Description

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a dedicated Building Inspector to help ensure safe, sustainable development and support the projects that strengthen our community.

APPLY AT: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/slobispo/jobs/5247073/building-inspector-i-ii

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, so please hold that date. 

Please note:  Hiring incentives are not guaranteed but may be valued up to $3,000 for positions deemed hard to fill by the Director of Human Resources. For those candidates who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, relocation assistance up to $6,000 may be available. In addition, the City is also honoring service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service.  
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE: The successful candidate for this role is an experienced and skilled Building Inspector with thorough expertise in all inspection areas, including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and accessibility. They can independently conduct inspections across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, review plans for code compliance, and enforce regulations effectively. This candidate is a confident problem-solver and mentor, able to guide and train junior staff while providing expert consultation on complex construction and safety issues. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety are essential.

JOB SUMMARY: Performs field inspections of buildings and other structures being constructed, altered, or repaired to ensure conformance with approved plans, building codes, and ordinances; conducts field investigation of alleged violations of land use and building codes; and interprets and enforces building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, green, and energy codes.  This job class requires a thorough knowledge of current State and City laws, codes and ordinances related to building construction.  Positions in this classification work independently in assigned area while performing established inspection duties.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: 

Building Inspector I is the entry-level in this technical classification series.   Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive training in building codes and inspection procedures and techniques.  Incumbents perform a variety of building inspections and code enforcement investigations, but do not generally independently inspect the larger, more complex projects. Incumbents are expected to advance to the Building Inspector II after having gained the knowledge, skill and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to work in the higher-level classification.

Building Inspector II is the experienced-level classification in this series.  Incumbents, under general supervision, independently perform a full range of inspections in all code area, types, sizes, and complexity of building construction.   Incumbents in this class will also assist in the training and orientation of junior inspectors and support staff.

SUPERVISION:
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

Inspects new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and structures in various stages of construction or alteration for compliance with approved plans and building codes, laws, and ordinances.
Performs field inspections of grading operations and site development at various phases of construction to determine compliance with codes and zoning regulations.
Investigates complaints and alleged violations of building codes; issues notices of non-compliance regarding code requirements and applicable ordinances.
Enforces building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes; ensures use of approved materials and components.
Conducts inspections and issues correction notices to ensure compliance with the City’s MS4 permit relating to stormwater regulations and best management practices as outlined in the City’s Stormwater Program Department Agreement. 
Ensures the correction of defects; issues stop work orders and correction notices; monitors permits subject to expiration to expedite completion and to finalize the work authorized.
Reviews building plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Inspects water and sewer lines, parking lots, bridges, culverts, retaining walls, walkways, storm drains, etc.
Inspects framing, foundations, and electrical, mechanical and plumbing installation on new construction and alterations.
Completes administrative duties including inspection scheduling, permit close-outs, and preparation of construction plans and supporting documents to be scanned at time of permit final.
Acts as information source to property owners, builders, contractors, and architects regarding code compliance; explains and interprets building codes and regulations.
Prepares reports, correspondence and form letters concerning job status, complaint investigations, etc.
Maintains accurate records and prepares reports related to assignment.
Attends seminars for code classes and training; attends other meetings as assigned.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required. 
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

Basic principles, methods, techniques, and practices of building inspection.
Basic provisions of State, County, and City laws, codes, and ordinances relating to building construction, grading, and drainage.
Types of building materials and variations in their quality.
Modern methods of building construction.
Acceptable health and safety standards in building construction.
Basic construction mathematics.
Personal computers and software applications.
In addition to the above, the Building Inspector II will be required to have knowledge of: 
Thorough knowledge of all provisions of State, County, and City laws, codes, and ordinances relating to construction, grading, and drainage.
Ability to:

Interpret and enforce provisions of applicable building codes, ordinances, and regulations enforced by the City dealing with construction, grading, drainage, and site development.
Apply technical knowledge of building trades work.
Use sound inspection methods to examine workmanship and materials, and to detect deviations from plans, specifications, and standard installation practices.
Read and interpret building plans, calculations, and soils reports.
Review and check plans for and conformance with codes and ordinances.
Operate and maintain all related equipment in proper working condition including standard office equipment and a city vehicle.
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms.
Establish and maintain records and prepare reports related to assignment.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
In addition to the above, the Building Inspector II will be required to have the ability to:  

Independently conduct inspections for all types and components of building construction.
Develop expertise in all inspection and investigation functions.
Train and orient junior inspectors and staff.

Requirements

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Building Inspector I

Two years college level studies in construction management, engineering, architecture or a related field; 

and 

Two years of progressively responsible experience in the construction industry or one year experience as a building inspector;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
A valid certification as a Residential or Commercial Building Inspector or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
Building Inspector II

Two years college level studies in construction management, engineering, architecture or a related field;
and
Three years of progressively responsible experience in the construction industry or two years’ experience as a building inspector; demonstrating proficiency in performing more complex types of inspections;
or
 An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
A valid certification as a Commercial Building Inspector at time of hire, and;
One additional certification as either a Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Commercial Mechanical Inspector, Commercial Electrical Inspector, or Commercial Plans Examiner, 
or;

Two additional residential certifications within one year of hire. Additional certifications may be in the specialties of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or plans examiner.
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

Pre-employment Physical
Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ)