County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This series specification describes two Building Inspector classes which, under general supervision at the lower level and under direction at the higher level, examines dwellings and commercial buildings under construction or alteration for conformity to the Alameda County Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, the Zoning Ordinance, the California Energy Conservation Regulations, Green Buildings, and Disabled Access, and the Alameda County Housing Code; and to perform other related duties.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The class of Building Inspector I is responsible for the examination of conventionally framed construction which includes primarily one and two family residential construction and some facets of commercial construction. Incumbents of the class of Building Inspector I are expected to promote to the next higher class of Building Inspector II after one year of experience and demonstrated knowledge and the necessary competence in applying the Building Codes and related ordinances with greater independence in the examination of the more complicated forms of construction such as those described in the Distinguishing Features and Example of Duties for Building Inspector II.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1.  Inspects conventionally framed buildings under construction or alteration for conformity to the Alameda County Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, the Zoning Ordinance, the California Energy Conservation Regulations, Green Buildings, and Disabled Access and the Alameda County Housing Code. Conventionally framed construction includes the following:

a. Structural framing described in Uniform Building Code Section 2516, General Construction Requirements.
b. Structural framing described in Uniform Building Code Section 2517, Conventional Construction Provisions.
c. Masonry walls up to one story in height.
d. Pier and grade beam foundations or continuous footings.
e. Retaining walls of masonry or concrete construction with single rebar curtains or mats.
f. Single phase electrical installations using "romex" type of wiring.
g. Single phase electrical services limited to 400 amp main disconnects.
h. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems limited to 2000 cubic feet per minute, 300,000 BTU input, or five horsepower motors.
i. Water heating systems limited to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
j. Private swimming pools and related pumps and heaters.
k. Gas distribution systems conveying natural gas or LPG at low pressure.
l. Drains wastes and vents for building up to three stories in height.

2. Investigates complaints regarding violations and faulty workmanship; inspects signs and advises owners on how to conform to the Zoning Ordinance, processes citation hearings in cases of noncompliance; prepares daily reports of inspections performed.

3. Processes permits and applications in office; provides information over the phone relating to codes; advises on building practices and interprets codes to the public, contractors, architects and others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in building or construction inspection work at the journey level for a public jurisdiction.

Or II

The equivalent of five years’ full-time journey-level experience in the building trades. The equivalent of two years of experience as a supervisor in one of the building trades may be substituted for three years of the general experience.

License:  

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Possession of certification as an Inspector or Plan Reviewer by the International Code Council (ICC)  is desirable.
• Possession of certification as a California Access Specialist (CASp) is desirable.  

Special Requirement:  

As a condition of employment, the State law requires that a Building Inspector must qualify for a certification in at least one of the building codes (Plumbing, Electrical, Building or Mechanical) or combination of all four codes by the International Code Council (ICC)  by the end of two years of employment.  Not obtaining a certificate in at least one of the building codes after two years of employment will result in termination.  

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification. 

Knowledge of:

• California Building Code, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Code.
• California Energy Conservation Regulations, Green Buildings, and Disabled Access.
• Modern building materials, tools, practices and nomenclature.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret building plans and specifications.
• Detect deviations from approved plans and codes.
• Detect substandard materials and workmanship.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the public and persons engaged in building construction.
• Write clearly and concisely.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

PR:lm-h
Revised: 3/85
BW:pb
Revised: 1/86
TAT:pb
Revised: 8/87
DF:lm
Revised: 2/97
Old document: 0770h.doc
New document: Jobspecs/8305-8310
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 3/19/97
GH:cs Revised 7/9/15
CSC Date: 8/19/15

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.