Building Inspector Combination/Certified I/II/III/...

Salary: $114,769.20 - $174,370.56 Annually Location : San Jose Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202501189 DEPART: Planning, Building & Code Enforcement Opening Date: 08/12/2025 Closing Date: 2/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José. The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@. About the Department About the Department The City of San Jose's Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards. This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods The Department is seeking applicants who are committed to understanding, executing, and improving the customer experience to best achieve the above goals and objectives. This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning, building, and code enforcement processes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community. Additionally, applicants who possess a strong knowledge of planning principles, building codes, and/or regulatory requirements will be highly valued, as they will play a key role in ensuring compliance and promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable development practices. The Building Division is actively recruiting for multiple full-time Building Inspector Combination/Certified I/II/III/Senior(BIC) positions across all three specialty areas: Building, Electrical, and Plumbing/Mechanical. About the Division The City's Building Division provides oversight and assistance towards the City's growth and development in relation to construction activity on private property within the City. The goal is to ensure the safety of buildings and to support the health and wellbeing of all persons living and working in San Jose through the implementation of the State of California's current building codes and laws. The Building Division is divided into the following four sections: Permit Center: Plan intake and routing to plan review and Development Services Partners, over the counter permit processing, permit issuance, addressing, assistance desk/public information, and ADU Ally. Plan Review: Review of private development project plans and calculations for compliance with the California Building Codes and state laws, coordination with Development Services partners, expedited review, and coordinated review. Inspection: Inspects active private construction projects for compliance with the approved plans and adopted building codes and state laws. Support Services: Development Services call center, document imaging, records requests, and general support for the building division. What We Do The Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department's Building Division ensures compliance with the all the above-mentioned obligations by annually reviewing, analyzing, conducting, researching, processing, issuing, inspecting, and providing: 30,000 building permits 6,000 plan reviews 110,000 inspections 21,000 customers assisted 52,000 calls answered Position Duties Salary ranges for this classification are: Building Inspector Combination: $114,769.20 - $139,579.44 Annually Building Inspector Combination Certified I: $118,154.40 - $143,554.32 Annually Building Inspector Combination Certified II: $121,321.20 - $147,878.64 Annually Building Inspector Combination Certified III: $126,169.68 - $153,709.92 Annually Building Inspector Combination Certified Senior: $143,073.84 - $174,370.56 Annually This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience. The Building Division is actively recruiting for multiple full-time Building Inspector Combination/Certified I/II/III/Senior (BIC) positions across all three specialty areas: Building, Electrical, and Plumbing/Mechanical. These specialties ensure that inspections are performed by professionals with focused expertise while maintaining the flexibility necessary to address the complex needs of diverse projects. This helps maintain high standards of safety, code compliance, and quality in both commercial/industrial and residential buildings. BIC positions are flexibly staffed and classified at five levels. Incumbents are designated upon hire to one of the three specialty inspection areas. Regardless of declared specialty, all inspectors will serve as combination inspectors for single-family residential construction projects. The Building Division provides a comprehensive Combination Building Inspection Academy to ensure that every inspector is fully trained and qualified to perform inspections across all three trades - building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical - for single-family residential projects. This cross training enables inspector to conduct comprehensive inspections covering all trade disciplines for these types of structures, streamlining inspections, promoting code consistency, and enhancing public safety. For multi-family, commercial/industrial, and other complex projects, inspectors are assigned according to their specialty certification to ensure appropriate expertise for each inspection type. Electrical Inspectors evaluate wiring, panels, devices, and system installations to ensure safe and code-compliant electrical systems. Building Inspectors focus on structural and architectural elements such as foundations, framing, roofs, walls, fire separation assemblies, accessibility features, and energy efficiency compliance. Plumbing/Mechanical Inspectors examine water supply, drainage, gas piping, HVAC, and associated systems for proper installation and operation. BIC positions review plans, issue permits, and perform detailed field inspections on new construction, alterations, and repairs covering a wide array of structures and occupancies. Their combination certification and cross-training allow them to assess all aspects of a project for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes as well as applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. Specific position assignments will vary depending on the department's business needs. Building Inspector Combination incumbents reference the City of San Jose 2022 Construction Guidelines For Residential Construction on a regular basis to ensure code compliance. These construction guidelines are available on our City of San Jose Building Division website in the Inspections section under Building Inspection Information. The ideal candidates will possess a high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a supreme work ethic. These positions require excellent judgment, initiative, perseverance, integrity, organizational skills, flexibility and written and verbal communications skills. Candidates with approved certifications and relevant experience may be appointed to higher classifications. We strongly encourage candidates with construction trade experience to apply. