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Inspector Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inspector

Poway, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Train inspector trainees in all applicable aspects of fire protection. * Other duties may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to ...

Inspector

Poway, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Train inspector trainees in all applicable aspects of fire protection. * Other duties may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to ...

Train inspector trainees in all applicable aspects of fire protection. * Other duties may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to ...

Train inspector trainees in all applicable aspects of fire protection. * Other duties may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to ...

Train inspector trainees in all applicable aspects of fire protection. * Other duties may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to ...

Train inspector trainees in all applicable aspects of fire protection. * Other duties may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to ...

Showing results 21-40

Inspector Trainee information

See California salary details

$9

$13

$24

How much do inspector trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for inspector trainee in California is $13.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.36 and $15.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you become a building inspector with no experience?

Becoming a building inspector typically requires some related experience or training, such as knowledge of building codes and construction practices. Entry-level positions may be available to those with relevant certifications or technical education, but most employers prefer candidates with prior experience or completion of a training program. On-the-job training is common for new inspectors to learn specific procedures and standards.

Is it hard to become a property inspector?

Becoming an inspector trainee typically requires completing relevant training or certification, which can vary in difficulty depending on the program and prior experience. Developing skills in building codes, safety standards, and inspection procedures is essential, and gaining practical experience often helps ease the transition into the role.

What is an inspector trainee?

An Inspector Trainee is an entry-level position for individuals learning to perform inspections in fields such as construction, manufacturing, or public safety. They work under the supervision of experienced inspectors to gain hands-on experience in examining materials, equipment, or work sites to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. Inspector Trainees typically assist with documentation, observe inspection procedures, and gradually take on more responsibility as they develop their skills. This role is often a stepping stone to becoming a certified or fully qualified inspector.

What is the difference between Inspector Trainee vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectInspector TraineeQuality Control Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; sometimes certifications in quality standards
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, manufacturing plants, or construction sitesManufacturing facilities, laboratories, or production lines
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in manufacturing, construction, or inspection industriesQuality assurance and control departments across various industries

The main difference is that an Inspector Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, while a Quality Control Inspector is a more experienced role responsible for inspecting products and ensuring quality standards are met. The trainee is in training, often under supervision, whereas the inspector performs inspections independently after training completion.

What are some common challenges inspector trainees face during their initial training period?

Inspector Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering detailed regulatory guidelines, adapting to hands-on inspection techniques, and learning to use specialized tools and reporting software. Balancing classroom instruction with fieldwork can be demanding, as trainees must quickly apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, adjusting to the pace and expectations of working within a team environment—often under the supervision of experienced inspectors—requires strong communication and a willingness to seek feedback.

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

To thrive as an Inspector Trainee, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and basic knowledge of inspection procedures or quality standards. Familiarity with measurement tools, inspection software, and safety regulations is often required, and some roles may prefer candidates with certifications like OSHA or relevant technical training. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate inspections, compliance with standards, and contribute to the overall safety and quality of products or operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Inspector Trainee jobs in California? For Inspector Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Inspector Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Inspector Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Inspector Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,983 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

BUILDING MECHANICAL INSPECTOR (9) - 4251 (REVISED 06-03-26)

City of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

$114K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 15 days ago


City Of Los Angeles rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

DUTIES ANNUAL SALARY: $114,150 to $127,242 NOTE: Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

A Building Mechanical Inspector inspects residential construction of two dwelling units or less, accessory buildings, signs and swimming pools to secure conformance to zoning ordinances, building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes and approved plans, specifications and standards; investigates all complaints and alleged code violations on all buildings; conducts surveys to identify blight, deterioration, and substandard conditions; issues appropriate orders to comply and citations; and assists in training other inspection employees as required. REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S) Four years of full-time paid experience as a building, construction, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, housing, or combined inspector for or on behalf of a governmental agency engaged in general residential construction; or Four years of full-time paid experience as a licensed general, masonry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical contractor engaged in general residential construction; or Two years of full-time paid experience in carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, in general residential construction following the completion of a recognized apprenticeship program; or Eight years of full-time paid experience in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or other construction related craft work in general residential construction; or One year full-time paid experience, as an Assistant Inspector III or an Inspector Trainee III with the City of Los Angeles. PROCESS NOTES Applicants filing under Requirement #3 must submit proof of completion of a recognized apprenticeship program at the time of filing.

