Building Inspector I

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions in a variety of service areas and locations throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium.

Under direct supervision, inspects construction projects to enforce compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.  Incumbents in this class perform basic building code inspections and assist in the review of construction plans.  Incumbents conduct investigations of alleged violations of housing and building codes and ordinances.  Incumbents in this class receive regular supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

The Building Inspector series provides an excellent career path for those interested in pursuing a career with the County of Mendocino. 

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Inspect structural integrity, electrical installations, mechanical installations, and plumbing on new construction, and alterations to existing construction to ensure compliance with building codes required by the state and local ordinances and laws.
• Assist with the review of plans for construction, alteration, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Perform office work including examining plans, scheduling workday, filing permits and plans, logging and issuing permits, answering telephones and other office duties as needed.
• Schedule appointments with contractors for construction and/or alteration inspections at various phases of completion.
• Inspect set-backs from property lines and boundary determinations to ensure compliance with approved plans, codes, and ordinances.
• Approve projects meeting codes and issue appropriate permits.
• Post stop-work orders in response to complaints for unpermitted work, or work not conforming to plans, specs, or codes.
• Maintain records of inspections and actions taken.
• Act as information resource on building code compliance to contractors, builders, and the general public.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs, and by reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Prepare and maintain various reports and records, and compose correspondence related to inspection activities.
• May serve as backup for other positions within the unit.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• California construction codes, zoning ordinances, and state and county health codes.
• Methods and safety standards of building construction.
• Principles and techniques of building inspection and structural design.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
• General office procedures, policies, and practices, as well as knowledge of computers and other general office equipment and associated software.

Skills in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks.
• Understanding, interpreting, and communicating complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.

Mental and Physical Abilities to:

• Read and interpret building plans, specifications, codes, and regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Deal with problems involving several variables in a wide range of standardized situations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list. 

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known.  You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request. 

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

Employment in some County departments or positions may require proof of Covid-19 vaccination/booster per the applicable California Public Health Officer's Order.

The option for telework may be available. Eligibility for telework is based on the position, employee, and telework environment; not every position, or every employee will be compatible to telework. Please see Policy #57 Telework Policy and Program Guidelines for details.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

Salary : $64,189 - $78,021