BUILDING INSPECTIONS OFFICER

About the role

The Building Inspections Officer is an at-will management position that reports to the Superintendent of Building and Safety (a.k.a., Building Official).

Responsibilities

• Maintaining the performance of inspection personnel to ensure timely, consistent, and high-quality inspection services are provided without compromising public safety.
• Reviewing and modernizing existing systems/protocols to streamline them with an emphasis on technology, mobile tools, and process automation.
• Resolving complex and difficult construction problems and complaints related to the enforcement of construction codes or inspection personnel.
• Developing, training, and motivating inspection personnel into an efficient and knowledgeable staff.
• Assisting in the preparation and monitoring of the Division’s budget.
• Leading the Department’s disaster preparedness, including but not limited to: reviewing the Department’s current disaster/emergency resources, making recommendations based on a thorough and continuous needs assessment, coordinating and tracking the disaster/emergency training for the Department, formulating a comprehensive Department Operations Center (DOC) plan, educating key team members regarding their DOC roles, and acting as the Department representative in the coordination of emergency programs with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Establishing policies, procedures and interpretations to ensure construction codes and their enforcement are timely, accurate, uniform and consistent.
• Leading strong, solution-oriented collaboration with the Permit Center Division and Engineering/Plan Review Division to ensure seamless project flow from plan submittal to final inspection.
• Coordinating with partner departments, bureaus, or agencies such as Planning, Code Enforcement, Fire, Health, Public Works, Water, Gas/Oil, and Harbor to resolve inter-agency challenges, eliminate delays, and simplify the development process for customers.
• Developing technical policies and public information bulletins to assist our customers better understand inspection requirements and navigate the process successfully.
• Improving transparency and consistency around the restaurant inspection processes, and working to eliminate misconceptions by providing proactive education, outreach, and clear guidance.
• Managing, overseeing, and performing quality control on work performed by staff, contract staff, and outside consultants.
• Attending court to provide testimony and act as an expert witness regarding violations.
• Acting as the public face of the Inspection Services Division by attending meetings with public interest groups and construction trade associations.

Requirements

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture or a related field. Candidates may substitute experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Certification: Certification from the International Code Council (ICC) or its equivalent in inspections.
• Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the enforcement of codes and statutes regulating the use and maintenance of buildings and properties, and electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire/life safety construction and inspection. One (1) year of the required experience must have been at a supervisory or management level.
• Additional Requirements: Valid California Class C Driver License and proof of auto insurance.

Qualifications

• Ability to innovate and stay up to date on the latest technologies while also striving to integrate them into providing excellent service to the public.
• Lead with consistent experience in the enforcement of codes and statutes regulating building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire life safety construction and inspection and the use and maintenance of buildings and properties.
• Sets the example by providing excellent skills in customer service, oral and written communication, time management, supervision and process improvement.
• Uses strong skills in leading and motivating teams, managing staff, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrates willingness to embrace new methods and technologies that can enhance project outcomes and community benefits.
• Agile and adaptive leader who can successfully operate in a high-performance, fast-paced professional environment.
• Effectively prioritizes tasks and manages time to meet project deadlines and goals.