BUILDING OFFICIAL

The Community Development Department is recruiting for the position of Building Official. For more detailed information about the department and position click here to review the recruitment brochure.

JOB TITLE:                Building Official
 
DEPARTMENT:       Community Development

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general direction, plans, directs, and reviews various activities within the Building Safety Division of the Community Development Department including enforcement of all Building Codes and regulations, examines and approves plans for new construction, and conducts field inspections on complex projects. Acts as the City's Chief Building Official and coordinates activities with other departments, architects, developers, contractors and the public to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of all building related activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assigns, directs, monitors, and evaluates work of assigned personnel and participates in the hiring process
• Interprets codes by responding to requests and inquiries from architects, inspectors, contractors, developers, residents, etc. regarding methods and materials for building construction
• Participates in the development, implementation and enforcement of work processes, systems, ordinances, policies and procedures
• Prepares technical reports, staff reports and correspondence including researching and analyzing information and approving extensions.
• Assists with the preparation, monitoring, and forecasting of the division budget.
• Supervises the review of building plans for compliance with codes and ordinances, including complex plans requiring alternatives.
• Supervises the field inspections including special inspections of complicated or unusual situations to determine compliance with codes and regulations.
• Supervises the issuance of building permits and confers with the public on applications.
• Interprets building codes and regulations and authorizes alternate construction methods accordingly.
• Investigates alleged violation of City codes and related complaints.
• Establishes and conducts training programs for staff as well as architects, engineers and contractors.
• Develops and implements inspection and permit processing policies and procedures.
• Participates in various committees including the Site Plan Review Committee and Construction Review Committee.
• Attends City and State meetings and conferences on building inspection methods and their application in construction.
• Advises staff and various committees on building codes and construction.
• Researches construction methods and material use for compliance with building codes and ordinances.
• Performs related duties as required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the Community Development Director and supervises staff within the Building Safety Division.

Knowledge of:

• Municipal government functions relating to building codes and inspection.
• Building codes as they relate to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, materials and safety standards.
• Principles and practices of organization, public administration, budget and personnel management.
• Municipal building code enforcement.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Federal, state and government agency laws and regulations pertaining to building safety.

Skill in / Ability to:

• Develop good working relationships with peers, subordinates, management and elected and appointed officials.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Building code interpretation.
• Public relations and public speaking.
• Report preparation.
• Short and long-range organizational planning.
• Prepare and manage complex annual work programs.
• Evaluate quality of workmanship and materials.
• Read and check plans.
• Interpret plans and specifications.
• Direct, evaluate and supervise the work of assigned personnel.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate professional and technical subordinates.
• Operate standard office equipment and computers; various inspection devices including electrical tester and level.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any equivalent combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in architecture, structural engineering, construction management, or a related field; and
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in plan checking and building inspection, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certification from International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Building Official is required at the time of appointment. Licensure as a civil engineer, structural engineer or architect in the State of California may substitute for this requirement, but certification must be obtained within one (1) year from the date of appointment.
• Certification from ICC as a building inspector, combination inspector or the equivalent required at the time of appointment.
• Certification by the California State Fire Marshal as a Fire Prevention Inspector II required within three (3) years from the date of appointment.
• Certification as a Certified Access Specialist or "CASp" required within two (2) years from the date of appointment.
• Registration as a professional civil engineer, structural engineer, or the possession of an architect's license in the State of California is desirable
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

This position requires frequent exposure to the weather and requires the ability to conduct duties in areas of unstable footing.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants who appear to have the most relevant qualifications in terms of education, experience and training will be invited to participate in the appraisal process.  The process may include an appraisal interview, practical exercise, final interview, as well as full reference and background checks. References will only be contacted when a mutual interest has been established. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this classification and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

FLSA: Exempt