Building Inspector II​/III

The County of San Luis Obispo Planning & Building Department is recruiting for two Building Inspectors to join the Building Division.

Building Inspectors II and III perform inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and public construction projects to ensure compliance with building, ordinances, and safety regulations. They review plans, issue permits and correction notices and enforce regulations to protect public safety. Inspectors III, at the more advanced level, provide expertise across all inspection areas, mentor and train junior staff, and act as a consultant on complex or specialized issues.

Work is performed throughout the county at active construction sites and requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.

• Conduct on-site inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and public construction projects at all phases, including new construction, remodels, additions, and abatement of substandard conditions.
• Verify compliance with building codes, ordinances, land use regulations, and safety standards for structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and accessibility elements.
• Review construction plans and specifications for code compliance and issue permits, stop‑work orders, or correction notices as necessary.
• Document inspection results through accurate records, written reports, and photographs; maintain clear communication with contractors, property owners, and staff.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior inspectors and support personnel (especially for Inspector III).
• Act as a technical resource or consultant on complex or specialized construction and code compliance issues (Inspector III).
• Respond to public inquiries, provide code‑related advice, and resolve questions or disputes on‑site.
• Travel throughout the county to perform inspections at various construction sites.

Building Inspector II: This is the fully qualified journey worker level in the series. Incumbents, under general supervision, independently perform a full range of inspections in all program areas and types of construction; assists in training and supervising the work of subordinate inspectors and support personnel.

Building Inspector III: This is the lead worker/specialist level in the Building Inspector Series. Incumbents, under direction, independently perform inspections on all types and sizes of building projects and, in addition, have thorough expertise in all basic inspection areas: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, accessibility; assist in the training and orientation of subordinate inspectors and support staff; act as consultant in specialty areas.

This position works from 7 am to 3:30 pm and requires travel throughout the county to perform inspections as needed.

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to view the full job description for Building Inspector III.

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The ideal candidate is an experienced and skilled Building Inspector with thorough expertise in all inspection areas, including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, and accessibility. They can independently conduct inspections across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, review plans for code compliance, and enforce regulations effectively. This candidate is a confident problem‑solver and mentor, able to guide and train junior staff while providing expert consultation on complex construction and safety issues.

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety are essential.

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Building Inspector II: Either one year of experience as a Building Inspector I or an equivalent position; or three years of experience utilizing the uniform construction codes in the construction and building trades.
Building Inspector III: Two years of experience as a Building Inspector or an equivalent position.