Neighborhood Preservation Officer/Building Inspector I/II (20676515)

The ideal candidate will:

be motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Neighborhood Preservation Officer/Building Inspector I/II. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical expertise and exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively serve our community. 

This individual will be responsible for ensuring compliance with building codes and neighborhood standards. Key qualifications include a strong foundation in the California Building Codes, the ability to interpret construction plans, and experience conducting thorough inspections. Equally important is the ability to engage with the public effectively, addressing neighborhood preservation issues with tact, diplomacy, and a problem-solving mindset. The successful candidate will be a proactive communicator, capable of explaining complex regulations clearly to homeowners, contractors, and residents alike. 

We are looking for a team player who is passionate about public safety and dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community through diligent code enforcement and collaborative community engagement. 

This is an open competitive/promotional recruitment, meaning that it is open to qualified permanent employees and any other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.  Two employment lists will be created for internal promotional and an open list of all other non-current EPA employees. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Principles and procedures of record-keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.  Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.  Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, business and regulatory organizations, property owners, developers, contractors, and the public. California construction codes, zoning ordinances, and related codes. Basic requirements of zoning and related codes, ordinances, and regulations. Methods and procedures used in code compliance, including citation issuance procedures, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare legal documents. Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.  Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance. Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and following through with court procedures. Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Demonstrate proficiency in core mathematical disciplines and be able to apply these concepts to solve practical problems.  Principles of providing functional direction and mentoring team members.  The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.  Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.  Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.  Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices.  Record-keeping principles and procedures, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques. 

Ability to: Prepare accurate and effective reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications, and other written materials; maintain accurate and precise records.  Maintain accurate logs, records, and written documentation of work performed.  Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to code compliance. Educate property owners, residents, and other parties on codes and regulations in a clear and approachable way. Recognize and explain occupational hazards, standard safety practices and potential occupational risks in code compliance work. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Review, understand, interpret, and analyze construction blueprints, plans, specifications, architect and engineering drawings, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies. Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner. Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments. Detect faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied. Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations. Coordinate and deal with contractors, engineers, and property owners, as well as investigate building code violations and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 

LEVEL I: 

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college-level coursework or technical training in fields such as code compliance, law enforcement, construction technology, building inspection, or a related area. 

Experience: Two (2) years of journey-level experience in craft work within the building trades, processing permit applications, enforcing various building and/or planning codes, or reviewing plans for compliance with regulations and codes, including one (1) year of experience involving the interpretation, explanation, or enforcement of laws and regulations. 

License and Certifications:  

Possession of a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) Residential Building Inspector Certificate at the time of appointment. Within 12 months of hire, must obtain a residential certification in one (1) of the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Inspection. The remaining two (2) certifications must be completed within 24 months of hire, for a total of four (4) certifications. Certifications must be issued by the International Code Council (I.C.C.) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (I.A.P.M.O.), or alternative certifications recognized by these organizations, if deemed acceptable. 
 
Must obtain certification from a recognized Neighborhood Preservation/Code Enforcement Association (such as the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers [CACEO] or equivalent) at date of hire. 

LEVEL II: 

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college-level coursework or technical training in fields such as code compliance, law enforcement, construction technology, building inspection, or a related area.  

Experience: Two (2) years of experience equivalent to a Building Inspector I or Neighborhood Preservation Officer I with the City of East Palo Alto; or Three (3) years of increasingly responsible municipal code compliance experience; or 

 License and Certifications:  

At the time of appointment, possession of two (2) certifications in Commercial and two (2) certifications in Residential Building, Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Inspection. The remaining four (4) certifications must be obtained within 24 months of hire, for a total of eight (8) certifications. Certification as a Residential Plans Examiner must be obtained within 36 months of hire. Candidates with a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Building Inspector I with the City of East Palo Alto must possess all eight (8) certifications in Commercial and Residential Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Inspection at the time of hire. Certification as a Residential Plans Examiner must be obtained within 24 months of hire. 

Additional Requirement for both levels:  

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a good driving record at the time of appointment. 

Certifications must be issued by the International Code Council (I.C.C.) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (I.A.P.M.O.). Alternative certifications recognized by these organizations may be accepted if deemed appropriate. 

Possession of a certificate of completion of Penal Code § 832 Course in Arrest, Search, and Seizure, issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, within one (1) year of appointment. Also required is compliance with CA Codes § 18949.25-18949.31 under the 2007 California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 7 (Construction Inspectors, Plans Examiners, and Building Officials).