Description

Description

To inspect buildings and structures in all stages of construction, alteration and repair; to assist in the review of building plans and specifications for permit issuance; to enforce building (residential and commercial), plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, green building and zoning codes and laws; to assist in the issuance of permits and collection of fees; perform related functions as required.

The Building Division is currently accepting applications to fill a vacant Building Inspector Senior position based on qualifications and experience.  This is an open and continuous recruitment until the vacancy is filled.
                                                                                                                                                            
 Want to know why the City of Fairfield is a great place to work?   Click the link below:

Why the City of Fairfield is a great place to work!

This classification is represented by Fairfield Employees’ Association (FEA) and offers an excellent benefits package including:

• CalPERS pension eligibility 
• Generous contributions to medical, dental, and vision plans
  1. 3 medical carriers to choose from: Kaiser, Sutter Health or Western Health
  2. Monthly employee premium as low as $97 for Kaiser family plan
• 50 hours of personal leave (cashable) annually, plus vacation and sick leave
• City paid life insurance, deferred comp and retirement health savings contributions
• A 9/80 work schedule 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily outside and may include exposure to construction noise, heights, potential electrical shock, and construction machinery. May include exposure to unsanitary conditions, odors, and hazardous chemicals. At times, work may include reviewing plans at a desk and covering front counter duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Duties may include transporting light to heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), reaching, pushing, pulling, crawling, climbing, stooping, prolonged periods of standing; walking on uneven surfaces, stepping over trenches, walking on roofs up to 8/12 pitch; climbing ladders and scaffolding two to four stories in height; using a computer keyboard / tablet for data input and typing reports. Ability to see well enough to read gauges, manufacturers' labels and fine print on plans; depth perception to climb ladders and walk on roofs and multi-level framing; ability to distinguish colors to determine correct wiring.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience: Six (6) full-time years of building inspection experience with a public agency, with 3 years equivalent to a Building Inspector III with the City of Fairfield, inspecting all of the major trade fields (carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) are required.
• Education: Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required. Related college course work is highly desirable. Certifications with the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and/or the International Code Council (ICC) are required.

LICENSE AND / OR CERTIFICATE:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's license is required.
• Certifications from the ICC as a Residential and Commercial Building Inspector or equivalent certifications under the ICBO legacy program - are prerequisites. Certification as a Commercial Combination Inspector (i.e., Commercial Building, Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing) or equivalent is required to be obtained within the first twelve (12) months in the position. Certification as a Commercial Plans Examiner may be substituted for one of the above required certifications.
• Certification from the CA Division of the State Architect as a Certified Accessibility Specialist is desirable.
• Certifications shall be maintained as a condition of employment.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct field inspections of building construction, plumbing, electrical or mechanical installations in all stages of completion in residential, commercial or public structures to insure compliance with applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, green, energy and health & safety codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Review the more complex building construction plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations, issue permits accordingly.
• Respond to technical questions from building inspection staff in the field; as necessary, meet with developers and contractors to resolve issues and concerns.
• Identify controversial and troublesome projects; keep supervisor apprised of all projects and potentially problematic concerns and issues.
• Perform plan review for minor construction alterations and additions.
• Conduct final inspections of completed work.
• Investigate violations of building and zoning laws.
• Maintain logs and other records of work; check plans and specifications for completeness and accuracy; issue permits and collect fees.
• Provide information to the public regarding building, installation and zoning requirements.
• Prepare reports of inspections; resolve disagreements concerning inspections and compliances; prepare comprehensive reports and give testimony in court regarding violations.
• Coordinate with Planning, Fire, Public Works, Police and / or outside agencies to facilitate code compliance for typical inspections and investigations.
• Perform and document storm water pollution prevention inspections as needed.
• Provide code-related training to inspection and permit technician staff.
• Oversee inspection staff work loads, scheduling, and field training. Implement modified inspection polices as needed.
• May provide input for inspector annual reviews/performance evaluations.
• Assist the fire inspection staff for less complex inspections as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Complex principles and techniques of building inspection and plans examining work; building tools and materials; accepted safety standards, building and related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City; State and Federal laws and regulations applicable to construction; and modern methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications and building codes; oversee and train technical building inspection staff; interpret, apply and explain construction-related codes, regulations and policies; follow proper building inspection techniques and communicate building inspection requirements, policies and decisions to the public in a courteous and effective manner; make sound independent judgment in complex or difficult situations, within established guidelines; write clear and comprehensive reports and correspondence on administrative and technical issues; establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:
Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.