Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the City of Sparks! Aside from working for an organization that is dedicated to the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary and benefit package. Some benefits may include tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plans. People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.
The City of Sparks is currently seeking to hire one Building Inspector in the Building Division of the Community Services Department. This posting will close on August 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm PST.
Application Tips:
-
COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process.
-
Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
-
The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
-
ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach all licenses/transcripts/certificates required at time of application to demonstrate you meet the qualifications for the position you believe you meet the qualifications for at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
-
Candidates looking to meet the qualifications for Building Inspector I with college credits must attach their transcripts/diploma at time of application. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
-
DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.
Civil Service Testing: This position requires a Civil Service Examination which is tentatively scheduled to occur the week of August 31, 2026.
Exact date, time and testing information will be provided to qualified candidates after the posting has closed. Qualified candidates will be notified via email of schedule and testing specifics. Once the exam has been completed, the candidate will receive a score and/or rank depending on their test performance. Upon successfully passing the exam, the candidate will be placed on the eligibility list which will then be used to refer candidates for potential interviews.
If you have any questions, please email
[email protected]. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Building Inspector I
DESCRIPTION
Under supervision, perform skilled building and related health and safety inspection work by interpretation and enforcement of codes related to structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. This position regulates new building construction, remodeling, repair and use.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Building Inspector series expected to perform duties under general supervision.
Building Inspector II
DESCRIPTION
Perform skilled building and related health and safety inspection work by interpretation and enforcement of codes related to structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing for residential and light commercial structures during various stages of construction. This position enforces code compliance with approved plans, municipal codes and regulates new building construction, remodeling, repair and use.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the experienced class of the Building Inspector series expected to perform inspections on varied residential and commercial/industrial structures under little supervision.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:
Building Inspector I
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent;
AND
One (1) year of experience as a: journey level craft worker in the building trade, a contractor with oversight of craft workers in the building trade, engineering technical support work such as drafting or surveying, or reviewing plans and issuing building permits.
24 college credits in Engineering, Construction, Construction Management, Building Trades, or Architecture will be accepted in lieu of the aforementioned work experience.
Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200.
Must possess within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, International Code Council (ICC) residential certifications in two (2) of the following areas: building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing.
Building Inspector II
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of inspection experience at a level equivalent to the City's class of Building Inspector I.
Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, International Code Council (ICC) residential certifications in two (2) of the following areas: building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing.
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200.
Must possess within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, International Code Council (ICC) residential combination certification.
Building Inspector I
Conduct periodic inspections of construction work under permit to enforce regulations and codes related to building and foundations, mechanical, plumbing and electrical. Prepare detailed reports on building conditions and violations.
Advise property owners and contractors on matters relevant to construction and repair methods and materials. Investigate and resolve complaints and problems. Communicate building inspection requirements, policies and decisions to contractors, property owners and others in a courteous and effective manner.
Review plans and specifications for buildings and related construction involving installation, repair, replacement and alteration for use in performance of inspections. Issue standard construction and occupancy permits and approve final inspection certifications. Work effectively in a team environment to solve problems and develop innovative solutions to achieve common goals.
Inspect building sites in process of remodeling, alteration or repair for compliance with specific and related building codes and regulations and safe application of construction and installation practices. Make final inspections to clear permits.
Interpret codes and regulations, explain inspection programs and provide information relevant to construction and repair methods and materials and permit processes to owners, architects, engineers, contractors, lending institutions, realtors and utility companies.
Prepare warning letters to negligent owners or contractors and carry negligent cases through prosecution channels in situations of non-compliance.
Maintain records, files of permits and inspections made. May perform field surveys. Perform thorough and accurate inspections of all stages of construction, alteration or repairs. Read and interpret plans and specifications and detect deviations from approved plans. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and documentation.
