Job Details

Building Inspector Specialist (Electrical Specialist)

The Planning and Development Department is accepting applications to fill one Building Inspector Specialist (Electrical Specialist) vacancy in either Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Under direction, the incumbent serves as a technical specialist in a particular field of plan review and building inspection activities, such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical such as for large-scale energy or industrial projects; trains personnel in these specialized fields; and performs related work as required. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with inspection and/or plan check of complex electrical systems in building and facilities
• Strong understanding and demonstrated experience with electrical systems, wiring, power distribution system and application of codes and standards to ensure a safe built environment
• Working knowledge and demonstrated experience in ADA regulations, building, plumbing, mechanical codes and the ability to conduct related inspections independently
• Ability to work within a team-setting focused on helping customers to achieve compliance with the governing codes and regulations
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage workload appropriately
• Solution-oriented approaches toward the regulatory aspect of the work
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to convey information to various clients and audiences (property owners, builders, expert design professionals, engineers, etc.)
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Professional demeanor that fosters a positive and constructive working relationships with internal and external customers.

Examples of duties include:

1. Prepares correspondence and reports; performs the more difficult inspections in a specialized field of building inspection, such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical;
2. Handles controversial cases involving disputes over interpretation and application of particular building codes;
3. Reviews complex building plans for code compliance in a particular field; coordinates processing of complex projects that require special interagency approval.;
4. Confers with other County officials and builders, contractors, property owners, engineers, architects, and others on plan review and approval of inspection procedures and problems;
5. Performs routine building inspections of all occupancies for compliance with all current building codes;
6. Represents the County at meetings and conferences related to the specialty area;
7. Develops and conducts training for inspection staff in areas of special expertise as needed;
8. Meets with contractors and industry to implement new code requirements;
9. Investigates substandard conditions of building and works with owner and County to abate violations.

Employment standards include:

1. Four years of experience in inspection and/or in a specialized field of building construction OR
2. One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector III with Santa Barbara County assigned to a specialized field of inspection OR
3. Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) Certification or equivalent certificate in a specialized field of inspection for commercial buildings, and two years of experience in the inspection specialty OR
4. California registration as a professional engineer in a related field OR
5. 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: A bachelor's degree in a related field or journeyman experience in the electrical trade may substitute for two years of required experience. Additional qualifications include ICC or DSA certification in commercial building inspection must be obtained within two years of appointment.

Incumbent will be required to travel throughout the County of Santa Barbara. Knowledge of general methods and materials used in a construction specialty; codes and ordinances and state and local laws relating to a specialized field of construction; all current California building codes and basic inspection methods. Ability to read, interpret, and review complex plans and specifications relating to a specialized field of building construction; enforce building codes and related laws; prepare clear written reports; train and impart specialized knowledge to Building Division personnel; interact effectively with the public and secure the cooperation of persons in the construction industry; represent the Building and Safety Division in the specialty field in meetings and to other County agencies; and be familiar with basic computer functions and Word program; research new products and equipment used on construction projects; network with code industry representatives for interpretations.