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SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR
Salary: $58.52 - $74.69 Hourly

The final filing date is, Monday, March 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

We build community trust by delivering exceptional services. Our Core Values of Public Service: Integrity, Leadership, and Respect. The City of Sunnyvale is hiring (1) full-time Senior Building Inspector in the Department of Community Development.

Sunnyvale is a dynamic city in the heart of Silicon Valley. Construction activities continue to grow with a wide range of project types, including tech manufacturing, hazardous occupancies, single-family residential, and multistory mixed-use, multifamily, and commercial buildings.

This position shares the responsibility of supervising 9 experienced inspectors with another Senior Building Inspector. The Building Division is a cohesive and supportive unit that helps each other navigate code compliance and enforcement issues.

The list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the Community Development Department.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The position opens Monday, February 9, 2026 and final filing date is Monday, March 23, 2026 5:00 PM. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units in engineering technology, architecture, construction management or related field; AND
Four years of professional, full-time experience as a building inspector with a public agency, OR
Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; AND
Four years of professional, full-time experience as a building inspector with a public agency and two years as a licensed general contractor.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid Class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.
Possession and continued maintenance of ICC Certifications:  Building Inspector (B1 and B2), Electrical Inspector (E1 and E2), Plumbing Inspector (P1 and P2), and Mechanical Inspector (M1 and M2).

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for performing plan review, inspections, and other duties as required.  The position will also be involved to varying degrees with public education, public relations, exterior hazard abatement, engine company pre-fire planning, record keeping, and report writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Receives supervision from the Fire Marshal. There may be limited supervisory tasks assigned to this classification.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
This position is responsible for the review of plans, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local fire safety laws, ordinances, and codes.  Although not all inclusive, the following serve to represent the various types of plans to be reviewed: planning applications; applications for the subdivision of land; site plans for access and water supply; building and tenant improvement plans; fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, kitchen hood extinguishing systems; and other types of plan reviews that are part of various fire code permitted activities.  

Other duties include attending meetings with other local government agencies such as planning and building departments, architects, contractors, developers, and the general public.  Utilizes the District’s citation process when appropriate and when other means of gaining voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. This position is responsible for conducting in-house training and updating of field inspection staff members on changes occurring in codes enforced by the District.  This position is also responsible for the formulation of standardized field inspection guidelines and record keeping systems for construction projects. Provides supervision, work direction, and technical assistance as directed. Participates in the code change process at the state and international levels. Utilizes tools and technology identified by the District related to performance of tasks. Supports emergency operations as requested and appropriate.

The position is responsible for performing inspections of both new and existing buildings; witnessing various tests required for sophisticated fire protection equipment and verifying proper operation and compliance with applicable codes and standards; prepares necessary correspondence, reports, and records; with regards to projects, confers with architects, engineers, developers, etc.; attends training courses and meetings of professional organizations as directed; performs surveys of fire hazards and processes complaints; conducts and participates in public education and public relations programs; performs other related duties as directed.