Enforcement of codes and laws under the jurisdiction of the building official is the basis of building and safety duties.  Building and safety departments are involved in almost every aspect of construction, and our employees come from a variety of backgrounds.  If you are interested in a building and safety career, please consider the information below and on other pages within our Los Angeles Basin Chapter website.


Job Classifications

Typical employment designations include the following:

• Plans Examiner
• Permit Technician
• Building Inspector
• Electrical Inspector
• Plumbing Inspector
• Mechanical Inspector
• Code Enforcement Officer
• Building Official

Certification

ICC offers certification for building department professionals.  In California, state law requires that new employees obtain the appropriate certification examination for their job with a set period of time.  These examinations test the applicant's code knowledge.

For code enforcement, P.C. 832 P.O.S.T. certification and California Association of Code Enforcement (C.A.C.E.) Basic Code Level Code Enforcement Officer certifications are requirements for some jurisdictions.

Many jurisdictions require State licensure as an engineer or architect for senior plans examiners and management positions. 

The International Code Conference offers Certified Building Official testing.  Several U.S. states use the credential as a licensure requirement.


Training

Backgrounds in engineering, architecture, construction technology, construction management, criminal justice, inspection technology, industrial technology, industrial science, environmental studies, fire protection, urban planning, business, and information technology will prove useful for many of the employment opportunities in this field.   Seminars are offered on a regular basis.


Experience

Many building and safety personnel have previous private industry experience before joining the department.  Others join directly from college.  Some may transfer from related government departments and organizations. 


Employment Opportunities

Visit the "Job Bulletin" section of the Chapter's website for current building and safety jobs within the Los Angeles Basin Chapter and elsewhere.