Description

If you are looking to make a direct impact in a small, collaborative city organization and help guide safe, well-planned development, we encourage you to apply. 

You’ll be part of a team that values thoughtful review, sound judgment, and working collaboratively with an engaged community.

In this role, you will oversee building inspections, plans review, and permit services while serving as a key resource for building code interpretation and compliance. We’re looking for someone who enjoys both technical plan review and field work and brings a practical, solution-oriented approach, along with a strong commitment to customer service. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Building Division, including building inspection, plans examination, permit processing.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of building inspection, plans examination, and permit processing services and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding building code and City construction regulations; reviews complex code applications for requested code modifications and alternate materials and methods; represents the division, department, and City in building code disputes and litigations.
• Performs preliminary review of projects submitted; performs site inspections of construction projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local construction codes; works closely with other departments in addressing City construction projects and code interpretations.
• Coordinates with City department representatives to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements; oversees technical consultants' work products to ensure adherence to City standards and legal provisions; ensures that deliverables are submitted on time and budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with City policy and contract provisions. 
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in building and safety; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to divisional and City needs.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Assists with developing and managing the program's budget.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, and responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment. 
• Enforces laws, codes and ordinances dealing with the construction of new buildings and the alterations and safety of existing buildings, grading and excavation. 
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits; approve building permits; plan, direct and participate in field inspections of building construction, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings to ensure compliance and conformance with applicable codes.
• Reviews and check plans and specifications for construction, remodeling and alterations to ensure compliance with pertinent codes and accepted construction practices; issue acceptance and approval of such plans and specifications.
• Consults with engineers, architects, contractors, and property owners regarding applications, requirements, restrictions, permits, building plans, and inspections.
• Advises County and City officials, professionals and the public of building codes, building code interpretations, city ordinances, development review processes, and other related requirements.
• Investigates violations and complaints; conduct site visits regarding violations, ensures accurate documentation and determine solutions and alternative methods to achieve code compliance.
• Keeps current on new codes, ordinances, laws and amendments, and new construction methods and materials and they relate to building code provisions.
• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; conduct inspections. 
• Reviews plans for seismic safety precautions and code compliance.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities. 
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.  

Requirements

Education and/or Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course works in civil engineering, architecture or related field is highly desirable
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in structural engineering, building inspection, code enforcement, plan checking, building permit counter and record maintenance.

License/Certificate
All required licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of employment.

• Possession of at least one of the following certificates at time of appointment:
  • International Code Council (ICC) Combination Building Inspector
  • (ICC) Plans Examiner
  • Building Official certificate 
• Certified Access Specialist (CASp) by DSA is desirable.
• Safety Assessment Program Coordinator by CALOES is desirable. 
• A valid appropriate California driver’s license may be required.
  Maintain a satisfactory driving record. 

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:
Knowledge of: 

• Project and program management methodologies and organizational management.
• Specialized training in building inspection, code enforcement, plan checking, building permit counter, record maintenance and clerical operations.

Skill/Ability to:

• Direct and administer Building Division programs; analyze and interpret complex building plans and specifications and construction blueprints. 
• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations.
• Inspect and analyze standard building construction, interpret and apply laws and regulations and apply technical knowledge to identify code violations and detect deviations from plans and standard construction practices.
• Respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner.
• Prepare accurate and precise technical reports and records.
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including co-workers, property owners, builders, contractors, civic and professional groups and the general public.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Operate computer systems and permit, record keeping, word processing and accounting programs.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Speak Spanish is not required but desired.