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Conducts inspections of residential, industrial, commercial and manufacturing facilities as assigned by Chief Building Official or designee to ensure compliance with codes, regulations, ordinances, standards, and contract agreements which includes: setting up inspection schedules; gathering information and evidence; and, ensuring conformance to plans, specifications, and safety regulations Investigates building, construction, and land use changes in the field by gathering factual data to ascertain present use of land and location of structures; conducting background investigations and research; and preparing reports to use as evidence. Provides technical assistance for development of codes and policies. Generates written reports and enforcement orders which include noting deficiencies in standards and submitting final documentation. Reviews plans and specifications for compliance with codes which includes assisting in projects in complying with regulations, prioritizing deficiencies, and preparing timetables. Provides technical support for agencies and the public which includes inputting data into system for general public access. Meets with architects, engineers, City officials, and building contractors to discuss construction projects. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. The first round of application screenings will take place on 9/2/25Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience Building Inspector Combination: Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience, or two (2) years of combination inspection experience for a public agency and two (2) years of construction related experience equivalent to the above. Building Inspector Combination Certified I: Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience, or two (2) years of inspection experience for a public agency and two (2) years of construction related experience equivalent to the above. Building Inspector Combination Certified II: Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND one (1) year of inspection experience for a public agency. Two (2) additional years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience. Building Inspector Combination Certified III: Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND two (2) years of inspection experience for a public agency. Two (2) additional years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience. Building Inspector Combination Certified Senior: Graduation from high school or equivalent and four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND three (3) years of inspection experience for a public agency. Two (2) additional years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience. Acceptable Substitution Closely related college level courses such as classes in construction, architecture, fire protection and engineering or equivalent from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required contractor or journey level construction experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years. Licensing Requirements: Valid California Driver's License. Building Inspector Combination: Obtain and maintain valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee's specialty area as soon as possible but no later than twelve (12) months from the employee's start date in the classification. Building Inspector Combination Certified I: Possess and maintain valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee's specialty area Building Inspector Combination Certified II: Possess and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee's specialty trade and in one (1) additional commercial specialty trade. Building Inspector Combination Certified III: Possess and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee's specialty trade and in two (2) additional commercial specialty trades. Building Inspector Combination Certified Senior: Possess and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the employee's specialty trade and in three (3) additional commercial specialty trades either through maintaining individual certifications, or through maintaining a Commercial Combination Inspector certificate which represents commercial certifications in Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical OR in two (2) additional commercial specialty trades and one other certification such as Plan Review or CASp. Form 700 requirement (include only if applicable) This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an "Assuming Office Form 700" with the City Clerk's Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office. Other Qualifications The ideal candidate possess the following knowledge and/or skills: Job Expertise Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Demonstrates knowledge of and skill in: Applicable construction laws, rules, codes, and regulations; Inspection practices; Judicial procedures and practices; Public administration principles; Basic building principles; Basic plumbing principles; Basic mechanical principles; Basic electrical principles; Basic construction principles; Safety principles; Using electrical or mechanical measuring tools; Performing inspections; Reading and interpreting technical documents, plans, ordinances and blueprints; Operating photographic and video equipment to document evidence; Preparing sketches and drawings. Conflict Management Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people. Customer Service Approaches problem-solving by focusing on customers first; advocates for customer results point of view; demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful, and friendly manner. Decision Making Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions. Problem Solving Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome Flexibility - makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment. Reliability Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate. Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills Demonstrates a positive attitude and flexibility along with the ability to develop effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping other accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills. Communication Skills Communicates and listens effectively and responds in an timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, well- organized, legible, concise, and in proper grammatical form. Selection Process: The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a Practical. You will be prompted to answer job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response. If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Edmund Wong at Edmund.wong@ Additional Information:Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email and we will research the status of your application. AI and the Hiring Process We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process. The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's for detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage. For information on the City's Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification. In additional to the benefits above, there is an to explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership. 