Salary : $123,036.00 - $151,896.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 264026-02
Department: Community Development
Division: Building & Safety
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Job Summary
DEFINITION

This classification will independently perform the full range of combination building inspection duties involving residential , commercial, and other construction; inspects building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing installations for compliance with approved plans, applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; resolves inspection and code-compliance issues; provides technical assistance to contractors, design professionals, property owners, and the public, and performs related duties as assigned.

Note: This classification is eligible for a $15,000 signing bonus for new employees.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Building Inspector II is the experienced journey level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents independently perform combination inspections involving multiple construction disciplines and are expected to exercise judgment in interpreting and applying applicable construction codes.
This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector I by the greater degree of independence, complexity of assignments, required building inspection experience, and requirement for multiple ICC commercial inspector certifications.
It is distinguished from Senior Building Inspector in that the Senior classification handles the most complex and sensitive inspection assignments, serves as a technical resource, assists in training and mentoring inspection staff, and is required to demonstrate competency in all four major commercial inspection disciplines.
SUPERVISION

Works under the general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other designated supervisory staff who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. May provide technical assistance and training to Building Inspector I employees. No supervision exercised.

Representative Duties

• Independently performs combination inspections of residential and commercial buildings and structures.
• Inspects structural, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction for compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
• Performs inspections at various stages of construction including foundation, reinforcing steel, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-resistive construction, accessibility, energy compliance, and final inspection.
• Reviews approved construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and related documents in preparation for and during field inspections.
• Determines whether construction complies with approved plans, applicable codes, standards, ordinances, and permit conditions.
• Identifies violations and deficiencies and determines appropriate corrective action.
• Issues correction notices and, within delegated authority, stop-work or other enforcement notices.
• Conducts follow-up inspections and verifies correction of identified violations.
• Explains technical code requirements to contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners, and members of the public.
• Resolves routine to moderately complex disputes regarding inspection requirements and code interpretation.
• Coordinates inspection issues with plan review staff, code enforcement personnel, fire personnel, public works staff, and other agencies.
• Reviews minor field changes and construction modifications within delegated authority and refers changes requiring engineering or formal plan review to appropriate staff.
• Evaluates alternate construction conditions and refers requests for code modifications or alternate methods and materials to appropriate authority.
• Investigates complaints involving construction without permits, unsafe construction, and code violations.
• Prepares accurate inspection reports, correction notices, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Provides technical assistance and informal training to less experienced inspectors.
• Participates in continuing education and obtains additional ICC certifications in preparation for advancement to Senior Building Inspector.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND, ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, and practices used in residential and commercial
• construction
• Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
• Current California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing,
• Energy, Green Building, and related codes and standards applicable to assigned duties
• Accessibility requirements applicable to building construction
• Accepted inspection practices and procedures
• Construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and technical reports
• Code enforcement methods and procedures
• Principles of documentation and evidence necessary for enforcement

proceedings

• Permit and inspection tracking systems
• Principles of effective public and customer relations

Skill in:

• Learning the correct local, state and federal regulatory codes and standards
• Understanding and interpreting plans and specifications
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Using standard office equipment, software applications, and computerized permit tracking systems

Ability to:

• Independently conduct residential and commercial combination inspections

Apply building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing requirements to field conditions

• Interpret complex construction plans and specifications
• Recognize unsafe or noncompliant construction
• Determine appropriate corrective actions
• Exercise independent judgment within delegated authority
• Resolve routine code interpretation and inspection disputes

Explain technical requirements clearly to construction professionals and the public

• Coordinate effectively with plan review and other regulatory staff
• Prepare clear, complete, and defensible inspection documentation
• Assist in training and developing less experienced inspectors

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• College-level coursework or technical training in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, code administration, or a related field is desirable.
• An Associate's degree in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Two years of work experience as Building Inspector I with the City of Santa Monica or four years of paid work experience performing combination inspections, including residential and/or commercial construction inspection.

Licenses and Certifications
Licenses

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Certificates

Possession and maintenance of the following ICC certifications is required:

• Commercial Building Inspector (B2) or Residential Building Inspector (B1). A candidate who does not possess both of these certifications at the time of hire must obtain the other certification within 12 months of hire.

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following commercial certifications:

• Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
• Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2)
• Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following residential certifications:

• Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
• Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)
• Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)

Possession of additional ICC certifications in the remaining commercial inspection disciplines is highly desirable.
Required certifications shall be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must file a clear, concise and complete City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma, if applicable and copies of your certificates from the International Code Council with your application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of the following:

• Oral Interview: 100%

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some work is generally performed indoors. On occasion when inspections are being conducted will shadow/train with experienced staff at construction sites, abandoned buildings, and outdoor work sites, learning building codes, ordinances and documentation standards.

Physical demands include standing, bending, stooping, crawling, lifting up to 25 pounds, climbing ladders and flights of stairs, walking and sitting. Counter work and working in front of a computer terminal is also required. Exposure to dust, direct, odors, noise, vibrations and other outdoor elements may be encountered.
The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
01

Do you possess an I.C.C. Certification as a Commercial Building Inspector (B2)?If YES, you must submit a copy of your certificate. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. You may upload copies to your on-line application. Failure to provide B1 or B2 certification will result in your application being disqualified.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess an I.C.C. Certification as a Residential Inspector (B1)?If YES, you must submit a copy of your certificate. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. You may upload copies to your on-line application. Failure to provide B1 or B2 certification will result in your application being disqualified.

• Yes
• No

03

Note: A candidate who does not possess both of the above-listed I.C.C. certifications (B1 or B2) at the time of hire must obtain the other certification within 12 months of hire.
04

Do you have a valid class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your experience performing standard and/or special building inspections for a government agency or equivalent. Please include the names of your employers where you performed the duties; your dates of employment, and your specific responsibilities.
Required Question