BUILDING INSPECTOR

THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY
The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized full service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community with courage, duty, and commitment. With City events like our Summerfest and National Night Out, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant City. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping center, and Disneyland within 15 miles radius of the City providing many options for a rich work-life balance.

CLASS DEFINITION:
To perform a variety of skilled inspection for residential and commercial projects in all stages of construction, alteration and repair to ensure compliance with building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical codes and State and Federal laws; to maintain a variety of inspection related records; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The incumbent works under the direction of the Building Official.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Conduct field visits during various stages of construction to inspect for permits, structural and architectural systems, construction types and special occupancies, excavations, grading; soil conditions, foundations, clearances and setbacks, electrical, plumbing mechanical installations, green building elements and energy conservation requirements, life safety features, fire and smoke protective systems and fire resistive assemblies, means of egress and accessibility, and other miscellaneous building systems and elements.

• Inspect new construction, renovations and remodels, tenant improvements, existing construction, and complaints of violations relating to building, zoning and municipal codes. Issue notices to persons involved where violation to installations is found to be defective.

• Provide general information and technical assistance to developers, architects, contractors, engineers, homeowners, city staff and the general public; confer with contractors concerning installations and correction of work done; consult with supervisors relative to procedures to be followed in cases that are not clearly covered by the code(s).

• Review and investigate complaints of unpermitted activity, defective installations, deteriorated or hazardous conditions; assist in prosecution of violators of regulations; and coordinate tasks and inspection activities with other city departments, and outside agencies.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of building inspections; file completed permits; develop/prepare notices, reports and correspondence.

• Carry out assigned responsibilities in accordance with Department customer service standards and expectations.

• Determine the acceptability of construction work in compliance with the intent of the code.

• Under supervisory direction, review and organize daily inspection schedules and schedule appointments.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES:

• Perform and document storm water pollution prevention inspections as needed.

• Prepare reports of inspections; resolve disagreements concerning inspections and compliances; prepare reports and give testimony in court regarding violations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:
High school graduation supplemented by college level course work in construction technology, inspections technology, or a related field is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE:
Considerable experience and exposure to the various aspects of building inspection or a skilled construction trade is required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

• Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical codes.

• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

• Methods, materials and techniques applied to the design construction, repair and alteration of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

• Possible defects and flaws in building construction, and of effective corrective measures.

• Enforcement procedures.

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

• Read and interpret blueprints.

• Detect and locate defective workmanship and materials and to forecast and correct potential problems.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

• Effectively and accurately read and interpret building plans, specifications, blueprints and diagrams.

• Review plans and specifications, identifying any construction that deviated from expectations.

• Effectively apply provisions of the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical codes; Fire-Life Safety Standards; and related City codes and ordinances.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, contractors, City officials and the public.

• Successfully interact with a diverse customer base.

• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public, architects, engineers and developers.

• Exercise excellent judgement and a common-sense approach to addressing challenging customer service situations.

• Utilize electronic information systems and analyze and interpret such information.

• Work effectively with a minimum of direction; exercise initiative to complete work within a prescribed time limit. 

LICENSE REQUIRED:

Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California Driver’s License.

 

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential or Commercial Building Inspector is required prior to completion of the probationary period and is a condition of continued employment.

Certification as a Residential Combination Inspector or a Commercial Combination Inspector is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Physical demands require climbing up and down ladders to roofs of buildings under construction, bending, stooping and occasionally crawling into attics and under-floor spaces. Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, with exposure to temperature variations, noise, vibrations, fumes, odors, and dust. Physical demands also require bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, and walking over sometimes uneven terrain. Must be able to sit, reach, twist, lean, stand at counter, operate inspection related equipment, lift files and reports from counter tops or file drawers.

Employee must be able to see and hear in normal range with or without correction and communicate verbally and in writing. Employee must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Fountain Valley City employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

NOTE: 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION: 
Non-exempt


IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION: 
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: reference check, background investigation, credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), polygraph, post-offer psychological, post-offer drug test and post-offer medical examination.  

The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date.
 

Salary : $81,695 - $99,301