Principal Building Inspector

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general direction from the Director of Building and Safety/Building Official, provides technical and administrative supervision to subordinate building inspection staff and permit technician staff, as well as all essential functions listed below.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Coordinate and supervise the inspection of residential and commercial construction to secure compliance to all pertinent building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, City codes, and applicable acts of the State of California.
• Inspect buildings and similar structures that are being constructed, altered, moved or demolished to see that work being done complies with provisions of the building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and related codes and ordinances.
• Determine that buildings and structures are being constructed in a safe manner in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
• Assign and distribute inspection activities to subordinate building inspection personnel.
• Review and resolve difficult and complex inspection and enforcement problems, issues, and conflicts.
• Review plans for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Supervise and train subordinate inspection personnel including contract inspection staff.
• Investigate and resolve complaints against inspectors involving code interpretation or personal behavior.
• Supervise and inspect existing buildings or structures to determine hazardous conditions.
• Provide information to builders, design professionals, and the general public regarding requirements of building codes and ordinances.
• Investigate reports of violations and issue stop work orders when necessary.
• Keep records of inspections made and actions taken.
• Prepare and evaluate reports on building activities, deputy inspector reports, and reports by material or testing laboratories.
• May be required to walk through construction projects, vacant property, and large buildings.
• May be required to work after-hours, weekends, and/or holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

Education: Possession of an Associates of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in Inspection Technology or equivalent.

Experience: Two (2) full-time years of experience at the level of Senior Building Inspector with the City of Downey.

OR

Six (6) full-time years of increasingly responsible building inspection experience in municipal government.

Knowledge of: Knowledge of pertinent building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire, energy, disabled, and zoning codes and ordinances; proper construction methods in building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work; and general safety orders.

Ability to: Read and interpret building construction plans and specifications; maintain records and prepare progress reports; work tactfully and effectively with other City personnel, building contractors, workers, and the public; and provide technical supervision to building inspection, contract inspection, plan check, and permit technician staff.

Bilingual skills in Spanish is highly desirable.

License and/or Certification: Due to the performance of field duties, a valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out the essential functions of the position and an acceptable driving record is required.

Certification by the International Code Council (ICC) or by another model code organization as a Combination Building Inspector is preferred. Certification as a Combination Building Inspector will be required within two (2) years from date of hire. Any combination of Residential and Commercial Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Inspector Certifications will be considered.

Copies of the certifications, if applicable, must be provided at the time of application submission.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Work is performed indoors and outdoors. When work is performed outdoors, there is full exposure to the elements and the incumbent may be exposed to heat and cold. The incumbent stands and walks on level and uneven/slippery surfaces, twists, bends, pushes, pulls, crouches, reaches, and grasps. In an office environment, the work requires sitting at a desk or table for prolonged periods of time and use of a computer and screen.

Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 30 pounds.

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Testing & Selection Process:

A ll application materials received on-line by the final filing date will be reviewed. For consideration, a completed employment application and supplemental questionnaire submitted on-line is required. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Incomplete application may be removed from consideration. All information submitted is subject to verification.

Those applicants who are assessed as meeting the desired qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:
An appraisal (oral interview) examination weighted 100% to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete the appraisal interview with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority.

An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). A pre-placement medical exam will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 4/1/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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