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The City of Berkeley is now accepting applications for Assistant Inspector in the Building & Safety Division of the Planning Department! This is a temporary, two-year position with an option for a third year upon approval by the Building Official, once certain criteria and milestones are met during the initial two years.

The Assistant Inspector will learn, in phases, every aspect of the building inspection process under the tutelage of the Building Inspection Section and Permit Service Center staff. This training will include learning and understanding the building permit review and issuance process, gaining and cultivating good customer service skills, studying and learning how to enforce the California and City of Berkeley Building Standards Codes, and acquiring proper building inspection techniques.

Upon approval from the Building Official, the Assistant Inspector will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by performing inspections in the field throughout the City of Berkeley as allowed by State regulations and under the guidance of a Building Inspector as assigned. These inspections will gradually increase in scope and difficulty as new skills and knowledge are acquired and confidence grows. It is expected that the Assistant Inspector will acquire an ICC Residential Building Inspector (ICC B1) certification by the end of year one and an ICC Commercial Building Inspector (ICC B2) certification by the end of the two-year position. At the end of the term and upon Building Official approval, the Assistant Inspector will have the option of promoting into the role of Building Inspector I (certified).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and:

1. Two years of full-time paid experience in one of the following: 
   • Building, civil, or architectural design drafting;
   • Building, housing, or home inspection;
   • Code enforcement;
   • Permit processing;
   • Performing carpentry, electrical, heating and refrigeration, plumbing, or similar work; OR
2. Three years of full-time experience in support of building inspections, housing inspections, or code enforcement; OR
3. Completion of two years of education in a recognized college or university with completion of 12 semester or 16 quarter units in any of the following or similar areas: civil or structural engineering, construction technology, design, inspection technology, architectural drafting, mechanical or, electrical engineering.

Other requirements: Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill job responsibilities. When driving on city business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

First Review of Applications

The first review of applications is June 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).  This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume, response to the writing prompt, and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.

To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online.

Writing Prompt

Scenario: You are a Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office tasked with researching and analyzing policies relevant to homeless services and mitigation practices.

In March 2024, California passed Proposition 1. Proposition 1 authorizes $6.4 billion in bonds to pay for major projects such as housing for veterans and mental health, drug, and/or alcohol facilities.  Proposition 1 will also shift how revenue from the 1% tax on income above $1 million is spent under the law. Proposition 1 renames the Mental Health Services Act (2004) to the Behavioral Health Services Act and expands its purpose to include substance use disorders, including for persons without a mental illness.

The City of Fremont’s Homelessness Response Team is drafting a Homelessness Response Plan for Fremont. The Team will be presenting the plan to City Council in May 2024 for study and potential adoption.

Candidate Task: Draft a memorandum addressing Proposition 1 and its potential impact on the City’s Fremont Homelessness Response Planning strategies. Please include:

• Proposition 1’s possible fiscal impacts
• Recommended changes to Strategy 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the Fremont Homelessness Response Planning

Resources:

Fremont’s Homelessness Response Planning

City of Fremont 2022 Homeless Point-In-Time Count & Survey

City of Fremont Homelessness Response Website

Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.
 
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov.
 
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. 

Please see the Management Analyst I and Management Analyst II job specifications for the full job descriptions.

Join the City of Berkeley's Planning and Development Department in its effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens by enforcing building codes and regulations. As a Certified Building Inspector I or II, you will perform skilled inspection work in the enforcement of building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, zoning and related codes and regulations that govern new building and housing construction, additions, alterations, repairs and use of existing buildings. This work includes resolving problems and complaints to final resolution.

These classifications differ in that the Building Inspector I works under closer supervision and performs less complex inspection work than the Building Inspector II.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities is:
Equivalent to graduation from high school and experience as specified below.

• Building Inspector I:
  • One year of full-time experience as a building inspector with a public agency, OR
  • Four years of full-time experience as a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, building plans examiner, public works inspector or permit specialist, OR
  • Three years of full-time experience in the building construction field as a licensed general, plumbing, electrical or mechanical contractor, OR
  • Completion of a two year AA program or equivalent in construction technology or a related field and a minimum of four ICC certificates including building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical.
• Building Inspector II:
  • Three years of full time experience in building inspection work with a public agency.

Other requirements include possession of a valid International Code Council (ICC) Commercial and Residential Building Inspector Certificate or equivalent. In addition, Building Inspector II requires possession of a valid ICC Commercial and Residential Electrical Inspector Certification or equivalent. Equivalency shall be determined by the building official in accordance with state law. Required certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Incumbents in both positions must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is required.

The Position

The Solid Waste Manager reports directly to the Environmental Services Manager and is responsible for the administration of multiple integrated waste management contracts and programs within the Environmental Services Division. This position supervises a team of technical staff who execute various integrated solid waste management activities and may serve as the division head in the absence of the Environmental Services Manager.

