Job Details

The City of Benicia invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Building Inspector I/II. Benicia is seeking a detail-oriented and conscientious professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys serving the community.

Benicia is a close-knit Bay Area city of approximately 28,000 residents. The City has upgraded its permitting software and implemented GIS and online permitting systems, providing inspectors with modern tools that support efficient, technology-driven service delivery.

Under the direction of the Building Official, the Building Inspector I/II will perform a wide range of duties, including counter services, plan review, and field inspections. The ideal candidate will possess two (2) or more building-related certifications, have completed a college-level building inspection program, and demonstrate a strong understanding of construction methods and trades. A commitment to continuous learning, customer service, and teamwork is essential.

Benicias diverse built environmentincluding two historic districts, an industrial park, an oil refinery, waterfront development, and access to two interstate freewaysprovides inspectors with exposure to a wide variety of projects and the opportunity to develop broad professional skills.

The City of Benicia offers a supportive work environment and a competitive benefits package. If you are seeking a challenging, rewarding position with opportunities for professional growth, we encourage you to consider a career with the City of Benicia.

Building Inspector I

This entry-level class to the Building Inspector series is distinguished from the journey level class by the performance of the more routine tasks and standardized inspections assigned to positions within this series and is the training level within the Building Inspector series. Building Inspector I is not expected to perform with the same level of independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the Building Inspector II. Since this is the entry-level class within the series, employees may have only limited or no directly related building inspections experience. Advancement to the Building Inspector II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and possession of an appropriate building inspector certification and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Building Inspector II

This journey level class in the Building Inspector series performs the full range of professional building inspection duties, as assigned. Building Inspector II is fully competent and exercises independent technical judgement and makes sound recommendations based on inspection findings. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Building Inspector II level can be filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Building Inspector I: Receives immediate supervision from Building Official; may receive technical and functional supervision from other management or professional positions. No supervision is exercised over others.
• Building Inspector II: Receives general supervision from Building Official; may receive technical and functional supervision from other management or professional positions. No supervision is exercised over others.

Representative Duties

• Inspects building construction and repair sites and activities at all stages to ensure compliance with all pertinent state laws, local codes, regulations, and ordinances; checks foundations, construction, and building materials and other areas for deficiencies.
• Reads and reviews building plans and specifications prior to building permit issuance and prior to conducting inspections; reviews code requirements and ensures compliance during inspection.
• Enforces administrative citations by giving instruction and warnings and/or recommending or issuing stop work orders, issuing citations, and researching complaints.
• Issues building permits; assists builders, contractors, and homebuilders by explaining code requirements, answering questions and inquiries received at the public counter; and assisting with other assigned duties.
• Examines specific operating systems and construction trade work throughout the construction phase such as electrical wiring and electrical systems, plumbing installations, heating and mechanical systems, and carpentry.
• Maintains records and reports of inspection findings and recommendations; presents written and verbal report of findings.
• Attends and participates in meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building inspection and plans examination.
• Conducts inspections and reviews plans for seismic safety precautions and code compliance.
• Inputs results and data into Department's computer system at various stages of building permit process, including but not limited to inspection results.
• Coordinates with other departments' personnel, including but not limited to Fire and Public Works, and the Planning Division to enforce regulations.
• Supports department and division objectives; schedules inspections and routing.
• Prepares written and verbal inspection reports and maintains accurate records.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Building Inspector I

Education:

• Graduation from high school or its equivalent. Specialized training in building trades, construction technology, engineering, and/or architecture desirable.

Experience:

• At least one (1) or more years of experience in building trades or construction. Experience performing building inspections is desirable.

License:

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Special Requirements:

• Must obtain International Code Council (ICC) or equivalent certificate as a Residential Building Inspector within 12 months of appointment. Successfully obtaining a certificate is required to pass probation.
• Must obtain Certified Safety Assessment Program Evaluator or Coordination Designation from the State of California Office of Emergency Services within 12 months of appointment. Successfully obtaining a certificate is required to pass probation.
• Must obtain additional ICC or equivalent certificates in an inspector category within 24 months of appointment.

Substitution of Education for required experience:

• Possession of an Associate of Science degree with major coursework in construction and building inspection, or certificate of completion of Building Technology may be substituted for required one year of experience in building construction field.

Building Inspector II

Education:

• Graduation from high school or its equivalent. Specialized training or college courses with emphasis in building, planning, engineering, architecture, or related field desirable.

Experience:

• Two (2) full-time years of building inspection experience with a public agency with one (1) year above a trainee level.
• One (1) full-time year of building inspection experience with a public agency at the Building Inspection I level or equivalent and two years of experience in the building construction field as a licensed contractor, journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, or equivalent experience.

License:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess International Code Council (ICC) or equivalent certificate as a Residential Building Inspector at time of appointment.
• Must obtain Certified Safety Assessment Program Evaluator or Coordination Designation from the State of California Office of Emergency Services within 12 months of appointment.
• Must obtain International Code Council (ICC) or equivalent certificate as a Commercial Building Inspector within 12 months of appointment.
• Must obtain ICC or equivalent certificates in an inspector category within 24 months of appointment.

Substitution of Education for required experience:

• Possession of an Associate of Science degree with major coursework in construction and building inspection, or certificate of completion of Building Technology may be substituted for two years of required building construction experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings; State and local codes, laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations applicable to inspections; inspection reporting and recording requirements; inspection techniques, building tools and materials, and knowledge of skilled trades (carpentry, plumbing, mechanical and electrical); building inspection practices and methods, including techniques for dealing with the public in stressful situations.

Skill and/or Ability to utilize basic office equipment to include computers and related software applications and record keeping practices; detect structural, electrical, plumbing, or heating defects through physical inspection and recommend correction action; read, review and apply building and zoning codes and regulations; read and interpret plans accurately and compare them with actual construction and repairs in progress; make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately; enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact; understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; compose correspondence independently; perform a variety of technical and specialized tasks and functions in an independent and timely manner; interact and communicate effectively with architects, engineers, developers, general contractors, and property owners on matters pertaining to codes and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Working Conditions

Performs field inspection duties including exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to walk and stand for extended periods of time; walk on uneven and slippery surfaces; lift and carry, and push/pull up to fifty (50) pounds; climb ladders and ascend and descend stairs; bend, kneel, twist, stoop, crouch, crawl, and squat; work both inside and outside with exposure to weather, noise, odors, dust, and pollen; the ability to see to read blueprints, documents, and computer screens and the ability to drive a City vehicle; ability to hear and distinguish various sounds at a construction site, including alarms and sounds of operating equipment in both quiet and noisy environments; ability to speak and be understood at a noisy construction site or when talking on the telephone; and hand and finger dexterity sufficient to use small tools and a computer.

Essential and Non-Essential Duties

The representative duties listed in this job description include essential and non-essential functions. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon an assessment of the essential functions of the particular position. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth to address business needs and changing business practices.

Application Process

Individuals interested in being considered for the Building Inspector I/II position must submit an application and responses to the required supplemental questions by the final filing date. It is preferred you apply through the Neogov system.

Individuals wishing to file a paper application in lieu of the online application process should contact the City of Benicia Human Resources Department.

Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position. Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.

How Applicants Are Notified of Their Status

Application status notifications are distributed via email through the Neogov (governmentjobs.com) email system, so please check your email/junk mail/spam folders for status notification updates.

Selection Process

Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which may include an assessment center and interview process.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.

Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation and a pre-placement medical screening, including a drug screen.

If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (707) ###-####.