Building Inspector - Department of Building Inspection; TPV

Building Inspector - Department of Building Inspection (6331 TPV)

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• Department: Building Inspection
• Job class: 6331-Building Inspector
• Salary range: $ - $
• Role type: Temporary Provisional / Permanent Civil Service
• Hours: Full‑time
• Application opening: December 15, 2025
• Final date to receive applications: January 5, 2026 (or earlier if recruitment closes)
• Annual salary: $137,280 – $166,894

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) enforces building, housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and disability access codes for San Francisco’s more than 200,000 buildings.

Under direction, perform inspection work on the construction and modification of buildings and other structures, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and approved plans. Responsibilities include explaining and enforcing ordinances, contacting owners and contractors, preparing reports, and enforcing compliance.

• Inspect materials and methods used in construction and repair to ensure conformity to plans and specifications.
• Review and resolve routine field construction problems; identify and refer complex issues.
• Prepare periodic progress and related reports; coordinate contractor work sequences and investigate complaints.
• Inspect buildings or structures for code compliance; interview applicants for permits; estimate permit fees; investigate complaints and provide corrective action.
• Make special investigations for possible condemnation or removal of buildings, advising owners and coordinating emergency inspections per the citywide disaster plan.
• Conduct enforcement investigations of non‑permitted work, review conditions from prior inspections, prepare violations and stop‑work notices, and coordinate court appearances if necessary.

• Extensive knowledge of building construction methods, materials, equipment, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Skill in using surveying instruments.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications; analyze construction methods and materials; communicate effectively with owners, contractors, and other stakeholders; and prepare clear reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of building construction work experience responsible for supervising construction and/or inspection, such as a carpenter supervisor, superintendent, licensed building contractor with annual gross contract value of $750,000 or more, civil engineer, or architect responsible for supervision.

Substitutions

• Commercial and Residential Building Inspector certificates from ICC may substitute for six (6) months of required experience.
• Building Plans Examiner certificate from ICC may substitute for six (6) months of required experience.
• Completion of a Building Inspection certificate program from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.

License and Certification

• Valid Class C California driver license.
• Commercial and Residential Building Inspector or Building Plans Examiner certification issued by ICC required within two (2) years of appointment; must be maintained as condition of continued employment.

Supplemental Information

• Ability to work in inclement weather and hazardous conditions at buildings or construction sites.
• Capacity to move in and out of vehicles, buildings, tunnels, ditches, and other spaces; climb, crawl, and use ladders, scaffolds, and related equipment.
• Operation of a motor vehicle required for site visits and emergency response.
• Customer‑service skills and ability to handle difficult situations; plan review requiring prolonged periods of sitting under normal office conditions.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or any other protected category under the law.