ABOUT ARCADIA
Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located 13 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the best City in California in which to raise kids and has been recognized as a premiere business friendly City in Los Angeles County.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Arcadia is seeking a professional and customer-focused Senior Building Inspector/Building Inspector to join our Development Services team. We are looking for someone who can clearly explain complex building codes to homeowners, contractors, and business owners while maintaining a tactful and solutions-oriented approach. The ideal candidate is a problem solver who helps applicants navigate challenges and find a path forward, works collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders, and is highly organized and comfortable using technology, including mobile inspection tools and permitting software such as Energov.
This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects, including an eight-story, 359-unit mixed-use development, a five-story, 181-unit mixed-use development, major multifamily housing projects, a new hotel, large custom homes, the Santa Anita Racetrack, a regional shopping mall, and many other exciting developments shaping the future of Arcadia.
WHAT WE OFFER
CalPERS retirement plan
Three tier monthly benefit allowance of up to:
City paid Vision Plan for employee and family
City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability
Expected salary increase of:
- Bilingual pay
- Longevity pay
- Tuition reimbursement/advancement upon the completion of probationary period
Note Regarding Salary: Newly hired candidates typically start at the first step of the salary range (Step A); however, a higher step within the salary range may be negotiated based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skillset.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND IMPORTANT DATES
Application Submission Deadline:Application filing period will close at 11:59 PM on Monday, July 6, 2026
Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%): Week of July 20, 2026 (Tentative)
DEFINITION
BUILDING INSPECTOR:
Under general supervision, to perform residential, commercial, and industrial building inspection duties at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair; to review plans and prepare permit documentation for residential, commercial, and industrial projects; and to provide information and assistance to the general public. To learn more about this position, the responsibilities it entails, any necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as the minimum qualifications, please click here.
- Salary: $83,940.00 - $104,796.00 Annually
SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR:
Under direction, oversees and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff; responsible for performing technical building inspections work; and involved in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations and ordinances. To learn more about this position, the responsibilities it entails, any necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as the minimum qualifications, please click here.
- Salary: $94,944.00 - $118,596.00 Annually
BUILDING INSPECTOR:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Building Inspector is the journey level position in the Building Inspector class series. Positions at this level perform the full journey level responsibilities of a Building Inspector, but do not plan nor direct the work of staff. Additionally, Building Inspectors are responsible for conducting inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. They review plans and specifications, identify code violations, and provide information and assistance to the public regarding building codes and regulations. Building Inspectors work independently in the field, maintain detailed records, and prepare reports on their findings. Positions in this Building Inspector class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Senior Building Inspector level may be filled by advancement from the existing Building Inspector level with the City of Arcadia, provided all minimum qualifications and staffing procedures listed in the Personnel Rules & Regulations are met. When filled from the outside, the employee is similarly required to meet the minimum qualification standards.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Inspect industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Examine plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and alterations to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to determine compliance with the provisions of the construction codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Review specifications and other exhibits submitted for plan check compliance with acceptance criteria and regulations.
Inspect existing buildings for change of use or occupancy for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
Inspect foundation, concrete, steel, masonry and wood construction, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating, and electrical installations and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
Issue notices to comply on violations; maintain records of history of facts for possible legal actions
- Approve the issuance of building and occupancy permits.
- Confer with architects, contractors, builders, and general public in the field and office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions.
- Maintain detailed records and prepare reports.
- Assists at the public counter as required and assists Code Services with building code violations.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City including the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes.
Principles and techniques of building inspection and plans examination work.
Standard types of building construction, materials, and methods.
Recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to building code enforcement.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection.
Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
Basic mathematical principles.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
Ability to:
Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
Read, interpret, and apply a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
Advise on standard construction methods and requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding building policies and procedures.
Perform accurate mathematical computations.
Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Building Inspector is the highest journey level position in the Building Inspector class series. Positions at this level plan, direct, and review the work of staff, manage complex and technical inspections, and handle controversial and problematic projects. Senior Building Inspectors are expected to have an extensive understanding of building codes, regulations, and ordinances, and exhibit superior skills in interpreting and applying these standards. They also play a key role in mentoring journey level inspectors, ensuring quality control, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the building inspection process. Positions in this Building Inspector class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Senior Building Inspector level may be filled by advancement from the existing Building Inspector level with the City of Arcadia, provided all minimum qualifications and staffing procedures listed in the Personnel Rules & Regulations are met. When filled from the outside, the employee is similarly required to meet the minimum qualification standards.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Plans, directs, and reviews the work of staff responsible for performing technical building inspection work involved in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations and ordinances; ensure workload is balanced between all staff; verify work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable codes, policies, procedures, and standards.
Reviews plans, specifications and calculations during construction to verify compliance with City and State building and safety codes, ordinances, regulations and laws.
Assist in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the building inspection and plan review process. Has an understanding and knowledge of the permit issuance functions of the City. May act as the Building Official in his or her absence.
Responds to technical questions from building inspection staff in the field and in the office; as necessary, meet with developers and contractors to resolve issues and concerns.
Identifies controversial and troublesome projects; keeps the Building Official apprised of all projects and potentially problematic concerns and issues.
Reviews plans and permits in preparation of field inspections; inspects industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations including California Building Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, California Electrical Code, Uniform Housing Code, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Building Code, City ordinances, and other applicable City requirements; check plans for special conditions or requirements.
Takes in plan reviews and works the public counter as required.
Receives complaints of building, plumbing, electrical, housing, dangerous building and mechanical code and ordinance violations; investigate or forward complaint to appropriate personnel.
Identifies code violations; obtains and prepares evidence; issues notices to comply on violations; follows-up on correction notices to ensure required corrections have been performed; maintain records of history of facts for possible legal action.
Coordinates inspection activities with other City departments and divisions as required; ensures all departments' requirements are met before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
Assists Code Services with various cases.
Reviews building construction plans for plan compliance with City and State building codes, ordinances and laws.
Approves the issuance of building and occupancy permits and accepts plans for plan check.
Confers with architects, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office; explains and interprets code requirements and restrictions.
Maintains files and reports regarding inspection activities and findings.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a building inspection program.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Complex principles and techniques of building inspection and plans examining work.
Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations enforced by the City, including the California Building, Housing, Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes and the National Electrical Code.
Major types of building construction materials and methods.
Accepted safety standards and methods used in building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment, including the City’s permit issuing system.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
Ability to:
Plan, organize and review the work of building inspection and permit technician staff.
Provide lead supervision and training to assigned staff.
Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications and building codes.
Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements.
Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
Advise contractors and developers on standard construction methods and requirements for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Makes mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records.
Prepares clear and concise reports.
Respond to request and inquiries from general public.
Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Community clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Experience:Five years of journey level experience in the building trades.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in building codes.
License/Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Possession of ICC certification as a Building Inspector within one year of date of hire.
SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR
Experience:
Four (4) years of experience as a Building Inspector or an equivalent position.
Training:
Equivalent to a high school diploma. Supplemental courses in engineering, architecture, or construction is desirable.
License/Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
Possession of an ICC certification as a Building Inspector. Possession of ICC Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Inspection certification are desirable.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment including the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations.
Application:
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.
The Selection Process:
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.
Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process.
Please Note: If you have a health or medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that may require that the City provide you with an accommodation in either the selection process or the performance of your duties, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.