Examples of Duties

• Manage multiple City franchise agreements for solid waste collection, material transfer and recovery, and landfill disposal including negotiating contract terms and monitoring performance.
• Oversee the division’s solid waste programs including planning, organizing, and implementing programs to create environmentally sound and cost-effective methods for the disposal of garbage and household hazardous waste, recovery of recyclables, diversion of organic material, and waste prevention.
• Plan, develop, and oversee the work of integrated waste management staff, providing leadership and fostering staff development.
• Receive and respond to complex customer service requests concerning scope of program, technical information, and service delivery issues.
• Oversee the Division’s public education, outreach, and special events to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable behavior.
• Analyze proposed legislation affecting integrated waste management activities, develops and implements program and policies to ensure City compliance with regulatory mandates.
• Conduct analysis and prepare reports and documents as required by regulatory agencies and for City Council study sessions and meetings.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration.
• Make presentations to City Council, boards, commissions or other public groups and acts as the City designated representative as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Registered Environmental Health Specialist! In this role, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations to make a positive impact for the Berkeley community. You will be responsible for conducting inspections of private and public properties, interpreting sanitary regulations, and investigating complaints for possible health regulation violations. 

As a trusted member of the team, you'll work independently to plan inspections, prepare reports and presentations of your findings, and follow up with recommendations or citations. You will also collaborate with City and agency partners, and you may help provide instruction or project direction for new staff members.

Berkeley is one of just three cities in California with an independent local health jurisdiction. Part of our Health, Housing, and Community Services Department, the Environmental Health Division administers programs in Food Safety, Vector Control, Noise Control, Tobacco Licensing, Cannabis, Recreational Health, Water Quality, and Body Art.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in environmental health, sanitation or a related biological field. State certification in pesticide use and safety and vertebrate vector control is desirable. 

Other requirements:

• Registration by the State of California as an Environmental Health Specialist.
• Valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit a completed application and answers to the supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application. 

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format. 

The Position

The Building Inspector Specialist (Plumbing) enforces the provisions of the Plumbing codes by inspecting both new projects and additions and alterations to existing residential, commercial and industrial buildings; provides technical expertise and training in an assigned functional area; may be assigned to assist at counter or in development activities; and performs related duties as required.

Examples of Job Duties

- Performs inspections, plan checks, and related duties in the specialized plumbing field of building inspection.
- Investigates unlisted equipment and suspect substandard installations to determine product equivalency.
- Resolves disputes over interpretation and application of building codes.
- Reviews building plans to determine compliance to specialized systems and methods and schedules of inspection.
- Meets with City officials, business representatives and the general public to discuss specialized facets of inspection, including procedures and problems.
- Represents the City at meetings and conferences in a positive, constructive, and complementary manner.
- Reviews and approves building permits.
- Trains staff in assigned building inspection specialty.
- Performs combination building inspection duties.
- Prepares correspondence and reports.
- Maintains building inspection records.
- Utilizes computer for tracking projects, writing and generating reports.
- Other duties as assigned.

About Us

Fremont is a well-managed and innovative city! Located in the heart of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Fremont prides itself on innovation, clean technology and advanced manufacturing, a low crime rate, great schools, a low unemployment rate, quality parks, nearby open space, and an incredibly diverse population of over 235,000 residents.  As a full-service city, Fremont employs 962 regular employees and operates on a FY 2020-21 General Fund budget of $213.4 million.  With its strong and diversified business base, Fremont is an important economic force in the region.  The City strives to be an innovator in municipal government, with dynamic leadership provided by the City Council and City Manager.  

The Department

The Community Development Department provides community planning, engineering, code enforcement, and building permit and inspection services. Using the City's General Plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances, the Department acts as the steward of the community by assisting the public through mandated development project reviews, the subdivision of land, and related public improvement plans.
 
To safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare, the Department is also responsible for ensuring that buildings and public improvements are designed and constructed according to established standards and governing regulations. The City's capital assets - such as streets, parks, and public buildings - are designed and constructed under the Department's auspices.

The Position & Responsibilities

- Performs inspections, plan check, and related duties in the specialized field of mechanical building inspections.
- Investigates unlisted equipment and suspect substandard installations to determine product equivalency.
- Resolves disputes over interpretation and application of building codes.
- Reviews building plans to determine compliance to specialized systems and methods and schedules of inspection.
- Meets with City officials, business representatives and the general public to discuss specialized facets of inspection, including procedures and problems.
- Represents the City at meetings and conferences.
- Reviews and approves building permits.
- Trains staff in assigned building inspection specialty.
- Performs combination building inspection duties.
- Prepares correspondence and reports.
- Maintains building inspection records.