Building Inspector I/II/III

Applications Due by 8/19/2025

BUILDING INSPECTOR
Level I:
Under general supervision, incumbents are responsible for conducting inspections of residential, commercial, or industrial building structures and installations in various states of alteration, construction, and repair; determining that construction, alterations, and repairs are in compliance with County and Adopted Building Codes and ordinances; enforcing codes and ordinances; answering questions regarding building code and structural requirements for the public, architects, contractors, and engineers; intaking, processing, and issuing permits; providing general service for the public at the front counter; and doing related work as required. Because this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have limited related work experience.
Level II:
All of the above, performing more complex work with less supervision based on experience and certifications/training.
Level III:
All of the above, performing complex work under general direction with little to no direct supervision. May provide work direction, coordination, supervision, and scheduling for Building Division staff and workflow.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Level I: This is the entry and first working level in the Building Inspector class series. Incumbents perform the more routine and less complex building inspection duties in residential, commercial, manufactured home and modular building areas. As an incumbent gains experience and proficiency, they are expected to acquire more substantial knowledge of the California Building Codes and Title 25 requirements for manufactured home construction and a general understanding of land use regulations. When sustained work proficiency has been demonstrated, incumbents are generally qualified for promotion to the Building Inspector II level.
Level II: This is the mid-journey level in the Building Inspector class series. Incumbents perform a more advanced range of building inspection and code enforcement duties in residential, commercial, manufactured home and modular building areas. They are required to possess knowledge of the California Building Codes and Title 25 requirements for manufactured home construction. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector I by the fact that incumbents are expected to have greater knowledge of the requisite codes and be completely familiar with County code enforcement procedures and policies.
Level III: This is the lead and working supervisory level in the Building Inspector class series. Incumbents provide lead supervision, coordination and scheduling for other building staff. In addition, they perform the full range of building inspection and code enforcement duties as well as plan review. They are expected to have substantial knowledge of the California Building Codes, modular building construction, and Title 25 requirements for manufactured home construction. Incumbents must have and maintain certification from the International Code Council (ICC) in building inspection and plan review. Additional certifications from ICC are encouraged.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED :
None, but may provide lead direction to other building inspection staff. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONISBILITIES
(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)
Level I
Under direct supervision:

• Conduct field inspections of residential, commercial, or industrial structures in varying states of construction, alteration, or repair;
• Interpret applicable codes and ordinances for builders and home owners, ensuring compliance;
• Check the quality of materials and methods of construction for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, concrete, masonry, lathing, tile work, roofing, etc.;
• Inspect completed work, giving final approval;
• Write correction notices and follow-up to ensure required changes;
• Inspect buildings to ensure compliance with zoning laws and health and safety standards;
• May inspect manufactured home and modular building installations;
• May issue building permits and provide front-counter service;
• Provide advice on construction procedures and practices;
• May inspect County buildings and structures;
• May review grading applications, plans, and specifications for code compliance;
• Initiate enforcement actions;
• May evaluate grading construction and erosion control methods and practices, quality of materials, applicable building codes, ordinances, and regulations to approve plans.

Level II
Under limited supervision, all of the above plus:

• May make inspections to determine causes of structural failures or the need for maintenance or repair;
• Inspect mobile home installations;
• Issue building permits;
• Ensures proper and safe installation of routine and complex building systems and equipment;
• Performs inspections for special factors such as structural elements, and fire or earthquake damage assessment;
• Participates in inspection activities for other County departments;
• Perform simple plan checking and reviews for proper construction standards and issues necessary corrections.

Level III
Independently, but in consultation with the Building Official and/or the Department Director, all of the above plus:

• Provide lead direction, work coordination, and scheduling for building inspectors;
• Reviews and checks building plans;
• Performs basic engineering calculations in checking residential plans for structural, electrical, mechanical and energy compliance;
• Reviews plans for special factors such as structural elements, and fire or earthquake damage assessment.
• Performs the most complex and specialized inspections;
• Performs special projects as assigned;
• Maintain confidentiality; and
• Other duties as assigned.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Level I

• Practices, tools, equipment, and materials used in the general construction trades;
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction;
• Qualities of various construction materials;
• Building and related codes and ordinances enforceable by the County;
• Principles of mathematics related to the building trades;
• California Building Codes.
• Federal, state, county and local codes and ordinances relating to construction and structural requirements;
• Computer knowledge and skills;
• Read technical building plans; and
• General state and local land use practices.

