Building Inspector

About the role

The Position Upcoming Scheduled Salary Increase of 3% Effective July 2026

Responsibilities

• Inspects residential, commercial, industrial and other buildings for conformance to the California Building Code (CBC) and other related codes and statutes; notes defects in construction work and issues correction notices;
• Conducts field inspections as directed;
• Provides plan check services for compliance with applicable codes for minor projects, including, but not limited to, residential additions and accessory structures, and commercial, industrial tenant improvements;
• Interprets and applies pertinent code requirements; uses proper procedures and techniques of inspection and application and interpretation of Code provisions and departmental policies;
• Receives and investigates complaints on industrial, commercial, and residential conditions, health hazards, and safety hazards;
• Manages inspections and employs de-escalation techniques during a difficult enforcement;
• Checks methods of construction and quality of materials at building sites;
• Provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public in the field and office;
• Prepares, maintains and submits reports and records of inspections;
• Takes the appropriate action to report violations to senior staff that may require legal action;
• Captures the use of the automated building permit system;
• Recommends changes in procedures and work methods related to enforcement of building codes;
• Maintains a variety of files and records related to area of assignment;
• Inputs and retrieves information into computer data bases;
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and a variety of other written material as requested;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.

An example would be:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent;
• Two (2) years full-time experience as a Building Inspector for a municipal or county building department, OR four (4) years of responsible experience in the building, construction, or maintenance trades.

Completion of related college-level courses may be substituted for 1 year of work experience. A certificate or degree in Inspection Technology, Construction Management, Architecture, Drafting, Engineering or a related field from a college or university, and/or a California Building Officials (CALBO) field inspection credential, and/or a certification from the International Code Council (ICC) for Building Inspector or Combination Inspector is highly desirable.

Obtaining an International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspector (B1) within 1 year from time of appointment is required. Obtaining an International Code Council (ICC) Electrical (E1), Plumbing (P1), or Mechanical (M1) certifications within 2 years from time of appointment is required.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California Driver's License is required at time of hire.

Evaluation Process: This recruitment is open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications may occur the week of July 6, 2026. Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the city will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components: Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment.

Panels Interview: Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Selection Interview: TBD The City may change these testing and interview dates at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs.

Special Requirements: The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license at time of appointment. A safe driving record is required and must be maintained during period of employment.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Click here to view the General and Management Benefits Summary

Qualifications

Do you have two (2) years of full-time experience as a Building Inspector for a municipal or county building department, OR four (4) years of responsible full-time experience in the building, construction, or maintenance trades?

If yes, please state where you worked, position titles, and number of years.

If no experience, please put "N/A".

Plan Check Services

If you do not have the full-time years of experience that is required, have you completed related college-level courses which may be substituted for 1 year of work experience?

If yes, please state what related college-level courses you have completed.

If none, please put "N/A".

Certifications

Although not required, do you have any of the following?

• Certificate or degree in Inspection Technology, Construction Management, Drafting, Engineering or related field.
• California Building Officials (CALBO) Field Inspection credential.
• International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector or Combination Inspector certificate.
• None of the above.

Experience Providing Plan Check Services

Describe your experience providing plan check services for compliance with applicable codes for minor projects, including, but not limited to, residential additions and accessory structures, and commercial, industrial tenant improvements.

If no experience, please put "N/A".

California Experience

Although not required, is your full-time related job experience in California?

Yes

No

De-Escalation Techniques

Describe your experience managing an inspection and employing de-escalation techniques during a difficult situation.

If no experience, please put "N/A".

Site Inspections

Describe your experience checking methods of construction and quality of materials at building sites.

If no experience, please put "N/A".

Report Preparation

Describe your experience preparing, maintaining and submitting reports and records of inspections.

If no experience, please put "N/A".

Non-Telecommuting Position

I understand that this is a non-telecommuting position.

Yes

No

Certification Requirements

I understand that if I am considered for this position, obtaining an International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspector (B1) within 1 year from time of appointment is required, and obtaining an International Code Council (ICC) Electrical (E1), Plumbing (P1), or Mechanical (M1) certifications within 2 years from time of appointment is required.

Yes

No