Building Inspector I/II

This position is open until filled and may close at any time without notice. A first review of applications will take place during the week of August 17, 2026.

About the Role

Join a hardworking team committed to providing top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location. The City of Escondido has an opening for the position of Building Inspector I/II in the Development Services Department/Building Division.

Under regular supervision (Building Inspector I) or general supervision (Building Inspector II), this role involves inspecting building construction or alteration work for compliance with building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and zoning codes. You will assist the public at the permit counter and over the telephone regarding the interpretation of Building Codes and Ordinances, and provide plan check services for minor projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Building Inspector I – This is the entry-level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions at this level have prior experience in construction inspection or general construction and a working knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, Title-24 accessibility, and energy requirements. Incumbents are expected to learn counter, office, and field operations under the direction of a Development Technician or a Building Inspector II/Senior Building Inspector. After successfully completing one year (12 months) as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido and meeting department requirements, incumbents may progress to Building Inspector II.

Building Inspector II – This is the journey-level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions at this level require construction inspection experience or construction experience as a journeyman, including a thorough knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and Title-24 accessibility and energy requirements. Incumbents must demonstrate the ability to perform responsible building inspections and plan checks. This level is typically filled by advancement from Building Inspector I.

Responsibilities

• Inspects buildings and structures under construction, alteration, or demolition to ensure compliance with building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and related codes, ordinances, and State/Federal construction regulations.
• Provides plan check services for minor projects, including residential additions, accessory structures, and commercial/industrial tenant improvements.
• Maintains log books and issues permits when assigned to counter duties; computes fees and issues Building Permits and related permits.
• Assists builders, contractors, architects, and the public in clarifying and interpreting codes and ordinances.
• Verifies that tests of structural materials have been conducted and recorded.
• Inspects the quality of materials and methods of construction for footing, foundation, excavation, wood framing, concrete work, steel erection, lathing, plastering, roofing, masonry, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical installation.
• Keeps a log of inspections and approves or indicates corrective action.
• Checks for construction or alterations performed without proper permits and follows up on public complaints regarding improper construction.
• Advises responsible parties at construction sites where safety violations are observed.
• Drives a City vehicle when the major assignment is field work.
• Testifies in court concerning code regulations.
• May assist in code enforcement, housing, and building maintenance construction projects.
• May perform counter plan checks and assist customers with permits.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of building inspection.
• Requirements of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and related codes and ordinances.
• California vehicular laws.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and software applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
• Algebraic and arithmetic computations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability To:

• Interpret and apply building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and related codes and ordinances.
• Keep abreast of the latest editions and changes of all codes enforced by the Building Division.
• Read and understand complex instructions, such as regulatory policies.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and interpret building plans and specifications; detect deviations from approved plans.
• Detect substandard materials and workmanship.
• Keep records and prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting software applications.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public; represent the department courteously during public contacts.
• Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Qualifications

Education/Training:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Certificate from or enrollment in a Construction Inspection Program from a Community College or university is desirable.

Experience:

• Building Inspector I: One year (full-time equivalent) of experience in construction inspection or general construction.
• Building Inspector II: Two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in construction inspection or construction experience as a journeyman, or one year of experience as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido.

License and Other Requirements:

• Building Inspector I:
  • Certification by the International Code Conference or similarly recognized organization as a Residential Building Inspector or Combination Residential Building Inspector is required within twelve months of employment.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
• Building Inspector II:
  • Possession of Combination Residential Inspector or Building Inspector certification is required.
  • Additional certifications by the International Code Conference or similarly recognized organization are highly desirable.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Pay

• Building Inspector I: $71,545 - $95,878/annual
• Building Inspector II: $82,971 - $111,189/annual

Additional Information

The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment. Safety-sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

Eligible veterans may receive preference in the selection process. To qualify, veterans must have served in the U.S. armed forces, received an honorable discharge, not retired from military service, and be seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time. Guard and Reserve active duty also qualifies.