City Building Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $87,216.90 - $102,245.40 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-27:05
Department: Building & Safety
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, plans, organizes and supervises building inspection activities and operations plan review, building inspection, inspection of construction, general rehabilitation or repair of commercial, residential and industrial properties, and permitting staff and operations; and performs other related duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
Works under the general supervision of the Chief Building Inspector, and exercises supervision over the Building Inspectors I, Building and Permit Technicians, and Property Inspectors.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Supervises daily building inspection activities and operations, including plan review, building inspection, inspection of construction, general rehabilitation or repair of commercial, residential and industrial properties, and permitting; administers the effective enforcement of building and safety codes, regulations, and standards.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors work load, identifies opportunities for improvement and directs the implementation of changes.
• Authorizes the issuance of commercial and residential building and construction permits and Certificates of Occupancy; reviews and approves code enforcement actions and reports; may investigate code enforcement complaints; issues violation notices and initiates the abatement process.
• Reviews and approves, and performs field inspections of, residential, commercial and industrial building plans to assure compliance with building codes and municipal codes; inspects construction sites as needed to review and resolve technical issues; resolves problems that arise due to structural design or code issues.
• Responds to requests for information and complaints; provides technical information on interpretation of City codes; researches technical issues, and recommends solutions.
• Coordinates department activities with other departments, outside agencies and organizations; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Represents the Department to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies and activities; investigates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.

• Assists with the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of Department personnel, provides or coordinates staff training, including safety training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Department budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assists with monitoring and approval of expenditures; prepares and presents to the Chief Building Inspector needed budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Performs a variety of administrative activities, including employee scheduling, payroll reporting, and work activity reports; oversees the permitting computer system, creates reports and forms; provides staff training in use of the computer system.
• Composes, reviews, edits and approves a variety of reports, including requests for Council action and weekly or monthly reports of departmental activity.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and continuing education to maintain certification; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building inspection and safety standards.
• May act as Chief Building Official in his/her absence.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Engineering or a related field; AND five (5) years plan review and inspection experience, including two (2) years supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Must possess the following valid certifications issued by the International Code Council:
  • Residential Building Inspector (B1)
  • Commercial Building Inspector (B2)
  • Plans Examiner (B3)
• Must possess at least one of the listed certification combinations:
  • Electrical Inspector: Residential (E1) and Commercial (E2) certifications
  • Mechanical Inspector: Residential (M1) and Commercial (M2) certifications
  • Plumbing Inspector: Residential (P1) and Commercial (P2) certifications

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Methods, practices, materials, and safety hazards associated with construction, remodeling, and repair of building structures.
• Possible defects and faults in construction and of standard testing devices and methods as well as corrective measures.
• Principles and practices of building construction, renovation, repair and safety practices.
• State and federal construction administration codes and regulations, and Cal OSHA regulations.
• City Code, City Ordinances, Standard Operating Manual, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
• Project and contract management and cost estimation.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Required Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, community groups, local businesses, and the general public.
• Understanding and interpreting building plans and specifications.
• Enforcing ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Developing and administering budgets and monitoring expenditures.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
• Work may be performed outdoors with time spent in moderate to high temperatures (above 90 degrees).
• Work requires light lifting, carrying, driving and on occasion climbing (up to 4 feet).
• Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
• Work may involve exposure to wet surfaces, uneven terrain, hazardous chemicals, dangerous machinery, occasional loud noise and dust when performing field inspections.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.
All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.
EXAMINATION:
The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process. Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail. The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.
GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS
This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed every 10 days.
The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.
ELIGIBLE LISTS
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).
PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.
Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.
EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).
EXAMINATION RECORDS
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.
FRINGE BENEFITS
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.
Why Work for the City of Compton?
We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workw