Position Information
Two vacancies currently exists in the Community Development Department. Combination Inspectors complete routing to complex inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair, along with enforcing various building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing and other codes and regulations.
Salary placement upon hire: Employees may expect to be placed on the salary range between steps A - F; however, additional steps may be considered based on prior education and experience.
4% pay rate increase effective November 2022. Additional increase of 4% set for July 2023. Union: Combination Inspectors are covered by the United Public Employees of California (UPEC) labor group.
Job Description
DEFINITION Under immediate (Combination Inspector I) or general (Combination Inspector II) supervision, performs routine to complex inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair; enforces building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, fire, accessibility, housing, and related codes and regulations; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, and licensing; provides a variety of information to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives immediate (Combination Inspector I) to general (Combination Inspector II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Combination Inspector I: This is the entry-level classification in the Combination Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine technical duties in support of the City’s code enforcement and building inspection programs. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Combination Inspector II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Combination Inspector II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Combination Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Combination Inspector I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Positions in the Combination Inspector class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Combination Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Combination Inspector I level; progression to the Combination Inspector II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Combination Inspector II level.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Combination Inspector I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.
- Performs field inspections of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair to determine practicability of plans, compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, green building, fire, housing accessibility, and related codes and regulations, including local municipal codes and validity of permits.
- Interprets codes and regulations and advises property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and others on matters relevant to construction methods, materials, types of construction and occupancies, and building permits.
- Reviews plans and applications for building permits; calculates permit fees and issues building permits; makes final inspections; issues certificates of occupancy; processes utility releases.
- Participates in emergency disaster responses; reviews damaged residential and commercial buildings for safe occupancy after fires or other disasters or occurrences.
- Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials, including field and permit inspection reports; writes notices of violation or substandard condition letters to property owners or contractors, and recommends actions in serious situations involving non-compliance; issues citations and stop work notices, as needed.
- Participates in documenting workflows, procedures, and processes for the Building Division; assists with training division staff and providing public education in a variety of settings including seminars and community events.
- Assists the public by telephone, or by email, answering questions, providing information, and explaining and interpreting building requirements and restrictions.
- Participates in enforcement and public education activities related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), as assigned; documents and reports activities and provides public education to property owners on relevant codes and minimum health and safety standards.
- Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
- Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Positions at the Combination Inspector I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.
Knowledge of: - Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, resale inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
- Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility, housing, and related codes.
- Proper field inspection methods and procedures.
- Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.
- Characteristics of common materials used in building construction.
- Principles of trade areas as they relate to inspecting buildings and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety and fire prevention practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
- Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures governing the construction or renovation of assigned projects.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to: - Perform the full range of assigned inspections in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, including those related to property resales.
- Review, understand, interpret, and analyze construction blueprints, plans, specifications, architect and engineering drawings, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
- Detect faulty materials and workmanship and identify measures needed to remedy them.
- Coordinate and deal with contractors, engineers, and property owners effectively.
- Investigate building code violations and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
- Confer with legal, fire, public works, code enforcement, and other City staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications.
- Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications, and other written materials.
- Make accurate mathematic computations.
- Establish and maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
- Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
- Understand, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and departmental policies governing the construction and inspection of buildings.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education :
- Combination Inspector I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Experience:
- Combination Inspector I: Two (2) years of responsible journey level experience in relevant trades or as a contractor in a variety of construction activities.
- Combination Inspector II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing residential, commercial, and industrial building inspections at a level equivalent to Combination Inspector I with the City of Chico.
Licenses and Certifications: - Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of valid International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, and Building Plans Examiner certificates, to be maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education :
- Combination Inspector I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Experience:
- Combination Inspector I: Two (2) years of responsible journey level experience in relevant trades or as a contractor in a variety of construction activities.
- Combination Inspector II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing residential, commercial, and industrial building inspections at a level equivalent to Combination Inspector I with the City of Chico.
Licenses and Certifications: - Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of valid International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, and Building Plans Examiner certificates, to be maintained throughout employment.
Additional Information
The City of Chico is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.
APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ONLINE, THROUGH THE NEOGOV/GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM SYSTEM.
If this is the first time you are applying using the online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can build your application which can be saved and used to apply for other City of Chico employment opportunities. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the City of Chico Human Resources Office.
Degree, Licenses, Certifications and/or Equivalencies: Candidates must include copies of items listed as a minimum qualification; failure to provide required certificates by the close of the recruitment will result in candidate disqualification. If this position requires a typing certificate: typing certificates must have been issued within one year and the net speed must match the minimum requirement listed in the job description. For standardization, net speed will be calculated by subtracting the number of errors from the gross WPM. Internet generated typing certifications are not accepted. Equivalency for experience and/or education listed within a job description may be established pursuant to the City-wide Classification Plan and through coordination with Human Resources. Candidates seeking an equivalency must contact Human Resources, at (530) 879-7900, for instructions on submitting an equivalency request. Being minimally qualified for a position does not guarantee a candidate progression through the full recruitment process.
Travel and Recruitment Related Expenses: The City of Chico does not reimburse applicants for any travel or expenses in connection with applying for employment, unless authorized by the City Manager.
Pre-Employment Processing: Applicants may be required to pass fingerprinting and a medical examination as a condition of employment or promotion. Medical exams may include a fitness exam, psychological exam, and a drug and alcohol screening, depending on the position. E-verify is used to determine candidate eligibility to work in the United States.
The City of Chico is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Chico will consider individuals with disabilities based on their qualifications to perform the essential functions of the position for which they are applying and will provide reasonable accommodation in the application and/or testing process. If you require accommodation in the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Office within seven (7) days of the need for accommodation, so appropriate alternative arrangements can be made.
If you have any questions, or need additional assistance regarding City of Chico employment opportunities, please contact the Human Resources Department at (530) 879-7900 or jobs@chicoca.gov .
The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: https://chico.ca.us/post/employee-benefits
