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Assistant Building Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Building Inspector

La Habra, CA ยท On-site

$40.73 - $57.31/hr

Conduct Fats, Oils, and Grease Control (FOG) inspections. Assist in the review of technical studies for code changes and assist in code adoption and revision process. Act as the Chief Building ...

Assistant Building Official

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$98K - $145K/yr

We have an opening for the position of Assistant Building Official in our Development Services ... As necessary, provides assistance to building inspectors in the performance of structural and non ...

Conduct routine maintenance inspections, diagnose potential problems, and make repairs. * Assist with the installation and modification of building equipment and systems. * Assign work orders and ...

Building Plans Examiner

Yreka, CA ยท On-site

$82K - $105K/yr

May visit construction sites and assist building inspectors in the field where engineering problems are encountered; advises on engineering matters and technical judgments Prepares plan review ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Building Inspector information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$68K

$101.7K

How much do assistant building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant building inspector in California is $67,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant building inspector do?

An Assistant Building Inspector helps ensure that construction projects comply with building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. They typically assist with on-site inspections, review construction plans, and document findings under the supervision of a senior inspector. Their work helps maintain safe structures and supports the permitting process within a city or municipality.

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant building inspectors during site inspections?

Assistant Building Inspectors often encounter challenges such as navigating active construction sites safely, ensuring compliance with local codes amid evolving regulations, and communicating effectively with contractors who may have differing interpretations of requirements. Balancing thorough inspections with maintaining project timelines can be demanding, as delays may impact multiple stakeholders. Building strong relationships with experienced inspectors and staying current with code updates can help address these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant building inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Building Inspector, you need a solid understanding of building codes, construction practices, and inspection procedures, often supported by a degree in construction management or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, digital documentation tools, and certifications like ICC (International Code Council) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors interact with contractors and ensure compliance. These skills are crucial for ensuring building safety, legal compliance, and maintaining public trust in the construction process.

What is the difference between Assistant Building Inspector vs Building Inspector?

AspectAssistant Building InspectorBuilding Inspector
Required CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some certifications preferredRequires relevant certifications, such as ICC Building Inspector certification
Work EnvironmentSupports senior inspectors, works on inspections, site visits, and documentationConducts detailed building inspections, enforces codes, and approves permits
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by local government or construction firms as entry-level supportEmployed by municipalities, government agencies, or private firms as lead inspectors

The Assistant Building Inspector typically supports the Building Inspector by performing preliminary inspections and documentation tasks. While both roles require knowledge of building codes, the Assistant role is more supportive and entry-level, whereas the Building Inspector conducts comprehensive inspections and enforces regulations independently.

Can you become an assistant building inspector with no experience?

Assistant building inspectors typically need some knowledge of building codes and inspection procedures, but entry-level positions may be available to candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as attention to detail and familiarity with construction or safety standards can be developed on the job or through training programs. Certification or licensing requirements vary by location and may be required for advancement.

Is there a demand for assistant building inspectors?

The demand for assistant building inspectors is expected to grow in line with the construction and real estate industries, as municipalities and private firms require inspections to ensure building safety and code compliance. Employment opportunities are often influenced by local development activity, government budgets, and the need for certified inspectors with relevant training and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Inspector jobs in California?

The most popular types of Building Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Building Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Building Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Building Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,979 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Senior Building Inspector

City of La Habra

La Habra, CA โ€ข On-site

$40.73 - $57.31/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description ABOUT THE CITY: The City of La Habra is located at Orange County's north-western most corner; La Habra today is 7.3 square miles, with a population of 62,850. A quiet bedroom community, it is conveniently located within an hour's drive of many beaches, mountains, and desert recreation areas. The City is known for the Tamale Festival, Corn Festival, and the gem of La Habra, the Children's Museum and Depot Theatre

