Description

The City of East Palo Alto Invites Applications for the Position of 
 NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION OFFICER/BUILDING INSPECTOR I/II 
 
Salary: Level I 
$50.66 - $61.58 – Hourly 
 $8,782 - $10,675 – Monthly 
 
Salary: Level II 
$56.74 - $68.97 – Hourly 
 $9,835 - $11,954 – Monthly 
 
Plus, an attractive benefits package 
 
Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM  
 
The City of East Palo Alto is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Neighborhood Preservation Officer/Building Inspector I/II. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical expertise and exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively serve our community. 
 
This individual will be responsible for ensuring compliance with building codes and neighborhood standards. Key qualifications include a strong foundation in the California Building Codes, the ability to interpret construction plans, and experience conducting thorough inspections. Equally important is the ability to engage with the public effectively, addressing neighborhood preservation issues with tact, diplomacy, and a problem-solving mindset. The successful candidate will be a proactive communicator, capable of explaining complex regulations clearly to homeowners, contractors, and residents alike. 
 
We are looking for a team player who is passionate about public safety and dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community through diligent code enforcement and collaborative community engagement. 
 
This is an open competitive/promotional recruitment, meaning that it is open to qualified permanent employees and any other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.  Two employment lists will be created for internal promotional and an open list of all other non-current EPA employees. 

Requirements

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: 
 
LEVEL I: 
Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college-level coursework or technical training in fields such as code compliance, law enforcement, construction technology, building inspection, or a related area. 
  
Experience: Two (2) years of journey-level experience in craft work within the building trades, processing permit applications, enforcing various building and/or planning codes, or reviewing plans for compliance with regulations and codes, including one (1) year of experience involving the interpretation, explanation, or enforcement of laws and regulations. 
 
License and Certifications:  Possession of a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) Residential Building Inspector Certificate at the time of appointment. Within 12 months of hire, must obtain a residential certification in one (1) of the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Inspection. The remaining two (2) certifications must be completed within 24 months of hire, for a total of four (4) certifications. Certifications must be issued by the International Code Council (I.C.C.) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (I.A.P.M.O.), or alternative certifications recognized by these organizations, if deemed acceptable. 
 
Must obtain certification from a recognized Neighborhood Preservation/Code Enforcement Association (such as the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers [CACEO] or equivalent) at date of hire. 
 
LEVEL II: 
Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college-level coursework or technical training in fields such as code compliance, law enforcement, construction technology, building inspection, or a related area.  
 
Experience: Two (2) years of experience equivalent to a Building Inspector I or Neighborhood Preservation Officer I with the City of East Palo Alto; or Three (3) years of increasingly responsible municipal code compliance experience; or 
 
License and Certifications:  At the time of appointment, possession of two (2) certifications in Commercial and two (2) certifications in Residential Building, Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Inspection. The remaining four (4) certifications must be obtained within 24 months of hire, for a total of eight (8) certifications. Certification as a Residential Plans Examiner must be obtained within 36 months of hire. Candidates with a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Building Inspector I with the City of East Palo Alto must possess all eight (8) certifications in Commercial and Residential Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Inspection at the time of hire. Certification as a Residential Plans Examiner must be obtained within 24 months of hire. 
 
Additional Requirement for both levels:  Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a good driving record at the time of appointment. 
Certifications must be issued by the International Code Council (I.C.C.) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (I.A.P.M.O.). Alternative certifications recognized by these organizations may be accepted if deemed appropriate. 
  
Possession of a certificate of completion of Penal Code § 832 Course in Arrest, Search, and Seizure, issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, within one (1) year of appointment. Also required is compliance with CA Codes § 18949.25-18949.31 under the 2007 California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 7 (Construction Inspectors, Plans Examiners, and Building Officials). 

SELECTION PROCESS: It is important to complete all required application materials. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to interview.  The most qualified will be invited to a panel interview. Those that score the highest out of the panel interview will be advanced to department interviews. It is desired that the successful candidate begin employment as soon as possible. 
 
Completion of the supplemental questions is a required part of the application and examination process.   “See Resume” will not be acceptable as an answer to supplemental questions or completion of application. 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS: 
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates should apply through CalOpps.org. Please go to the Member Agencies tab, locate San Francisco/Peninsula, Under that select East Palo Alto. Or follow this link; https://www.calopps.org/city-of-east-palo-alto. Complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate. 
 
Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM 
 
Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Human Resources, imartinez@cityofepa.org and cc: hr@cityofepa.org with subject line: Recruitment for Neighborhood Preservation Officer/Building Inspector I/II or (650) 853-3116. 
 
The City of East Palo Alto is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources.