Building Engineering Inspector I

Description
Are you looking to learn and grow in the field of building inspections? The County of Santa Barbara has the perfect opportunity for you to expand your experience and gain knowledge as a Building Engineering Inspector.

We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Building Engineering Inspector I/II position located in Santa Barbara for the Planning and Development Department. Although this position is home-based in Santa Barbara, the incumbent will need to travel throughout Santa Barbara County.

We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future full-time, part-time and extra help (temporary) Building Engineering Inspector I/II vacancies. Please select the locations on your application you are willing to accept work for current and future vacancies.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 13 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Policy
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan (Pension Plan) and voluntary participation in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

For more information on the benefits, click .

POSITION: Under direct supervision, learns and assists in building and grading inspection, reviewing plans, and processing permits; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Building Engineering Inspector I/II/III is a flexibly staffed series. Building Engineering Inspector I is the entry-level class in which incumbents learn and assist in building and grading inspection, reviewing of plans, and other related permit processing work. Incumbents receive close supervision and are expected to obtain sufficient knowledge and proficiency to progress to the journey level.
Candidates may be hired into the I, II, or III level depending on the qualifications of the candidate and the needs of the department.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• A combination of certification(s) and/or building technician/construction/inspection experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High level of professional composure
• Great customer service skills
• Problem solving abilities
• The ability to work independently and in a team
• Strong motivation

The ideal candidate at either level has a desire to learn and be a team member; they are a committed, objective and self-starting individual who will conduct related field inspections, and therefore interact with members of the building trades and the public every day. The qualified individual will apply local codes in combination with the best practices in design and construction to achieve safe and sustainable development projects. The Building and Safety Division of the County provides an appealing workplace where one can achieve professional growth while delivering outstanding quality projects and customer service on a wide range of projects that vary from simple to complex engineered custom designs. Examples of Duties

1. Assists applicants in completing building and grading permit applications; answers questions regarding building code construction requirements at the public counter and on the phone.
2. Reviews plans of residential accessory buildings for code compliance.
3. Calculates fees for residential buildings; studies technical materials related to codes and their interpretation; keeps necessary records of permits and fees.
4. Assists building engineering inspectors with inspection of buildings being constructed and grading projects; assists in inspecting substandard structures for violations of housing, building, health, and zoning codes/ordinances; may assist in preparing documentation and supplying evidence for prosecution of cases related to such violations.
5. Learns to read plans and specifications to assure code compliance.
6. Participates in training courses and conferences.

Employment Standards

1. I.C.C. or Division of the State Architect Certification (DSA) in building inspection; OR,
2. Two years of experience performing duties equivalent to Building Permit Technician with Santa Barbara County; OR,
3. Two years of building construction experience that demonstrates knowledge of construction plans and the Uniform Building Codes; OR,
4. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

NOTE: I.C.C. or DSA Certification in building inspection is required within one year of appointment as a condition of continued employment.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Incumbent will be traveling throughout county sites.

Knowledge of: General building construction methods and materials; the significance and purpose of design requirements; construction plans; Uniform Building Codes; and basic arithmetic.

Ability to: Read and interpret building and grading plans and specifications; learn, apply, and interpret building codes and grading regulations; learn and apply methods and system of legal enforcement and prosecution; learn to use personal computers; deal effectively with the public to secure cooperation and maintain good relationships; maintain objectivity and impartiality; and make arithmetic calculations. Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and Supplemental Questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and auto-scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

NOTE: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices, and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, health care, housing, the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal and California state laws and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 05/03/2024 at 4:59pm (PST). Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at

Erin Kuhn, Employment Analyst II - erkuhn@countyofsb.org