Building Official

Under City Manager supervision, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Building Division within the Department of Development Services including plan checking, issuance of building permits, building construction inspection, and code enforcement services and activities; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services.The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
 

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Building Division including plan checking, issuance of building permits, building construction inspection, and code enforcement services and activities.
• Assumes full management responsibility for enforcement of certain Building, Health and Safety, Business and Professions, and City municipal and zoning codes that protect health, safety and general welfare of residents and visitors.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures; implements new ordinances and resolution s as well as new state laws and codes.
• Serves as Project Manager and/or provides support for City Capital Improvement projects/buildings.
• Performs complex plan reviews and inspections; interprets Building Code; oversees the inspection of new development; investigates problem areas, makes reports with suggested solutions, and confers with other City personnel, engineers, architects, contractors, building officials, public, and outside agencies as to building requirements and restrictions.
• Implements investigations of substandard buildings for rehabilitation, moving, and/or demolition.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Building Division's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Development Services; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to Building Division programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Serves as the liaison for the Building Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Oversees the maintenance of records and files including those related to applications, permits, fees, and correspondence related to building matters; oversees the administration of the City of Santee automated permit tracking and code enforcement case tracking systems.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building inspection and plan checking.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees on performance issues in coordination with Human Resources; implements discipline in consultation with Human Resources; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints, and aids in the preparation of public records requests.
• Performs other related duties as required.

 

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive plan checking, permit issuance, code compliance and building inspection program; principles and practices of program development and administration ; principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation ; principles of civil engineering, structural design, engineering mathematics, and soil engineering ; methods, materials, and progressive steps used in the construction of buildings and related structures; pertinent building related codes, ordinances, and regulations enforced by the City including the Uniform Building Code , plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes, zoning ordinances, general land use codes, and related City codes and state mandated regulations; principles and techniques used in building inspection work including those used to examine the quality of work and materials and to detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices; accepted building construction safety standards and methods; permit processing procedures; building plan review principles and practices; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers; principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.

Ability to:

Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive building inspection, permit issuance, code enforcement and plans examination program; oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives , and procedures; research, analyze , and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; prepare and administer large program budgets; oversee the maintenance of complete and accurate records; prepare clear and concise technical, administrative, and financial reports; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; understand, interpret, explain, and enforce pertinent federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations including provisions of applicable building, safety, and zoning codes and ordinance requirements to contractors, developers, and the general public; analyze, interpret, and accurately check complex building plans, specifications, and calculations; enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in building technology, architecture, civil engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the plan checking and inspection of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Code enforcement experience desirable.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building Official is required at time of application. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record. CASp certification is highly desirable.

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license at the time of appointment. A safe driving record and insurability under the City's policy is required and must be maintained during period of employment.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

The position may require weekend, evening or early morning inspections requiring a flexible schedule at times.

Salary : $115,902 - $151,226