BUILDING OFFICIAL

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Building Division within the Community Development Department including plan checking, issuance of building permits, and building construction inspection 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 Community Development.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

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, and building construction inspection services and activities.
• 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 resolutions as well as new state laws and codes.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service, staffing levels and fee structure.
• 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 Community Development; 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; makes public presentations.
• Oversees the maintenance of records and files including those related to applications, permits, fees, and correspondence related to building matters; oversees the administration of new automated permit, project 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.
• Evaluates and administers contracts for consulting services.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

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, 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 California Building and Residential Codes, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes, zoning ordinances, general land use codes, and related City codes and state mandated regulations, such as the Energy and Green Building Codes.
• 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, and plans examination program.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff and consultants.
• 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.
• Prepare informational material for customers.
• 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 Guidelines - 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 course work in building technology, architecture, civil engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Seven 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.

License or Certificate - International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building Official is required within a specific time period. Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; incumbents may be exposed to noise, dust, inclement weather conditions, and potentially hostile environments; work at heights and in confined areas. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field settings and operate equipment and vehicles; works from ladders and walks on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; FREQUENT walking, sitting, standing; upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Revised: July 2012
JP/Department

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates