Job Description

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 10:00 am

Tentative Interviews: Thursday, May 29, 2025

The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce the recruitment for a Building Inspector in the Community Development Department. Building Inspectors perform field inspections of buildings and other structures being constructed, altered, or repaired to ensure conformance with approved plans, building codes, and ordinances; conduct field investigation of alleged violations of land use and building codes; and interpret and enforce building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, green, and energy codes. The successful candidate will be a dedicated individual who seeks both a challenging and rewarding career and has the desire to make a difference in the quality of life for our community.


Building inspectors are classified as a Technician III or IV. Placement into and advancement within these ranges is based on experience, education, and certification. Please be sure to include all pertinent information and documentation with your application.



Wage Ranges:
Building Inspector (Technician III): $36.65 - $46.52 hourly | $76,238.50 - $96,753.54 annually
Senior Building Inspector (Technician IV): $40.28 - $51.12 hourly | $83,781.36 - $106,319.20 annually

The Community

El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.

The Organization

The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Community Development Department is comprised of the Building, Planning, and Engineering divisions with a total of 24.86 FTEs. The Building Division is staffed with a Chief Building Official, Deputy Building Official, Development Services Manager, four Building Inspectors, a Permit Technicians, and an Administrative Assistant.

Typical Duties

• Inspects commercial and residential buildings and structures to determine compliance with codes and approved plans
• Confers, collaborates, and assists with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners, tenants, and the general public in the field and in the office regarding the interpretation of building code requirements and restrictions
• Provides oversight and work instruction/review to lower-level staff
• Provides training to staff regarding building codes and other related requirements
• Performs plan checks to confirm conformance with codes
• Inspects potentially substandard, damaged, illegally constructed, and poorly maintained or dangerous buildings
• Identifies and enforces a variety of codes, ordinances, and standards violations
• Works with approved construction documents including working drawings, specifications, and structural calculations
• Reads and interprets building construction and engineering plans, supporting documents, and building codes
• Prepares and maintains reports, letters, and correction notices on code issues and variations from approved plans; prepares reports as necessary
• Maintains and updates records of permits and licenses issued utilizing permit tracking software and performs related information research and retrieval
• Participates and engages in continuing education activities on an on-going basis
• Performs related duties as required

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Basic supervisory principles and practices
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise written correspondence, reports, and recommendations
• Federal, state, county and city codes, regulations, policies, laws, rules, agreements, technical processes and procedures related to city and departmental activities
• Principles, safety standards, and techniques of commercial, industrial, and residential building construction and inspection
• Methods, practices, and materials used in construction work
• Building codes, ordinances, and policies applicable to fire, life safety, disabled access, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural codes
• Common sense approach to inspection and plan check
• Computer applications related to the work, including email, word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, representatives of other agencies, and City staff

Ability to:

• Serve as a technical resource in solving difficult problems or assignments
• Recognize correct installations of building systems
• Conduct special projects involving difficult, critical, and/or technical work responsibilities
• Enter data and retrieve information from various computer systems
• Detect deviations from approved construction documents and City standards and specifications
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, applicants, contractors, and the public
• Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations
• Compile information from varied sources and prepare accurate records and reports
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines
• Organize assigned work, initiate processes, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments
• Read and interpret complex drawings, surveys, plans, schematic diagram, blueprints, codes, and regulations.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine work for conformance with codes and the approved plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Research and interpret codes, plans, reports, survey documents, and legal agreements
• Maintain knowledge of pertinent construction standards and practices including those related to transportation, domestic water, wastewater, stormwater, flood control, natural gas, electric, telecommunication, traffic control, and erosion control
• Maintain personal and professional standards of continuous improvement; update job knowledge as to changing products, technologies, and codes
• Take appropriate safety precautions to prevent accidents, be responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment, use all required safety equipment and follow all safety regulations, policies, and procedures, and report all accidents/damage to city property
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail, and mathematical aptitude

Distinguishing Characteristics
Technician III is the lead technician level. Incumbents may plan and conduct special projects and assignments involving difficult, critical, and/or technical work responsibilities that require practical knowledge and work background.


Technician IV is the expert technician level. Incumbents serve as experts by planning and conducting special projects and assignments involving the most difficult, critical, and/or highly technical work responsibilities that require multiple deep technical skills, extensive practical knowledge, and work background.


The full job descriptions can be found here.



Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from high school
• Four years of responsible related technical experience conducting building inspections and/or enforcement, in the building or construction trades as a contractor, construction journeyperson, builder, or construction supervisor, or a related field.

An associate degree from an accredited college, university, or trade school in a field related to work assigned and experience working in a public agency setting are desirable.



Licenses and Certifications:
Must possess a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.


Building Inspector (Technician III): Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification within one year of appointment.


Senior Building Inspector (Technician IV): Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification.

Selection Procedure & Application Process

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application and all applicable documents by the application deadline. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.


Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.


The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.

Vacation: Accrual of 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service



Sick Leave : Accrual of 96 hours per year



Holidays: 14 paid days per year



Health Insurance:

• Medical : City pays $813.24 per month of the employee premium, $1,569.73 per month of the premium for employee with one dependent, and $2,047.49 per month of the premium for employee with two or more dependents; employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300 per month
• Dental : City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
• Vision : City pays full premium for employee & family

Retirement:

• CalPERS:
  • Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 2.5% at 55, with the employee paying an 8% member contribution, plus a 2% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation.
  • Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 2% at 60, with the employee paying a 7% member contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 10%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation.
  • PEPRA members participate in a formula of 2% at 62, with the employee paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 7.75%) contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a current total of 10.75%. An average of the 3 highest years is used for final compensation calculation.
• 457 Deferred Compensation: The City will match up to $25 per pay period
• Social Security: Both the City and employee participate in Social Security

Life Insurance: Employee only coverage of $75,000 paid for by the City



Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays the full premium for employee and family



Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and un-reimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis



Bilingual Pay: Spanish verbal skills: $100 per month; Spanish written skills: $25 per month



Education Reimbursement : Reimbursement up to $3,000 per fiscal year for educational costs directly related to occupational field or for promotion within City service



Commercial License Incentive: Employees in eligible positions who hold a valid Class A or Class B California commercial driver license, maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate, and are cleared by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse to drive commercial vehicles shall receive $100 per pay period, subject to department director approval



Retiree Health Reimbursement : Up to $500 per month reimbursement of health premiums until the age of 65 for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service


For additional details and information, please see the SEIU Memorandum of Understanding located on our website here.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, For contractors, Summer work, Local area, Flexible hours,

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