities.
Reviews building plans, plan revisions, specifications, engineering reports, electrical diagrams, or other documents in association with inspection activities; reviews files to identify inactive, revoked, or expired building permits.
Conducts site inspections of residential/commercial buildings/properties (including construction work, remodeling work, building systems, and premises) for compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and approved construction plans.
Inspects construction alteration, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and premises to verify structural strength, stability, solid waste, adequate lighting, ventilation, and safety to life/property from fire and other hazards; inspects electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and related building systems.
Inspects heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; inspects building foundations, slabs, masonry, footing, and framing; inspects quality of construction methods, materials, and workmanship; verifies contractor licensure and proper permitting of construction work.
Determines whether buildings/systems pass or fail inspections; identifies code violations, deficiencies, hazardous conditions, structural failures, or improper uses; explains violations, recommends corrective actions, and advises of changes required for code compliance; issues notices to comply or stop work orders as appropriate; reports deficiencies, failed inspections, violations, and deviations from codes/plans to supervisor, contractors or other individuals as appropriate.
Performs joint inspections with Los Angeles County Health Department and other county or state agencies.
Prepares and maintains accurate records of inspection activities; enters inspection data into computer.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, mentoring sheets, checklists, inspection reports, utility release forms/tags, notices to comply, stop work orders, Certificates of Occupancy, drawings, or other documents.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, routing sheets, building plans, architectural drawings, blueprints, engineer reports, schematics, specifications, plan revisions, photographs, product information, technical reports/articles, street maps, codes, reference materials or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a motor vehicle, personal computer, general office equipment, measuring devices, camera, ladder, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including the use of word processing, database, e-mail, Internet or other computer programs.
Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.
Exhibits a service orientation toward customers and maintains productive working relationships.
Coordinates inspection activities with other inspectors, other departments, property owners, contractors, utility companies or other individuals; communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, plan reviewers, property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, utility companies, local or state agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information or resolve problems.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials and trends in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional certifications; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Proficiency in computer software.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by vocational/technical training in general building construction, construction trades, and a variety of building inspection specialties; AND three (3) years building trades experience; OR one (1) year experience as a building inspector; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses Or Certifications

Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Prior to the completion of the probationary period, one or more International Code Council (ICC) (or equivalent) certification(s) from the general inspection category such as Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector or any combination thereof including Residential Combination Inspector.
Minimum of 5 year of construction experience as Journeyman / Tradesman

Required Knowledge Of

City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
ICC, state and local building and safety codes and regulations.
Planning and zoning ordinances and regulations, and rules of civil procedure.
Methods, procedures and techniques for evaluating technical compliance.
Other government regulatory agencies and specialized sources of building safety information.
Principles and practices of the construction industry and building trades.
Occupational hazards and safety precautions.

Required Skill In

Interpreting and applying statutes, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations.
Interpreting building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and zoning regulations, and comparing them with engineering drawings, plans, maps and specifications.
Checking details, estimates, plans, and specifications of projects.
Detecting deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
Effective communication, both verbal and written.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, contractors and the public.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed primarily outdoors with considerable time spent in moderate temperatures (80 to 90 degrees).
Work will require frequent stretching, bending, climbing ladders and crawling.
Work will require excellent color discrimination and vision.
On occasion exposure to wet surfaces, large amounts of dust and exposure to hazardous materials.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the department will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS

Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

Please Note

All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE

A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS

All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

Fringe Benefits

The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Why Work for the City of Compton?

Benefits

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

CalPERS Retirement– Secure pension through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System
Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees– Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
CalPERS Health Benefits Program– Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance– For both employees and eligible dependents
Employer-Paid Life Insurance– Offered through UNUM
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)– For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits– Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
Generous Paid Time Off– Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
4/10 Flexible Work Schedule– Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
Educational Reimbursement– Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)– Confidential services for personal and professional support
Professional Development Opportunities– Ongoing training and career growth resources
Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position you're interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.

01

Do you possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by vocational/technical training in general building construction, construction trades, and a variety of building inspection specialties?

02

What is the highest level of education you possess? If you possess an Associate's degree or higher in a related field, proof must be attached to your application for consideration.

Associate's degree in a related field
Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field
None of the above

03

How many years of building trades experience do you possess? Please note your application must clearly outline this experience.

Less than one (1) year of experience
One (1) to two (2) years of experience
Three (3) or more years of experience

04

Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License?

05

Do you possess five (5) or more years of construction experience as a Journeyman / Tradesman?

06

Please indicate how many years of experience you possess as a building inspector? Please note your application must clearly outline this experience.

Less than one (1) year
One (1) or more years

07

If you answered yes to the previous question, please include the dates, position title, and agency name in which you acquired this experience. Please note a detailed response is required as part of your application.

08

Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Compton? If you have any relatives that work for the City of Compton, please indicate their name. If you do not, please type in N/A.

09

Are you a current, permanent employee at the City of Compton? (This excludes individuals currently on probation.)

10

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for. 2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable. (Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.) 3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable. 4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.