Building Inspector I/II

Building Inspector I is the entry level class in this building inspection series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform inspections in specialty craft areas, such as building and related mechanical, electrical or plumbing. As experience is gained, inspections expand to include varied craft areas and types of inspection. This class is alternatively staffed with Building Inspector II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

Building Inspector II is the journey level class of the series, fully competent and expected to perform specified inspections on residential, commercial and industrial structures.  Incumbents exercise independent judgment and make sound recommendations based on inspection findings.  This class is distinguished from Senior Building Inspector in that the latter is a lead and/or a specialist class, providing direction and training to inspection staff or independently staffing a satellite office in an outlying geographic area.

• Conducts periodic inspections of construction or remodeling work under permit to enforce building and foundations, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, and related codes and regulations.
• Conducts inspections of residential dwellings to ensure compliance to applicable codes and regulations.
• Inspects soil condition, foundations, forms and reinforcement, roof covers, stairways and exits of property for safety requirements.
• May make on-site inspections for the issuance of business licenses; inspects health related hazards such as unsafe buildings, fire hazards, garbage and debris on property.
• Prepares detailed reports on building conditions and violations and issues citations as required; prepares warning letters to negligent owners or contractors, and carries negligent cases through prosecution channels in situations of non-compliance.
• Advises property owners and contractors on matters relevant to construction and repair methods and materials; investigates and resolves complaints and problems.
• Reviews plans and specifications for buildings and related construction for use in performance of inspections; issues standard construction and occupancy permits and approves final inspection certifications.
• Inspects sites and buildings before construction or alteration to determine practicality of plans, compliance with regulations, and validity of permits.
• Inspects set-backs from property lines and boundary determinations to assure compliance with appraisal plans, uniform codes and zoning ordinances.
• Works closely with other departments to resolve a broad range of problems.
• Maintains records and files of permits and inspections made; may perform field surveys.
• May collect fees and issue permits in the field or at a satellite office.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to the job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques, materials and methods used in a specified building construction craft area, including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building and foundations, and/or others.
• Laws and ordinances regulating building construction and
  zoning.
• Specific codes regulating plumbing, electrical, mechanical, housing or building construction work in area of assignment.
• Building inspection practices and methods, including techniques for dealing with the public in stressful situations.
• Appropriate safety and fire prevention methods used in construction work.

Skill in:

•  Performing thorough and accurate inspections of the construction, alteration or repair of buildings.
• Enforcing a wide range of building, and related codes and regulations.
• Interpreting and applying complex codes and regulations.
• Reading and interpreting plans and specifications and detecting deviations from approved plans.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Dealing courteously and communicating effectively with a variety of individuals, including resolving job-related problems.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports and documentation.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license.  Must complete 15 hours of department approved continuing education credits each calendar year.  For all hires after 1/1/94, must be certified in the building code within two years of hire. Some assignments may require current certification as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp).  Additional certifications are desirable.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Building Inspector I: Two years of experience in EITHER journey level craft work in the building trades, OR processing permit applications and enforcing various building and/or planning codes or reviewing plans for compliance with regulations and codes.

Building Inspector II:  In addition to the above, two years of building inspection experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Building Inspector I.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.  Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Salary : $25 - $36