01 What is the highest level of education you have completed? High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED) College (1 to 29 semester units/ 1 to 44 quarter units) College (30 to 59 semester units/ 45 to 89 quarter units) College (60 to 89 semester units/ 90 to 134 quarter units) College (90 to 119 semester units/ 135 to 179 quarter units) College (120 or more semester units/ 180 or more quarter units) Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctoral Degree Other None of the above 02 If you have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a related field, please state the field of study and the issuing accredited college or university. 03 Please select the choice that best describes your experience which is equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor: I have four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience, OR two (2) years of combination inspection experience for a public agency AND two (2) years of construction related experience equivalent to the above. I have four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND one (1) year of inspection experience for a public agency. I have four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND two (2) years of inspection experience for a public agency. I have four (4) years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor, including one (1) year of lead experience AND three (3) years of inspection experience for a public agency. I currently do not have any years of construction experience equivalent to either a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, or related contractor. 04 Based on your selection in the question above, please describe in details your experience as matching your answer. If you do not have any related experience, please type "N/A" 05 For Building Inspector Combo Cert II/III/Senior levels, two (2) additional years of inspection experience for a public agency may be substituted for two (2) years of construction experience.If you seek to qualify under the substitution option above, please describe the additional years of inspection experience for a public agency that you have. Otherwise, please type "N/A". 06 Per our Acceptable Substitution, closely related college level courses such as classes in construction, architecture, fire protection and engineering or equivalent from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required contractor or journey level construction experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years. Please select the option that best describes your education. I have one (1) year of college level courses in construction, architecture, fire protection and engineering or equivalent from an accredited college or university. I have two (2) years of college level courses in construction, architecture, fire protection and engineering or equivalent from an accredited college or university. I do not have any college level courses in construction, architecture, fire protection and engineering or equivalent from an accredited college or university. 07 This position requires a State of California Driver's License. Please select the applicable option that best describes your driver's license, or your ability to possess a valid driver's license. State of CA, Class A Driver's License State of CA, Class B Driver's License State of CA, Class C Driver's License I do not possess a State of California Driver's License but, I can obtain one. I do not possess a State of California Driver's License and I cannot obtain one 08 Please select a choice that best reflects your current inspection license possession. I do not have an inspection license. However, I am able to obtain a license in a valid commercial certification within twelve (12) months from my possible start date. I am able to obtain a license in a valid commercial certification within twelve (12) months from my possible start date I currently posses and maintain one (1) valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in a specialty area. I currently posses and maintain one (1) valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in a specialty area, AND also have two (2) additional certifications in a commercial specialty trade. I currently posses and maintain one (1) valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in a specialty area, AND also have three (3) additional certifications in a commercial specialty trade. I currently possess and maintain valid commercial certification(s) issued by an agency acceptable to the City in a specialty trade and in three (3) additional commercial specialty trades either through maintaining individual certifications, or through maintaining a Commercial Combination Inspector certificate which represents commercial certifications in Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical. I currently possess and maintain a valid commercial certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in a specialty trade AND two (2) additional commercial specialty trades and one other certification such as Plan Review or CASp. I do not have any inspection license. I am also not willing to obtain an inspection license within 12 months of my start date. 09 Please list all your certification numbers, expiration dates and issuing agencies. Otherwise, please put "N/A" if you do not have any certification. 10 Which of the following areas do you have training or experience in? Architectural or structural building codes, practices, plan review, installations, and/or inspections Electrical codes, practices, plan review, installations, and/or inspections Plumbing/mechanical codes, practices, plan review, installations, and/or inspections None of the above 11 For each area you selected in the previous question, please describe your specific training and experience, including any relevant certifications, roles, or types of projects you've worked on. Otherwise put "N/A" 12 Describe a complex project or assignment you worked on in the past four years that involved significant challenges or problems. Please explain your role, the key issues you faced, the decisions you made, and the solutions you implemented to successfully complete the project. Required Question

Created: 2026-03-10