Maintain current knowledge of new construction methods, materials and techniques and codes and regulations governing building inspection. Assist with post emergency damage assessment.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-
Knowledge of practices, techniques, materials and methods used in building construction including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building and foundation
-
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with the public in stressful situations or where relations may be strained
-
Knowledge of safety and fire prevention methods in construction
-
Knowledge of laws, ordinances and codes related to regulating building construction and manufacturer materials
-
Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management
-
Knowledge of and ability to use complex math to calculate construction materials, components and site specifications
-
Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
-
Ability to read and interpret building codes and manufacturer installation requirements of systems and components
-
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
-
Ability to train others in work procedures
Physical Demands:
Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and outdoors during extreme weather conditions including but not limited to climbing, crawling under floors, and other conditions found in construction environments. Requires the ability to physically inspect residential, commercial, industrial and construction or repair in all phases of progress. Working environment could be on uneven surfaces, trenches and slopes and consist of exposure to hazards when inspecting structures and construction sites.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION
-
This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
-
This position reports to the Deputy Building Official
-
Supervision exercised: None
-
May be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends and holiday shifts as required
-
May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
-
May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation
Conduct periodic inspections of construction work under permit to enforce regulations and codes related to building and foundations, mechanical, plumbing and electrical. Prepare detailed reports on building conditions and violations.
Conduct assessments of residential and light commercial buildings after floods, earthquakes and other various events to determine structural and life safety conditions of the building before it can be re-occupied.
Advise property owners and contractors on matters relevant to construction and repair methods and materials. Investigate and resolve complaints and problems. Communicate building inspection requirements, policies and decisions to contractors, property owners and others in a courteous and effective manner. Communicate with contractors, property owners and others in the process of scheduling field inspections for code compliance during all stages of construction, alteration, replacement or repairs.
Review plans and specifications for buildings and related construction involving installation, repair, replacement and alteration for use in performance of inspections. Issue standard construction and occupancy permits and approve final inspection certifications. Work effectively in a team environment to solve problems and develop innovative solutions to achieve common goals.
Inspect building sites in process of remodeling, alteration or repair for compliance with specific and related building codes and regulations and safe application of construction and installation practices. Make final inspections to clear permits.
Interpret codes and regulations, explain inspection programs and provide information relevant to construction and repair methods and materials and permit processes to owners, architects, engineers, contractors, lending institutions, realtors and utility companies.
Prepare warning letters to negligent owners or contractors and carry negligent cases through prosecution channels in situations of non-compliance. Require corrections to be made when deficiencies or deviation from approved plans are discovered; issue "Stop Work" or violation notices for noncompliance with appropriate codes.
Maintain records, files of permits and inspections made. May perform field surveys. Perform thorough and accurate inspections of all stages of construction, alteration or repairs. Read and interpret plans and specifications and detect deviations from approved plans. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and documentation
Maintain current knowledge of new construction methods, materials and techniques and codes and regulations governing building inspection. Assist with post emergency damage assessment.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-
Knowledge of practices, techniques, materials and methods used in building construction including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building and foundation. Knowledge of techniques for dealing with the public in stressful situations or where relations may be strained
-
Knowledge of safety and fire prevention methods in construction
-
Knowledge of laws, ordinances and codes related to regulating building construction and manufacturer materials
-
Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management
-
Knowledge of and ability to use complex math to calculate construction materials, components and site specifications
-
Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
-
Ability to read and interpret building codes and manufacturer installation requirements of systems and components
-
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
-
Ability to train others in work procedures
Physical Demands:
Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and outdoors during extreme weather conditions including but not limited to climbing, crawling under floors and other conditions found in construction environments. Requires the ability to physically inspect residential, commercial, industrial and construction or repair in all phases of progress. Working environment could be on uneven surfaces, trenches and slopes and consist of exposure to hazards when inspecting structures and construction sites.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION
-
This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
-
This position reports to the Deputy Building Official
-
Supervision exercised: None
-
May be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends and holiday shifts as required
-
May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
-
May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation
The City of Sparks requires that prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for the City of Sparks to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.
Recruitment Communication
Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.
Disclaimer
The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.
Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.
Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant’s background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.
