What are the responsibilities and job description for the Residential Construction Specialist position at City of Santa Ana?
Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.
Under general supervision, provides specialized technical support in the administration and operation of the City’s residential rehabilitation loan programs, new construction and other projects throughout the City.
This is an effective and experienced journey level classification involving a combination of technical inspection work, property rehabilitation (repair and alteration) counseling and multi-party liaison involving coordinating, monitoring, expediting and contract enforcement functions. This class requires good subject-area knowledge and above-average tact and responsiveness. It is distinguished from the next higher Senior level in that the Senior is responsible for the most complex projects and performs supervision over assigned staff.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 p.m. on July 12, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. Applicants who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
Performs property inspections and identifies substandard conditions, code violations, health and safety deficiencies, fire hazards and deferred maintenance; prepares detailed reports and project specifications describing the work necessary to bring properties in compliance with applicable codes, standards and regulations (local, state and federal); prepares itemized cost estimates and performs construction feasibility analyses; prepares bid packages, evaluates bids and construction budgets; conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors/developers; reviews invoices and pay requests, conducts work-in-progress and final inspections, obtains lien releases, change orders and approves the disbursement of payments to contractors/developers; analyzes and interprets architectural drawings, specifications and related documents; assists property owners participating in the City’s residential rehabilitation programs in all construction related matters regarding the rehabilitation of their properties; interacts with other City departments as required; maintains project records and rehabilitation database; participates as a member of the City’s loan committee and quality teams; provides assistance in the development, modification and implementation of program policies, procedures and practices, and performs other functions as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Three years recent experience in residential and/or commercial property rehabilitation, building code enforcement, supervisory building construction experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.
Knowledge of: materials, methods, techniques and practices used in residential rehabilitation and new construction; construction costs and estimating; general provisions of the various codes, standards and regulations applicable to residential rehabilitation and new construction in the City of Santa Ana including, but not limited to, the California Building Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, Federal Housing Quality Standards and the Federal Lead-Based Paint Regulations; various federal, state and local funding sources and related requirements.
- Skill in: the use of a personal computer; business software applications such as Word, Excel and Access is desirable.
- Ability to: interpret and analyze construction plans, specifications and related documents; analyze construction cost data and budgets; interpret laws, codes and ordinances, draw sound conclusions and make recommendations; identify and resolve construction issues in a manner that expedites the completion of quality projects; effectively interact and communicate with property owners, contractors, developers, architects and other agencies.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession and retention of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is a condition of employment.
Successful performers are well organized and manage competing priorities well and work independently but also as a member of a team. They possess excellent technical skills complemented by the ability to effectively solve problems and work with a wide variety of individuals in order to expedite projects. In addition, they possess good judgment, a positive attitude and strong oral and written communication abilities.
Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for Week of July 28, 2026*): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.