Building Inspector I/II

Description

The City of Fremont's Community Development Department is recruiting for:

Building Inspector I/II

VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

The Department

The role of the Community Development Department is to help Fremont become the sustainable, strategically urban community envisioned in the City's General Plan . Department activities include:

• Providing professional assistance to developers, contractors, businesses, and homeowners
• Preserving open space
• Planning for and assisting with the building of high-quality strategically urban residential and commercial developments
• Maintaining and increasing the range of housing alternatives for the community

The department includes Planning , Building and Safety , Code Enforcement , Housing , and Environmental Services.

First Review of Applications

The first review of applications is December 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. PT. This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.

To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.

Selection Process

The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, pre-employment medical examination, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.

Contact Us

For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov .

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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Building Inspector I/II Class Specification

Definition

Under direction, inspects and performs plan checks for buildings and structures to ensure construction or alteration work is being done according to approved plans and in accordance with the provisions of building codes and ordinances; enforces zoning and sign ordinances; and completes related work as required.

Class Characteristics

This is a deep classification series with multiple levels that are intended to provide recognition for a range of assignment variety and complexity, increasing professional/technical knowledge and skills, independence of decision-making and the impact of such decisions upon development and safety of the City. Incumbents may advance from the entry to the second journey working level, based on operational need and assignment by management, as they learn City and departmental practices and procedures and obtain required certifications. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope and assignments are more varied and are performed under more general supervision. Advancement to each higher level class requires gaining the knowledge, skill, experience and credentials that meet the qualifications for that class and demonstrating the ability to consistently perform the work of the higher-level class.

Building Inspector I:
This is the first level classification reporting to the Supervising Building Inspector. Incumbents perform work in all areas of building inspection including inspections of new construction and those related to code enforcement activities; conduct plan review for compliance with applicable City Municipal Code, Building Code, including accessibility, electrical, energy, fire, mechanical and plumbing codes; is expected to utilize increasingly independent judgment in performing daily duties but may initially rely on higher level inspectors to confirm direction. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II in that the latter has responsibility to perform more complex reviews and inspections including requiring additional certifications under the State Health and Safety Code.

Building Inspector II:
This is the second journey level classification reporting to the Supervising Building Inspector. Incumbents perform work in all areas of building inspection including inspections of new construction and those related to code enforcement activities; conduct plan check review for compliance with applicable City Municipal Code, Building Code, including accessibility, electrical, energy, fire, mechanical and plumbing codes; uses independent judgment in performing daily duties with minimal assistance from higher level inspectors and supervisors. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector Specialist in that the latter has responsibility to perform more complex and technical plan reviews in a technical area of specialty and inspections including requiring additional certifications under the State Health and Safety Code.

Essential Functions

• Makes field inspections to determine that construction and alteration work complies with City and State ordinances and laws.
• Inspects buildings in various stages of progress against plans or specifications to ascertain code compliance for structural, accessibility, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, fire and green codes and standards.
• Inspects buildings for code enforcement cases and evaluates residential structures for compliance with housing code requirements.
• May issue notices of improper or hazardous structures to owners or builders.
• Provides the public with detailed information on building, zoning, housing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and green regulations using best practice customer service techniques.
• Checks plans and specifications.
• Reviews and approves applications for permits.
• Makes detailed investigations of building, signing, and zoning matters and prepares related reports and correspondence.
• Assists the public at the public counter and by phone or e-mail and receives permit applications and monitors progress through the plan checking process.
• Utilizes computer to track projects and generate reports.

Marginal Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: The characteristics, qualities, and properties of building construction materials and methods.

Skill in: Reading, explaining, and interpreting building plans, specifications and codes; dealing tactfully and effectively with a diverse population; communicating ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials using a computer or mobile device.

Ability to: Make detailed combination field inspections; interpret applicable codes with accuracy; communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing, including technical reports; work with a minimum of direction, taking the initiative to keep important work progressing to completion within prescribed time limits; resourcefulness; deal with others in a tactful, courteous manner; evaluate situations, identify problems, and arrive at logical decisions; and seek out avenues for providing professional development.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Building Inspector I:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and four years of increased levels of experience in the building trades, or two years inspection experience with a public agency.

Building Inspector II:
To advance to Building Inspector II, incumbents must hold a position as Building Inspector I for a minimum of 1 year.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

Building Inspector I:
ICC Certification (or equivalent certification(s)) as a Residential Building Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector, and one additional specialty inspector certificate (residential or commercial - mechanical, electrical, plumbing, NICETY, or OF Fire Inspector) is required within one year from the date of hire. Failure to maintain this state-mandated certification will result in termination (Health and Safety Code, Sections 18949.25 through 18949.31).

Building Inspector II:
ICC Certification (or equivalent certification(s)) as a Residential Building Inspector and Commercial Building Inspector, and two additional specialty inspector certificates (residential or commercial - mechanical, electrical, plumbing, NICET, or OSFM Fire Inspector) are required at date of hire. Failure to maintain this state-mandated certification will result in termination (Health and Safety Code, Sections 18949.25 through 18949.31).
Both levels of Building Inspector are required to possess a valid Class C California Driver License by time of appointment. Failure to maintain this license will result in discipline up to and including termination.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare = 66%
Sitting: Frequent
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Occasional
Bending (neck): Rare
Bending (waist): Rare
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Rare
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Rare
Jumping: Rare
Balancing: Rare
Twisting (neck): Rare
Twisting (waist): Rare
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach - above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying:
Up to 10 lbs. Frequent
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Rare
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination:
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Required
Driving: Required
Vision:
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Not required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required
Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required

Work environment:
Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, exposure to marked changes in temperature / humidity, exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, using computer monitor, exposure to vibration, works around others, works alone, works with others.

Class Code: Bldg Insp I = 5660; Bldg Insp II = 5661
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEOC Code: 3
Barg. Unit: CFEA
Probation: 12 months
Rev.: 7/16

The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit:City of Fremont Benefits Summary

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• City of Fremont, CA

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