The County of San Mateo Planning & Building Department is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector.
Under general supervision, Building Inspectors inspect public and private buildings, structures, and related installations being constructed, altered, or repaired to determine conformance with approved plans and specifications and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances. In addition, Building Inspectors investigate complaints, advise and assist building contractors and property owners on the use of materials and building methods, and coordinate inspections with other agencies and organizations. Specific duties include inspection of plumbing, water, gas, and electrical work as well as general construction work; preparing reports and maintaining records; processing and issuing permits; and minor plan checking.
Building Inspector I is the trainee level class in the Building Inspector series, responsible for learning the tasks and responsibilities involved in the inspection of public and private buildings. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II/III by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level work under general supervision while learning job tasks, but as experience is gained, incumbents work with greater independence and are given more responsible assignments. Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for conformance with established procedures.
Building Inspector II is the journey-level class in the Building Inspector series. Employees at this level are capable of working independently and performing a full range of inspections of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural work as well as general construction.
Building Inspector III is the advanced level class in the Building Inspector series. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II by the performance of the full range of more complex and difficult inspection activities. Employees at this level assist in training less experienced inspectors and provide assistance with difficult situations in the field. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement based on experience and acceptable work performance.
The ideal candidate will have:
- At least two years of experience conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures and working in a jurisdiction performing a combination of field inspections and minor plan reviews.
- Be well-versed in the area of building construction and safety.
- Have experience training less experienced inspectors and provide assistance with difficult situations in the field.
- The ability to analyze and interpret building and zoning codes, ability to determine the scope of grading and erosion control.
- Knowledge of laws and regulations to resolve complex issues or situations.
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- excellent customer service skills.
In addition, the ideal candidate will have the skill and ability to:
- Work at indoor and outdoor construction sites at different heights and in confined spaces.
- Walk on uneven surfaces.
- Climb into trenches.
- Work on ladders.
Possession of a Combination Inspector Certification (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) from a recognized testing organization, and California Access Specialist (CASp) Certification are highly desirable.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Inspect structures being built, repaired or altered for conformance with approved plans and specifications and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
- Inspect plumbing, water, and gas lines, gas appliances, electrical services, electrical wiring, motor installations, setbacks, quality of materials used, and general construction of buildings.
- Investigate building code violations; post "stop work" notices on work in progress that does not conform to law; post notices on houses unsafe for occupancy; prepare correction notices; order corrections and improvements.
- Inspect existing structures for unsafe or substandard conditions; write correction and violation notices; make reinspections.
- Make final inspections; issue certificates of final inspections; prepare reports of inspections and work completed.
- Advise builders and property owners on building construction methods and code requirements; advise on building practices; assist with problems and interpret codes; wait on counter, answer phones, and write correspondence giving information on codes, general requirements, zoning regulations, and inspections.
- Assist the public by processing permits, receiving fees, and writing receipts.
- Review building plans.
- Prepare reports and maintain records.
- Coordinate work with other agencies on code and ordinance provisions and in cooperative efforts to improve housing in deteriorated areas.
- Maintain surveillance of substandard dwelling units to expedite rehabilitation, abatement, demolition, or court action.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
Building Inspector II: One year of experience in conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures.
Building Inspector III:Two years of experience in conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures.
Licensure/Certification:
Building Inspector I: Obtain certification as a building inspector from a recognized state, national or international association within two years of employment, pursuant to State requirements.
Building Inspector II/III: Possession of certification from a recognized state, national, or international association.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Thurs day, July 10, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: July 14 - 18, 2025
Civil Service Panel Interviews: July 31 and/or August 1, 2025
