Senior Building Inspector

Salary : $87,216.90 - $102,245.40 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-27:05
Department: Building & Safety
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, plans, organizes and supervises building inspection activities and operations plan review, building inspection, inspection of construction, general rehabilitation or repair of commercial, residential and industrial properties, and permitting staff and operations; and performs other related duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Building Inspector, and exercises supervision over the Building Inspectors I, Building and Permit Technicians, and Property Inspectors.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Supervises daily building inspection activities and operations, including plan review, building inspection, inspection of construction, general rehabilitation or repair of commercial, residential and industrial properties, and permitting; administers the effective enforcement of building and safety codes, regulations, and standards.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors work load, identifies opportunities for improvement and directs the implementation of changes.
• Authorizes the issuance of commercial and residential building and construction permits and Certificates of Occupancy; reviews and approves code enforcement actions and reports; may investigate code enforcement complaints; issues violation notices and initiates the abatement process.
• Reviews and approves, and performs field inspections of, residential, commercial and industrial building plans to assure compliance with building codes and municipal codes; inspects construction sites as needed to review and resolve technical issues; resolves problems that arise due to structural design or code issues.
• Responds to requests for information and complaints; provides technical information on interpretation of City codes; researches technical issues, and recommends solutions.
• Coordinates department activities with other departments, outside agencies and organizations; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Represents the Department to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies and activities; investigates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.

• Assists with the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of Department personnel, provides or coordinates staff training, including safety training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Department budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assists with monitoring and approval of expenditures; prepares and presents to the Chief Building Inspector needed budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Performs a variety of administrative activities, including employee scheduling, payroll reporting, and work activity reports; oversees the permitting computer system, creates reports and forms; provides staff training in use of the computer system.
• Composes, reviews, edits and approves a variety of reports, including requests for Council action and weekly or monthly reports of departmental activity.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and continuing education to maintain certification; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building inspection and safety standards.
• May act as Chief Building Official in his/her absence.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Engineering or a related field; AND five (5) years plan review and inspection experience, including two (2) years supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Must possess the following valid certifications issued by the International Code Council:
  • Residential Building Inspector (B1)
  • Commercial Building Inspector (B2)
  • Plans Examiner (B3)
• Must possess at least one of the listed certification combinations:
  • Electrical Inspector: Residential (E1) and Commercial (E2) certifications
  • Mechanical Inspector: Residential (M1) and Commercial (M2) certifications
  • Plumbing Inspector: Residential (P1) and Commercial (P2) certifications

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Methods, practices, materials, and safety hazards associated with construction, remodeling, and repair of building structures.
• Possible defects and faults in construction and of standard testing devices and methods as well as corrective measures.
• Principles and practices of building construction, renovation, repair and safety practices.
• State and federal construction administration codes and regulations, and Cal OSHA regulations.
• City Code, City Ordinances, Standard Operating Manual, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
• Project and contract management and cost estimation.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Required Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, community groups, local businesses, and the general public.
• Understanding and interpreting building plans and specifications.
• Enforcing ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Developing and administering budgets and monitoring expenditures.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
• Work may be performed outdoors with time spent in moderate to high temperatures (above 90 degrees).
• Work requires light lifting, carrying, driving and on occasion climbing (up to 4 feet).
• Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
• Work may involve exposure to wet surfaces, uneven terrain, hazardous chemicals, dangerous machinery, occasional loud noise and dust when performing field inspections.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

EXAMINATION:
The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process. Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail. The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS
This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed every 10 days.