Salary : $85,572.00 - $122,796.00 Annually
Location : Civic Center, Lake Forest, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Community Development
Division: Building
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026 6:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description
The City of Lake Forest is seeking qualified candidates for two (2) full-time Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector positions in the Building Division of the Community Development Department. Depending on the qualifications of the selected candidates, the positions may be filled at either the Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector level.

Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

THE ROLE:

Building Inspector

Under general supervision, performs a variety of building inspection duties involved in the inspection of building systems at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for compliance with applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and codes; and provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public.

Senior Building Inspector

Under direction, performs a full range of advanced journey level duties in support of the Building Services Division; leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for the inspection of building systems at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for compliance with applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and codes; acts as a technical expert and provides a variety of support duties often involving interdepartmental coordination; and provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities is described below for each level.

Building Inspector

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Two years of work experience involving building inspection and considerable public contact, preferably in a governmental Building Safety department involving building inspection responsibilities
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Building Inspector at time of appointment.
• Valid Class C California Driver's License and ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy

Senior Building Inspector

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Three years of work experience involving building inspection and considerable public contact, preferably in a governmental Building Safety department involving building inspection responsibilities
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Commercial Building Inspector at time of appointment.
• Valid Class C California Driver's License and ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy

Positions may be filled at either the Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector level based on the qualifications, certifications, experience, and demonstrated ability of the selected candidates.

The annual salary range for the Building Inspector position is $85,572 - $111,240 (DOQ)

The annual salary range for the Senior Building Inspector position is $94,452 - $122,796 (DOQ)

VIEW THE COMPLETE JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

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RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:
First Round Interviews: Week of October 26.
Second Round Interviews: Week of November 9.
Dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are encouraged to plan accordingly, as these are currently the anticipated interview dates.

• Medical coverage with the City paying up to 90% of the highest HMO premium of CalPERS medical for employes and dependents.
• City-fully paid dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Cash-in-lieu option for employees with qualifying outside coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE

The City of Lake Forest utilizes a Pay-for-Performance Compensation Plan, which awards merit increases based on work results achieved against performance targets.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
Management employees may receive annual management leave of 56 hours (department heads); 40 hours (division managers), or 32 hours (other management employees).
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION ALLOWANCE
Employees are entitled to an annual fiscal year allowance on a reimbursement basis for a physical examination. Department Heads can receive up to $500 and all other employees can receive up to $300.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE

Management Team members (i.e., City Manager, Department Heads, Division Managers and Assistant to the City Manager) receive monthly cell phone allowances ranging from $30 - $100.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Upon completion of the initial probationary period (or one year), an employee is eligible for reimbursement of tuition for up to $1,500 per fiscal year for approved completed coursework toward a college degree.

STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS

The City of Lake Forest is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, helping eligible employees reduce or eliminate federal student loan debt while serving the community.

WELLNESS & WORK-LIFE BALANCE

• On-site employee gym
• Flexible work schedules may be available depending on position
• Employees depending on the position may be eligible to telecommute one day per week, per department approval.

Note: This is only a summary of fringe benefits available to full-time employees. Complete descriptions and eligibility criteria may be obtained from Human Resources. (6/25)
01

What is your level of education completed?

• High school diploma/GED
• Some college-level coursework
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate degree
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience in conducting combination building inspections do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, less than 2 years
• At least 2 years, less than 3 years
• At least 3 years, less than 4 years
• At least 4 years, less than 5 years
• At least 5 years, less than 6 years
• At least 6 years or more

03

Possession of a current Residential or Commercial International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector certificate is required at time of appointment. Do you meet this requirement?
04

Please list any other relevant professional certifications or licenses.
05

Do you currently have a valid California Driver's License, or are you able to obtain one by date of appointment?

• Yes
• No

06

This recruitment may be filled at the Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector level. Please indicate the level(s) for which you would like to be considered

• Building Inspector only
• Senior Building Inspector only
• Both Building and Senior Building Inspector

07

Please describe your experience using electronic permitting and inspection systems, mobile inspection devices, electronic plans, and other technology to perform and document field inspections. Please identify the systems or software you have used, if applicable.
08

Please describe your approach to researching an unfamiliar code or construction condition when the applicable requirement is not immediately clear. Identify the resources you typically use to research and resolve code-related questions.
Required Question