Level II
All of the above, plus:

• Inspection methods and techniques;
• California State housing laws;
• County code enforcement policies; and
• More in-depth and complex understanding of the California building codes and their applications.

Level III
All of the above:

• Principles and techniques of lead direction, management, and supervision.

Required skills:
Level I

• Apply inspection methods and techniques.
• Interpret and apply building and related codes and ordinances enforced by the County.
• Perform building inspection and enforcement functions.
• Interpret and explain building plans, specification, and codes.
• Detect deviations from laws, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Read building plans.
• Apply technical knowledge of building trades work.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Review permit applications for completeness and conformity with requisite ordinances.
• Provide advice on standard construction methods and practices.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and keep accurate records.
• Obtain certification from the International Code Council (ICC) in building inspection.
• Use computers and perform permit technician/permit processing duties as needed.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Enforce regulations with firmness and tact.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Represent the County Building Inspection functions in a courteous and professional manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of personnel and establish/maintain effective working relationships.
• Explain and apply policies and procedures.
• Understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Conduct research and draw logical conclusions.
• Educate the public on the significance of community development and building division initiatives.
• Adapt to constantly changing work environment.
• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Use technology effectively.
• Maintain confidentiality when required.

Level II
All of the above, plus

• Perform a variety of building inspections, examining workmanship and materials, and enforcing requisite codes and ordinances.
• Use and apply a wide scope of inspection methods and techniques.
• Perform simple plan reviews for building projects.

Level III
All of the above, plus

• Provide lead direction, work coordination and scheduling for building inspection staff.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities might be:
Level I: Two (2) years of journey level experience in construction work and the building trades, performing a wide variety of building alteration and construction work.
Level II:

• One (1) year of building inspection experience comparable to that of a Building Inspector I, or
• Three (3) years of journey level experience in construction work and the building trades, performing a wide variety of building alteration and construction work.

Level III

• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible work experience with a government agency in performing inspections of residential, commercial and industrial construction comparable to a Building Inspector II; or
• Six (6) years of journey level experience in construction work and the buildings trades performing a wide variety of building work in conformance with standard building, electrical and plumbing codes.
• An AA degree in Construction Technology or related field is highly desirable.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Activities will include both office and field duties, which may include exposure to various weather conditions and hazards. Work independently or in a team environment. Occasional overtime work is required throughout the year. Require sitting or standing position at workstation for extended periods. May require lifting up to 50 pounds. Capacity to work in an environment with deadlines and multiple projects. May occasionally interact with customers and/or members of the public that exhibit verbally or physically abusive behaviors. Requires physical flexibility and dexterity with the ability to walk on uneven and slippery surfaces, stand, bend, stoop, reach, crouch and climb.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, outdoor, and driving environments; some assignments performed alone in remote locations; work is performed in varying temperatures and weather; exposure to dust, chemicals, and gases; exposure to electrical currents; continuous contact with staff and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Level I

• Possession of a drivers license valid in California.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector.

Level II
All of the above, plus:

• Possession of ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector.
• Ability to obtain ICC Certification as a Commercial Building Inspector and Residential Plans Examiner.

Level III
All of the above, plus:

• Possession of ICC Certification as a Commercial Building Inspector and Residential Plans Examiner.
• Ability to obtain ICC Certification as a Commercial Plans Examiner.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. Mono County assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the document and the actual duties of the job, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a meet and confer@ process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding or individual employee At-Will contract currently in effect.
For an application to be considered complete, applicants must complete and submit a signed original official County Job Application, and copies of appropriate licenses/certification if appropriate. Failure to do so will be the cause for disqualification from the selection process. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of fully completing and submitting the County Job Application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Interviews and a written exam will be scheduled with the applicants successfully meeting the above. Those applicants moved forward will undergo a psychological, background investigation and physical evaluation.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Additionally, incumbents will be required to follow instructions and to perform other job-related duties as may be required.