Senior Building Inspector

Salary Range $90,000-$110,000
Department Building & Safety
Job Type Full Time
Location Walnut, CA

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. They are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

RKA Consulting Group is seeking a Senior Building Inspector to lead and perform advanced inspections on complex residential, commercial, and industrial projects at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair. Working under general supervision, the Senior Inspector ensures compliance with local, state, and federal codes, approved plans, and safety standards, while also reviewing detailed plans and preparing permit documentation for higher-level projects.

This role provides guidance to contractors, developers, design professionals, and the public, offering clear information on building requirements and inspection procedures. The position requires proven technical expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to oversee inspection activities with professionalism and sound judgment, supporting safe and compliant development across a wide range of projects.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs, and changing business practices.

Depending on the area of assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead, plan, and review the work of inspection staff while providing training and mentoring support.
• Handle the most complex inspections and plan reviews, applying sound judgment and technical expertise to resolve difficult issues.
• Inspect residential, commercial, and industrial buildings throughout various phases of construction, alteration, and remodeling; conduct final inspections and approve compliant projects.
• Review preliminary plans and specifications for new construction, additions, and alterations to confirm compliance with codes and ordinances.
• Inspect existing structures when there is a change of use or occupancy to verify code compliance.
• Investigate complaints of unsafe, unpermitted, or substandard construction; issue correction notices or stop-work orders as needed.
• Issue and approve permits across multiple disciplines, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, grading, and drainage.
• Coordinate closely with other departments to ensure plan reviews, site inspections, and approvals align with city standards and regulations.
• Oversee bond processing and releases upon project completion; prepare related correspondence with applicants and financial institutions.
• Calculate valuations and fees; provide accurate information to architects, engineers, and applicants.
• Respond to inquiries from contractors, developers, architects, and the public; explain code requirements and building standards clearly and professionally.
• Lead pre‑construction meetings to review inspection protocols, requirements, and expectations with contractors, developers, and city staff.
• Maintain accurate files, inspection reports, and records of plan check activities; prepare monthly inspection and plan review summaries.
• Inspect a wide range of construction systems and components including foundations, steel, masonry, framing, plastering, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical installations.
• Document violations and issue notices of compliance; maintain records for potential legal action.
• May be required to work at various contracted cities.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

• Education/Training: Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented specialized training in building codes.
• Experience: Five years of building inspection experience performing residential, multi‑family, industrial and commercial inspections for a public agency, including at least two years of experience in multi‑family and/or…