Building Inspector - I

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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.

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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 and 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.

This is the entry level class in the Building Inspection series.  This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from management or supervisory staff; may receive technical or functional supervision from other technical or professional staff.

• Perform as a team member in carrying out program tasks of the Building Division.
• 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 schedule and route and travel to field sites; approve work done 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; provide technical assistance to others within the Building Division as needed; coordinate with other County departments and/or with outside agencies as needed. 
• Maintain files, retrieve permit information, issue permits and conduct permit research.
• 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.

Show Your Qualifications

When applying, please be sure to clearly describe how your background meets each of the Minimum Qualifications listed below. This ensures our screening team can accurately evaluate your eligibility.

Experience: Three years of building trades experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Additional specialized training in the building trades or construction technology is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• 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.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to the completion of the probationary period, a valid Certificate of Registration as a Building Inspector issued by the International Code Council.

Experience as a Substitute

You may substitute relevant, equivalent experience for the required education. The Human Resources Department will evaluate your background to ensure it qualifies as the same knowledge, skills, and abilities as the specified degree or coursework.

International Degrees

If you earned your degree outside the United States, you must provide proof of accreditation from a recognized evaluation agency. Please attach this documentation to your application to ensure your education is verified.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building design, construction and inspection.
• Federal, State and local building and associated codes.
• 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.
• Under supervision, review and analyze construction plans and inspect construction projects; conduct and document multiple inspections; maintain accurate and separate records for each inspection.
• Obtain information through interview; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and 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.
• Under supervision, conduct and document multiple inspections; maintain accurate and separate records for each inspection.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Evaluation: We use a pre-determined formula to score your responses related to education, training, and professional experience.

Accuracy: Please ensure your application and questionnaire thoroughly reflect your background, as these scores determine your ranking on the eligible list.

Pre-Hire Requirements

Candidates must complete the following requirements before their start date if an offer is extended:

• DOJ Criminal Background Clearance: Successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice.
• Medical Evaluation: Pass a pre-employment physical, which may include drug screening and/or a psychological evaluation.
• Oath of Office: Subscribe to the constitutional oath or affirmation as required for all public employees by the California Constitution.
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Provide original documents that establish both identity and the legal right to work in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Position-Specific Requirements

In addition to the above, some positions may require one or more of the following:

• Age Verification: Provide documentation verifying that you meet the minimum legal age requirements for this position.
• Background Check: Some positions require a background investigation. This may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, polygraph, and/or proof of bonding.
• Law Enforcement: Applicants for law enforcement functions must complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process.
• Medi-Cal Access/Licensing: Applicants 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 all requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in similar roles or lower-level positions within the same career series (e.g., journey-level vs. entry-level).

• Interviews: If contacted to interview for a similar role, the hiring department will provide the specific job details before the interview.
• No Risk: Choosing not to interview for a different classification will not affect your standing on the original list for which you applied.

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All applicants and employees receive fair and equal consideration in every stage of employment. Employment decisions are based on job‑related qualifications and are not influenced by any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Refer to our Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Policy Statement (PDF) for detailed information.

Applicants who need an accommodation during the recruitment or examination process should contact Human Resources at least five working days before the scheduled exam.

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