Job Classifications
Typical employment designations include the following:

Plans Examiner
Plan Review Engineer
Permit Technician
Building Inspector
Electrical Inspector
Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector
Code Enforcement Officer
Deputy Building Official
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 certification 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 our Employment Page for current building and safety jobs within the Los Angeles Basin Chapter and elsewhere.