Supervising Building Inspector

Under general direction, oversees and coordinates the daily operations of the building inspection work unit; plans, organizes, and supervises the work of technical staff engaged in conducting inspections; enforces compliance with building codes and regulations; participates in budget preparation; represents the department in meetings and community forums; and performs related duties as assigned. 

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced, technically proficient, and forward-thinking building inspection professional who combines deep knowledge of building codes with strong leadership and operational management skills. This individual thrives in a fast-paced municipal environment and is adept at balancing regulatory enforcement, customer service, and team development.

Leadership & Supervisory Strength

The successful candidate is a hands-on leader who:

• Effectively plans, organizes, and supervises building inspection staff and daily operations 
• Promotes a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement 
• Provides clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback 
• Builds a cohesive, high-performing team focused on service excellence 

They lead by example and are comfortable making independent decisions while aligning with departmental goals and City priorities.

Technical Expertise & Regulatory Knowledge

The ideal candidate possesses advanced knowledge and applied experience in:

• California Building Standards Codes (Title 24), including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy compliance 
• Inspection of complex residential and commercial projects 
• Non-structural plan review and energy calculations 
• Grading, drainage, and environmental compliance 

Recognized as a technical resource and confidently interpret and apply codes in complex or ambiguous situations.

Operational & Program Management

This candidate demonstrates strong ability to:

• Oversee and improve inspection workflows, procedures, and service delivery 
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements and best practices 
• Support budget development and fiscal oversight 
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements 

They bring a mindset of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Judgment, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

The ideal candidate exercises:

• Sound independent judgment in complex and sensitive situations 
• Strong analytical skills to resolve code interpretation issues, complaints, and enforcement actions 
• Confidence in issuing stop work orders and navigating compliance challenges 

They are solutions-oriented and capable of balancing enforcement with practical problem-solving.

Communication & Customer Service

This individual is an effective communicator who:

• Explains complex codes and requirements clearly to contractors, developers, and the public 
• Handles complaints and inquiries with professionalism and tact 
• Builds strong working relationships with internal departments and external agencies 

Must understand the importance of delivering responsive, fair, and consistent service.

Collaboration & Interagency Coordination

The ideal candidate:

• Works collaboratively with Planning, Public Works, Fire, Environmental Health, and Legal staff 
• Coordinates across agencies to ensure timely project approvals and compliance 
• Represents the City in meetings with stakeholders and community members 

Skilled at navigating multi-agency environments and fostering cooperation.

Professionalism & Integrity

The successful candidate demonstrates:

• High ethical standards and commitment to public safety and regulatory integrity 
• Accountability and transparency in decision-making 
• Professional presence in public meetings, hearings, and court proceedings 

Serve as a trusted representative of the City.

• Assists in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for building inspection services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures, to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Oversees and monitors the activities of the building inspection work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and operational procedures; provides recommendations for process changes and improvements; collaborates with appropriate management staff to implement enhancements.

• Coordinates building inspection services and operations with other divisions within the department and external agencies, fostering collaboration and ensuring seamless integration of services.

• Contributes to the annual budget preparation process by identifying resource needs, preparing detailed cost estimates with justifications, and monitoring expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with departmental priorities.

• Provides expert staff assistance to management, including preparing a variety of reports, memoranda, and communications; supervises the establishment and maintenance of comprehensive reports, records, and files, ensuring accurate documentation of operations and activities.

• Serves as a point of contact for the public, addressing inquiries and providing information on building inspection services and regulations; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and external agencies, recommending corrective actions to resolve issues effectively.

• Conducts advanced non-structural plan checks and reviews intricate energy calculations to ensure compliance with stringent State codes, guaranteeing energy efficiency and sustainability in building design and construction.

• Performs comprehensive inspections of commercial and residential properties, assessing adherence to complex codes, regulations, and standards related to structural integrity, safety, and compliance.

• Consults with the Building Official, Deputy Building Official, and City legal staff regarding legal aspects of code compliance and building matters.

• Writes “stop work” notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.

• May testify in court and/or at administrative hearings.

• Performs grading inspections with an emphasis on drainable systems, compaction, subdrainage, and environmental protection.

• Coordinates grading, Environmental Health, County Fire and Health Departments for their final releases

• Attends pre-construction site meetings with engineers, architects, contractors, and owners.

• Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; investigates and resolves complaints and problems.

• Collaborates with legal, fire, and public works staff to provide expert guidance on complex building, fire, life safety, and zoning code interpretations and applications.

• Supervises and contributes to the compilation of data for various departmental, state-mandated, and statistical reports.

• Manages and updates files, databases, and records pertinent to building inspection activities; generates a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence as needed.

• Represents the City in meetings with stakeholders from public and private organizations, community groups, and the general public, fostering positive relationships and addressing concerns collaboratively.

• Actively participates in professional group meetings to remain abreast of emerging trends and innovations in building inspection practices and regulations, incorporating best practices into departmental operations.

• Enforces adherence to City and mandated safety regulations, protocols, and procedures among staff members, ensuring a safe and compliant work environment at all times.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in building inspection, construction management, engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, construction management, or a related field, including one (1) year of lead supervision.

• Certification as a Combination Building Inspector issued by the International Code Council (ICC) or other approved certifying agency.

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. 

• Principles and practices of leadership. 

• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring. 

• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes, as well as familiarity with their application in residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.

• Construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, including their proper installation and usage.

• Practices and techniques for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on court procedures.

• Codes, ordinances, and regulations, including safety standards relevant to building inspection and construction activities.

• Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.

• Mathematical principles, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, necessary for analyzing structural designs, performing calculations, and interpreting technical documents related to building inspection and construction.

• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation. 

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relevant to the assigned area of responsibility. 

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards. 

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Read, analyze, interpret, and detect deviations from approved building and construction plans, diagrams, and specifications.

• Enforce a wide range of building and related codes and regulations effectively.

• Perform thorough and accurate inspections of construction, alteration, or repair activities for buildings and site development projects and identify potential issues.

• Providing clear and concise guidance to facilitate compliance with building codes and regulations.

• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.

• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.

• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.

• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Salary : $119,184 - $155,508