Building Inspector / Specialist / Senior

Job Description:

Building Inspector / Specialist / Senior

Description

Description

The City's Planning & Development Services Department is offering an exciting opportunity for team-oriented professionals to fill the positions of Building Inspector, Building Inspector Specialist or Senior Building Inspector, depending upon qualifications. You will work closely with builders, owners, designers, construction managers, and developers to ensure projects comply with all applicable code requirements. This opportunity provides unique experience, exposure, and access to the industry's leading talent within Palo Alto's innovative and high-standard community.

Successful candidates will join a well-established team of inspectors known for their strong work ethic and professional aptitude. This collaborative group supports each other in serving the community, with building inspectors playing a critical role in facilitating safe, successful, and code-compliant projects that constituents depend on.

Ideal Candidate

• Have experience working as a building inspector
• Possess ICC certifications
• Have excellent customer service skills
• Interact effectively with co-workers and the public
• Have experience working in a municipality

Depending on applicant qualifications, positions may be filled at the appropriate level/salary of:

• Building Inspector ($113,152.00 - $138,528.00 Annually)
• Building Inspector Specialist ($120,681.60 - $147,763.20 Annually)
• Senior Building Inspector ($139,422.40 - $170,768.00 Annually)

Benefits: Fantastic benefits package! To learn more, click Here .

Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan. To learn more, click Here .

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

More than one position may be filled through this posting.

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

For all levels:

• Makes periodic field inspections of work in progress, for example, foundations, plumbing, electrical, framing, mechanical equipment, etc.
• Approves acceptable work or indicates revisions necessary for code or ordinance compliance.
• Conducts final inspection of completed buildings or structures.
• Makes specified inspections of commercial and industrial occupancies to ensure that occupancies and conditions are in conformance with applicable codes and ordinances for use and occupancy.
• Explains code or ordinance requirements to City personnel, builders, architects, contractors, and the public.
• Maintains records of inspections, violation notices, investigations, and other related data.

For Senior Building Inspector:

• Makes periodic field inspections, review field revisions and determines if those revisions need to be submitted for review. Resolves discrepancies and conflicts.
• Collaborates with and supports code enforcement on building-related cases to document and resolve outstanding permitting and safety issues.
• Provides lead direction, monitors and assigns work for the Inspector of Record on Capital Improvement Projects.
• Acts as a liaison to minimize or resolve disputes between Building Inspection staff and developers, contractors, architects, engineers and the public.
• Coordinates and conducts training program. Identifies training needs; sources and or provides training to staff. Identifies training needs and opportunities to conduct and provide training to staff, building permit applicants and community members.
• Reviews changes and updates to all inspection Guidelines prior to publication.

Related Functions :

• May assist in plan review of industrial and commercial buildings.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

For all the levels :

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Five years of building inspection experience.
• Possession of a driver's license.

Special Requirements:

Building Inspector:

• Possession of, or within in one year of employment, International Code Counsel (ICC) Residential Building Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector certificate.

For the full Building Inspector job description, click Here.

Building Inspector Specialist:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of employment, International Code Counsel (ICC) Residential Building Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector Certificate. Must also have one specialty certification in addition as defined by the Chief Building Inspector.

For the full Building Inspector Specialist job description, click Here.

Senior Building Inspector:

• Possession of International Code Counsel (ICC) Residential or Commercial combination inspection certifications (Building Inspector, Mechanical, Plumbing, & Electrical) and one premium certification: LEED BD+C and CASp certifications or equivalent within one year of hire.

F or the full Senior Building Inspector job description, click Here.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:
Office and construction site environment; exposure to dust, noise, odors, uneven walking surfaces, and inclement weather. Activities include climbing, stooping, light lifting, crawling, and inspecting in confined areas, in proximity to construction equipment. Required to implement the use of personal protective equipment as needed: masks, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves, hard hats and sturdy shoes.

The Selection Process:

• Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text (please enroll in text alerts when applying).
• Updates can also be found on your governmentjobs.com account.
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
• The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

Closing Date/Time: 7/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$113,152.00 - $138,528.00 Annually