Building Inspector - Senior

Placer County's Community Development Resource Agency is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Senior Building Inspector vacancy in the Tahoe region. Senior Building Inspectors function as key members of a team that ensures the County's programmatic initiatives are implemented and carried out in accordance with the directives of the Board of Supervisors and the Department.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

To review building plans and conduct inspections of residential or commercial buildings under construction or being remodeled; to determine compliance of plans and of buildings under construction with applicable State and County codes and standards; and to exercise functional and technical supervision over technical and clerical staff. 

This is the advanced journey level class in the Building Inspection series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing lead or specialized responsibilities, and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including technical and functional supervision of technical and clerical staff, review of highly technical construction plans and specifications and performance of difficult and complex field inspections.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Receives direction from assigned management or supervisory staff.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform as a team member in carrying out program tasks of the Building Division.
• Train and lead subordinate staff in the building inspection and plan review process.
• Review, assess and approve building plans and calculations regarding structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing design and construction aspects for compliance with all applicable local and State codes.
• Conduct field inspections of buildings during construction or remodeling for compliance with all applicable local and State codes and approved plans and specifications; set up inspection schedules and routes and travel to field sites; approve completed work or note corrections to be made; prepare correction letters and inspection reports.
• Interpret and explain applicable building codes, Division policies and procedures to the public; assist the public at the public counter and/or by telephone in the processing of permits and applications; confer with engineers, architects, contractors, manufacturers and owners regarding complex and difficult technical issues.
• When assigned, administer programs or functional areas such as mobile home park inspections, abatement procedures, business license inspections or manage inspection of major County construction projects.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of responsible journey level experience performing duties similar to those of a Building Inspector II in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Additional specialized training in building codes, construction technology or a related field is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as an Inspector issued by the International Code Council.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building design, construction and inspection.
• State and local building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and energy codes.
• State mandated inspection programs.
• County codes and standards applicable to building design and construction.
• Operation, policies and procedures of a City or County Building Division.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job.  Intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve building inspection activities; sit at desk for long periods of time; and stand at the counter to answer questions of the public.
• Intermittently, walk, stand, kneel, climb, crawl and bend in the field; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; intermittently write or use a keyboard to communicate and occasionally lift moderate weight.
• Train subordinate staff.
• Perform plan reviews and field inspections of a complex and difficult nature; solve problems and recommend solutions; explain complex requirements to others; analyze and prepare technical reports for both technical and non-technical readers.
• Interpret relevant codes and standards and apply County policies and procedures.
• Conduct and document multiple inspections; maintain accurate and separate records for each inspection.
• Oversee and coordinate program areas, manage projects and administer contracts.
• Obtain information through interview; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively in order to determine proper course of action.
• Be sensitive to various cultural and ethnic groups present in the community.
• Use a computer, calculator, telephone, and photocopy machine.
• Drive an automobile in all weather conditions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Kristen Cannon, Administrative Technician, at kcannon@placer.ca.gov.