Senior Building Inspector

This classification performs the most complex and difficult combination inspections involving residential, commercial, industrial, and other construction; provides advanced technical interpretation and guidance concerning building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, accessibility, energy, green building, and related construction requirements; serves as a technical resources to inspection staff, assists in training and mentoring inspectors; coordinates complex inspection activities; and performs related duties as assigned.

Note:

This classification is eligible for a $15,000 signing bonus for new employees.

Senior Building Inspector is the advanced journey-level classification in the Building Inspector series. Incumbents possess extensive building inspection experience and demonstrated competency in all major construction inspection disciplines. Assignments include complex, high-value, unusual, sensitive, or technically challenging projects requiring substantial independent judgment and advanced knowledge of construction codes and inspection practices.

The Senior Building Inspector serves as a technical resource and mentor to Building Inspector I and Building Inspector II and may provide technical direction on assigned projects or inspection activities. The classification does not exercise formal supervisory authority. Formal personnel supervision, performance management, work-unit administration, and overall assignment of inspection staff remain the responsibility of designated supervisory classifications.

The Senior Building Inspector is distinguished from Building Inspector II by the coordination, scheduling, assignments, training, and review of work in addition to the complexity and sensitivity of assignments, advanced technical responsibilities, and expectation to assist other inspectors in resolving difficult inspection issues.

Works under the general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other designated supervisory staff who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. May coordinate and schedule inspection activities and provide functional direction on projects and reviews work Provides input to employee performance evaluations. No supervision exercised.

Serves as a senior technical resource and first-level leader within the inspection team, providing guidance, mentoring, and support to Building Inspector I and II staff without exercising formal supervisory authority.

Performs advanced combination inspections of complex residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, high-rise, major alteration, phased construction, and other technically challenging projects, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

Provides technical leadership in resolving difficult, complex, or disputed inspection issues involving code interpretation, unusual field conditions, construction methods, inspection requirements, and enforcement procedures.

Mentors and coaches inspection staff in code application, inspection methods, documentation, problem solving, customer service, professional judgment, and development of technical competencies.

Assists in developing and delivering technical training, facilitates knowledge sharing among inspection staff, and supports the onboarding and development of less-experienced inspectors.

Provides functional guidance and coordinates inspection activities on complex projects or assignments as directed, while responsibility for formal supervision, performance management, discipline, and other personnel matters remains with supervisory or management staff.

Reviews plans, specifications, engineering reports, product approvals, special inspection and structural observation documentation, and other technical materials necessary to evaluate and verify code compliance.

Coordinates complex inspection activities and participates in preconstruction and field meetings with plan review staff, engineers, architects, contractors, special inspectors, testing agencies, Fire, Public Works, utilities, and other agencies.

Provides technical input on inspection policies, procedures, standard operating practices, checklists, training materials, and implementation of new codes and regulatory requirements; identifies recurring issues and recommends improvements to inspection practices and service delivery.

Assists in resolving difficult or sensitive matters involving…