For more information about the City, visit our website at: www.lahabraca.gov. ABOUT THE POSITION: Under general supervision of Chief Building Official, oversees and performs a wide variety of skilled field inspections during various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and municipal codes relating to construction (including building codes, electrical codes, mechanical codes, plumbing codes, energy codes, zoning ordinances and related laws, codes and ordinances); performs complex plan and specification reviews; issues building permits; responds to inquiries from the public; performs code enforcement; conducts National Pollution Discharge Elimination System inspections supervises and provides technical assistance to professional and/or paraprofessional staff; and performs related work as required. Examples of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Perform the more complex field inspection of building construction, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings; verify compliance with applicable building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical codes, and related City ordinances, state, and local statutes

Read, correctly interpret, apply and use building codes, municipal codes, ordinances and other related Laws, regulations and policies, as required. Check routine building plans for conformance to City codes and the currently adopted model Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical codes and State of California Energy, Green Building, and Accessibility regulations. Inspect buildings and other structures during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of City, State and Federal agencies.

Perform combination inspection duties in trade specialties including building (structural, fire, and life safety), plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, green building and Architectural Accessibility. Issue permits for work to be performed that includes computing building evaluations and permit fees. Provide technical information to architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers and others regarding code requirements both verbally and in writing.

Maintain records of inspections and corrections. Conduct post disaster evaluations. Coordinate and collaborate with staff regarding building code violations and abatement.

Perform National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) inspections. Provide quality customer service. Conduct Fats, Oils, and Grease Control (FOG) inspections.

Assist in the review of technical studies for code changes and assist in code adoption and revision process. Act as the Chief Building Official in the absence of the Chief Building Official. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS,AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Modern principles, practices, and techniques of Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Codes; Code Enforcement best practices and techniques; NPDES regulations; Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control requirements; and State of California Energy, Green Building, and Accessibility regulations. Program compliance with local, state, federal laws, and regulations. Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Safe work practices and procedures. Effective customer service techniques. Skills and Ability to: Read and interpret construction plans and specifications.

Check routine building plans for conformance to City codes; the California Building Code; Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical codes; and Energy, Green Building and Accessibility regulations. Perform combination building and construction inspections covering all currently adopted model Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical codes; and State of California Energy, Green Building, and Accessibility regulations. Perform routine Best Management Practice inspections to confirm compliance with the approved Water Quality Management Plan.

Identify code enforcement violations; communicate the information to the violator in a polite manner, and follow-up with appropriate photo and written documentation. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in a courteous and helpful manner. Above average written communication skills.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and city staff. Provide excellent customer service skills in challenging situations while maintaining a cooperative positive attitude. Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports and correspondence.

Create and maintain accurate records, databases, and files. Utilize a variety of computer software programs for record keeping, scheduling, word processing, and other processes common to enforcement of building regulations. Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Possess above average mathematical skills. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Experience: Three (3) years of specialized building inspection experience, plus years of combination building inspector experience.

Experience with a public agency is preferred. Education: Completion of High School and an Associate Degree from an accredited college with major coursework in a related field or completion of a construction inspection certification program from an accredited community college. Bachelor's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS: Must Possess and Maintain: Valid California Class C driver's license. International Code Council (I.C.C.) C-8 Combination Inspector Certificate or equivalent. Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASP), Certification by the California State Division of the State Architect, and I.C.C

Certification as a Plans Examiner is highly desirable. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; stand and walk between work areas and conduct field inspections as appropriate and necessary, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; operate a motor vehicle and visit various construction, and meeting sites; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; perceive color, shapes and forms, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech proficiency to verbally communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone to exchange information. Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel from site to site and exposure to an outdoor field environment and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, and gases; work at heights or in confined spaces; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends. Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all La Habra city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department webpage at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lahabraca will be screened and those applicants deemed best qualified will be invited for an oral interview. Candidates must successfully pass the oral interview in order to be placed on the eligibility list. The final candidate must successfully complete a medical exam, drug screening, employment history verification, DMV check and will also be fingerprinted

If any accommodation is needed during the interview, please notify the Human Resources Department at least five days in advance of your scheduled appointment so that we may be able to provide a reasonable accommodation. This bulletin is not a contract, neither expressed nor implied. Any provision herein may be modified or revoked.