The requested document(s) must be attached to the on-line application BEFORE the application is submitted. If the document(s) is attached AFTER the on-line application has been submitted, it will not be available to the City and applicants WILL NOT be credited with having submitted the document(s). Applicants who fail to submit the document(s) at the time of filing by not attaching it to the on-line application will not be considered further in this examination.

A valid certification from the International Code Council (ICC) per Article 5.13 of MOU #5 and Assembly Bill AB717 is required within two years from the date of appointment to the class. A valid Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required at the time of filing. Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI

Upon appointment, a Building Mechanical Inspector will be required to furnish an automobile, properly insured, for use in City service. Mileage will be paid according to established rates. WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications will only be accepted on-line on the dates listed in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin.

When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity. NOTE: Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter

APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications will only be accepted on-line on the dates listed below: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 to THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2027 to THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2027 The examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. Filling periods may change without prior notice or additional dates may be added, as needed, at a later date. For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen on the dates noted in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the multiple-choice test in the following order: 1) Los Angeles City promotional applicants who meet the minimum requirements. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to apply for this examination as a promotional candidate; 2) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles on a part-time or exempt basis who meet the minimum requirements; 3) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates

Applicants not selected to be tested may re-apply in a subsequent filing period in order to be considered for that period's selection process. SELECTION PROCESS Examination Weight: Multiple-choice Test - 100% The examination will consist entirely of a weighted multiple-choice test administered and proctored on-line. In the on-line multiple-choice test, the following competencies may be evaluated: Reading Comprehension; Judgment and Decision Making; Safety Focus; Customer Service; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: symbols used in the building trades; approved building materials and equipment; proper methods of installation; terminology and materials used in the building trades; the Los Angeles Residential Building Code; the National Electrical Code; the Los Angeles City Plumbing Code; the Los Angeles City Zoning Code; the Los Angeles City Mechanical (Heating and Refrigeration) Code; the Los Angeles City Building Code; and the Los Angeles City Green Code; the ability to: work from plans while on a job site; perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages); read street maps; and other necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.

The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line

Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination. For candidates who apply between FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be held between TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2026 and MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2026. For candidates who apply between FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2027 and THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2027, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be held between TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2027 and MONDAY, JULY 12, 2027.

Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to https://per.lacity.org/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Building Mechanical Inspector. FAQs for on-line testing are available at https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html. Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility

NOTES: This examination is based on a validation study and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin

As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf

You may take the Building Mechanical Inspector multiple-choice test only once every 365 days. If you have taken the Building Mechanical Inspector multiple-choice test within the last 12 months, you may not file for this examination at this time. Names may be removed from the open competitive list after six (6) months.

Your rank on the eligible list may change as scores of candidates from other administrations of this examination are merged onto one list. In conjunction with Civil Services Rules, applicants who have received a regular appointment to a City position or are on a reserve list will be considered Promotional candidates while all other applicants will be considered Open candidates. The promotional list will ordinarily be used ahead of the open competitive list.

However, if open competitive candidates receive a higher score, without military credits, than the highest available promotional candidate, after adding 0.25 of a point seniority credit for each year of continuous classified City service, the Civil Service Commission, upon request of the appointing authority, may approve certification of such open competitive candidates ahead of the promotional candidates. A final average score of 70% or higher is required to be placed on the eligible list. In accordance with Civil Service Rule, 4.24, review periods may be combined

Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list. Notice: If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position

All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers. THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN BOTH ON AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html


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