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City of San Jose

Building Inspector Combination/Certified I/II/II/Senior - PBCE, Building Divisio

City of San Jose, San Jose, California, United States, 95199

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About the Department The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards. This is

accomplished

by departmental staff in service to customers by: Assisting

and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and

objectives

that

render

safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities

Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements

Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property

in order to

promote,

maintain

, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods

The Department is seeking applicants who are committed to understanding, executing, and improving the customer experience to best achieve the above goals and

objectives

. This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning, building, and code enforcement processes.

Strong communication

and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community. Additionally, applicants who

possess

a strong knowledge of planning principles, building codes, and/or regulatory requirements will be highly valued, as they will play a key role in ensuring compliance and promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable development practices. The Building Division is actively recruiting for multiple full-time Building Inspector Combination

/Certified

I/II/III/Senior

(BIC) positions across all three specialty areas

: Building, Electrical, and Plumbing/Mechanical.

About the Division The City’s Building Division provides oversight and

assistance

towards the City's growth and development in relation to construction activity on private property within the City

.

The goal is to ensure the safety of buildings and to support the health and wellbeing of all persons living and working in San Jose through the implementation of the State of California’s current building codes and laws

. The Building Division is divided into the following four sections: Permit

Center

: Plan intake and routing to plan review and Development Services Partners, over the counter permit processing,

permit

issuance, addressing,

assistance

desk/public information, and ADU Ally.

Plan Review

: Review of private development project plans and calculations for compliance with the California Building Codes and state laws, coordination with Development Services partners,

expedited

review, and coordinated review

.

Inspection

: Inspects active private construction projects for compliance with the approved plans and adopted building codes and state laws.

Support Services

: Development Services call center, document imaging, records requests, and

general support

for the building division

.

What We Do The

Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department’s

Building Division ensures compliance with the all the above-mentioned obligations by annually reviewing, analyzing, conducting, researching, processing, issuing, inspecting, and providing: 30,000 building permits

6,000 plan reviews

110,000 inspections

21,000 customers

assisted

52,000 calls answered

Salary ranges for this classification are: Building Inspector Combination: $114,769.20 - $139,579.44 Annually

Building Inspector

Combination

Certified I: $118,154.40 - $143,554.32 Annually

Building Inspector

Combination

Certified II: $121,321.20 - $147,878.64 Annually

Building Inspector

Combination

Certified III: $126,169.68 - $153,709.92 Annually

Building Inspector

Combination

Certified Senior: $143,073.84 - $174,370.56 Annually

This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be

determined

by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. The Building Division is actively recruiting for multiple full-time Building Inspector Combination/Certified I/II/III/Senior (BIC) positions across all three specialty areas: Building, Electrical, and Plumbing/Mechanical.

These specialties ensure that inspections are performed by professionals with focused

expertise

while

maintaining

the flexibility necessary to address the complex needs of diverse projects

.

This helps

maintain

high standards

of safety, code compliance, and quality in both commercial/industrial and residential buildings. BIC

posit

ion

s

are flexibly staffed and classified at five levels

.

Incumbents are

designated

upon hire to one of the three specialty inspection areas

.

Regardless of declared specialty, all inspectors will serve as combination inspectors for single-family residential construction projects

.

The Building Division provides a comprehensive Combination Building Inspection Academy to ensure that every inspector is fully trained and qualified to perform inspections across all three trades – building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical - for single-family residential projects

.

This cross training enables inspector to conduct comprehensive inspections covering all trade disciplines for these types of structures, streamlining inspections, promoting code consistency, and enhancing public safety. For multi

-

family, commercial/industrial, and other complex projects, inspectors are assigned according to their specialty certification to ensure

appropriate expertise

for each inspection type. Electrical Inspectors evaluate wiring, panels, devices, and system installations to ensure safe and code-compliant electrical systems

.

Building Inspectors focus on structural and architectural elements such as foundations, framing, roofs, walls, fire separation assemblies, accessibility features, and energy efficiency compliance

.

Plumbing/Mechanical Inspectors examine water supply, drainage, gas piping, HVAC, and associated systems for proper installation and operation.

BIC

positions

review plans, issue permits, and perform detailed field inspections on new construction, alterations, and repairs covering a wide array of structures and occupancies

.

Their combination certification and cross-training allow them to assess all aspects of a project for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes as well as applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. Specific position assignments will vary depending on the department’s business needs. Building Inspector Combination incumbents reference the

City of San Jose 2022 Construction Guidelines For Residential Construction

on a regular basis to ensure code compliance. These construction guidelines are available on our City of San Jose Building Division website in the

Inspections

section under

Building Inspection Information

. The ideal candidates will

possess

a high level

of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a supreme work ethic

.

These positions require excellent judgment, initiative, perseverance, integrity, organizational skills,

flexibility

and written and verbal communications skills

. Candidates with approved certifications and relevant experience may be appointed to higher classifications.

