Senior Building Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DESCRIPTION ABOUT US At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.

Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. The mission of the Community Development Department is to assist the public in managing the development of the community in order to protect and preserve the quality of life, promote a sound economic base and appropriate design, and ensure safe construction, all in balance with the constraints of the City's environment and resources. Read more about the Department of Community Development here.

THE POSITIONS The City of Santa Barbara seeks to fill TWO (2) vacancies for the Senior Building Inspector Specialty position in the Community Development Department. The Community Development Department is seeking a knowledgeable Senior Building Inspector Specialty-Accessibility. This position is responsible as the specialist in Accessibility and is expected to handle related inspections and plan checks, as well as be the source of information for staff and the public.

In addition to the position's field of specialty, the employee is also required to understand and carry out general building inspections. This position is also responsible for leading, overseeing, and participating in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing technical building inspections and plans examining work in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations, and ordinances; and performing a variety of technical tasks related to assigned areas of responsibility. The Community Development Department is also seeking a knowledgeable Senior Building Inspector Specialty-Plumbing/Mechanical.

This position is responsible for acting as the specialist in the topics of mechanical and plumbing and is expected to handle related inspections and plan checks, as well as be the source of information for staff and the public. In addition to the position's field of specialty, the person is also required to understand and carry out general building inspections. This position is responsible for leading, overseeing, and participating in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing technical building inspection and plans examining work in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations, and ordinances; and performing a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Distinguishing Characteristics This is the most advanced class in the Building Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, and ability to positively represent the City of Santa Barbara in all situations. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including coordinating and overseeing the work of other staff, and by the performance of the most complex tasks associated with building inspections and plan examinations.

Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility. This position is distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector by its performance of complex building and plan check responsibilities in one of the following areas: Electrical; Plumbing/Mechanical; Code Enforcement; Accessibility; and/or Storm Water Pollution Prevention. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive building inspection program.

Principles of lead supervision and training. Methods and techniques of building inspection. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations. Complex principles and techniques of building inspection and plans examination work. Principle of structural design and engineering mathematics.

Major types of building construction, materials and methods. Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial and residential buildings. Additional knowledge in other fields is a plus.

The Senior Building Inspector Specialty - Accessibility shall be knowledgeable in all Title 24 codes, with in-depth comprehension and expertise in CBC 11-A and 11-B, and associated background knowledge (ADA FHA, history of enforceable dates, etc.) The Senior Building Inspector Specialty - Plumbing/Mechanical shall be knowledgeable in all Title 24 codes, with in-depth comprehension and expertise in the Plumbing, Mechanical, and Energy codes. Ability to: Lead, coordinate and review the work of staff in the work assigned. Independently perform the most difficult building inspections

Interpret, explain, and enforce Department policies and procedures. Interpret and explain City policies and procedures. Prepare clear and concise reports.

Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations. Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications and building codes. Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements.

Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices. Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.

Work independently in the absence of supervision. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Possess the ability to train others in the position's specialty, as well as receive cross-training in other fields. Work on code enforcement cases, investigations, and related activities. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES Any combination of (1) Experience and (2) Education and/or Training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Three (3) years minimum of increasingly responsible building inspection and plans examining experience in the related field. Education and/or Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in the building and construction trades. Additional related degrees, certifications, and/or professional license are desirable.

General permitting experience is desirable. License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements: Applicant must possess a current, valid California driver's license at time of appointment. For all Specialty positions, it is required within one (1) year of employment to obtain an I.C.C

(International Code Council) California Commercial Combination Inspector Certification. Additionally, the Senior Building Inspector Specialty - Accessibility must obtain a CASp certification within one (1) year of employment. SELECTION PROCESS It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment. Please include relevant examples of past work in the documents section of your online application that exemplify you as an ideal candidate (e.g., letters of recommendation or praise, training programs/policies you have implemented, plan reviews that include your corrections/approval, designs that include your information, examples of prior inspections/corrections)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION There are currently TWO (2) vacancies within the Community Development Department. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process.

You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails. OPEN & CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT: Because this recruitment is open and continuous, applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as soon as possible. The filing period for an open and continuous recruitment may be closed at any time

FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON MAY 11TH, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors.

We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered. Disaster Services Assignments As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card.

In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.