We strongly encourage candidates with construction trade experience to apply.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Conducts inspections of residential, industrial,

commercial

and manufacturing facilities as assigned by Chief Building Official or designee to ensure compliance with codes, regulations, ordinances, standards, and contract agreements which

includes:

setting up inspection schedules; gathering information and evidence; and, ensuring conformance to plans, specifications, and safety regulations

Investigates building, construction, and land use changes in the field by gathering factual data to

ascertain

present use of land and location of structures; conducting background investigations and research; and preparing reports to use as evidence.

Provides technical

assistance

for development of codes and policies.

Generates written reports and enforcement orders which include noting deficiencies in standards and

submitting

final documentation.

Reviews plans and specifications for compliance with codes which includes assisting in projects in

complying with

regulations, prioritizing deficiencies, and preparing timetables.

Provides technical support for agencies and the public which includes inputting data into system for

general public

access.

Meets with architects, engineers, City officials, and building contractors to discuss construction projects.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for

additional

opportunities that may

utilize

the applicants from this recruitment. The first round of application screenings will take place on 9/2/25

Education and Experience Building Inspector Combination:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience, or two (2) years of combination inspection experience for a public agency and two (2) years of construction related experience equivalent to the above.

Building Inspector Combination Certified I:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience, or two (2) years of inspection experience for a public agency and two (2) years of construction related experience equivalent to the above.

Building Inspector Combination Certified II:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND one (1) year of inspection experience for a public agency. Two (2)

additional

years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience.

Building Inspector Combination Certified III:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND two (2) years of inspection experience for a public agency. Two (2)

additional

years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience.

Building Inspector Combination Certified Senior:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND three (3) years of inspection experience for a public agency. Two (2)

additional

years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience.

Acceptable Substitution

Closely related college level courses such as classes in construction, architecture, fire protection and engineering or equivalent from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required contractor or journey level construction experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years. Licensing Requirements

: Valid California Driver’s License.

Building Inspector Combination:

Obtain and

maintain

valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee’s specialty area as soon as possible but no later than twelve (12) months from the employee’s start date in the classification.

Building Inspector Combination Certified I:

Possess

and maintain valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee’s specialty area

Building Inspector Combination Certified II:

Possess

and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee’s specialty trade and in one (1)

additional

commercial specialty trade.

Building Inspector Combination Certified III:

Possess

and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee’s specialty trade and in two (2)

additional

commercial specialty trades.

Building Inspector Combination Certified Senior:

Possess and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee’s specialty trade and in three (3) additional commercial specialty trades either through maintaining individual certifications, or through maintaining a Commercial Combination Inspector certificate which represents commercial certifications in Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical OR in two (2) additional commercial specialty trades and one other certification such as Plan Review or

CASp

.

Form 700 requirement

(include only if applicable) This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office. The ideal candidate possess the following knowledge and/or skills:

Job Expertise

Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies

and federal and state rules and regulations.

Demonstrates knowledge of and skill in: Applicable construction laws, rules, codes, and

regulations;

Inspection

practices;

Judicial procedures and

practices;

Public administration

principles;

Basic building

principles;

Basic plumbing

principles;

Basic mechanical

principles;

Basic electrical

principles;

Basic construction

principles;

Safety

principles;

Using electrical or mechanical measuring

tools;

Performing

inspections;

Reading and interpreting technical documents, plans, ordinances and

blueprints;

Operating photographic and video equipment to document

evidence;

Preparing sketches and drawings.

Conflict Management U

ses

appropriate interpersonal

styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two o

r

more people.

Customer Service Approaches problem-solving by focusing on customers first; advocates for customer results

point of view; demonstrates

the ability to anticipate

customers’ needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in

a timely, accurate

, respectful, and friendly manner

.

Decision Making Identifies

and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches

for choosing a course of action or developing

appropriate solutions

. Problem Solving Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue;

determines

the

significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at

decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome Flexibility

- makes effective decisions and achieves desired results

in the midst of

major changes in responsibilities, work processes,

timeframes

, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment. Reliability

Completes quality work assignments in

a timely

and efficient manner; fulfills

r

esponsibilities and

maintains

confidentiality as

appropriate

. Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills Demonstrates a positive attitude and flexibility along with the ability to develop effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping other

accomplish

tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills

. Communication Skills Communicates and listens effectively and responds in

an

timely, effective,

positive

and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are

accurate

, complete, well- organized, legible, concise, and in proper grammatical form.

Selection Process: The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be

considered

or your application may be

deemed

incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please be advised that use

of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to

proceed

in the selection process.

Additional

phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include

a

Practical

. You will be prompted to answer

job-specific questions during the online application process

.

Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response

. If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the

selection

or hiring processes, please conta

ct

E

dmund

Wong at Edmund.wong@sanjoseca.gov

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