Building Inspector Supervisor - Grading Unit

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Salary range: $115,209.12 - $138,840.00 annually. We are currently accepting applications to fill one full-time Building Inspector Supervisor – Grading Unit vacancy in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. This position will require travel between both the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria offices.

About the Role

Under general direction, directs and coordinates building inspection activities in an assigned community or in a specific inspection program; trains and supervises inspection and office support staff in the enforcement of state and local building codes and regulations. The current vacancy directs and coordinates the County’s grading inspection team, providing oversight of Grading Inspectors responsible for grading plan review and inspections conducted throughout Santa Barbara County.

The Ideal Candidate

• Seven or more years of building/grading inspection, plan review/grading plan check, permit review and issuance, and/or building construction experience.
• Knowledge of construction of residential and commercial buildings and structures.
• Extensive knowledge of California Building Codes in relation to construction of residential and light commercial buildings.
• Knowledge of permit intake, review, and issuance procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and related documents and specifications.
• Ability to learn and apply software solutions in accepting permit applications, assessing fees, assigning works, conducting research, issuing permits and other related tasks.
• Ability to direct, supervise, mentor and manage technical and support staff.
• Ability to deliver customer focused, reliable and consistent services to the public in person and remotely.
• Ability to evaluate processes and develop and suggest improvements that facilitate delivery of services.
• Strong communication skills including written and oral.
• Strong computer skills in the use of spreadsheets, word processing, workload management and tracking on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a regional office or a specific program of the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Development department; assigns and reviews the work of permit technicians, inspectors, plan checkers, and office support staff.
• Evaluates staff work performance in completing assigned tasks. Develops measurable goals and objectives to assist staff in improving job performance.
• Coordinates work with inspection specialists and engineers; advises and instructs inspectors in code interpretations; reviews unusual or difficult inspection problems.
• Supervises studies and reviews building and grading plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations, method, and schedule of inspections; plan checks and makes field inspections.
• Mediates and resolves conflicts concerning code interpretation with builders; investigates complaints; recommends policy and procedural changes.
• Prepares reports; supervises the collection of fees; maintains permit records.

Requirements

• Four years of public agency building engineering and/or grading inspection experience, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
• Three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector II or Grading Inspector, Senior, with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector III or Specialist with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and certification.

Qualifications

• International Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) certification in commercial building inspection; commercial electrical, commercial plumbing, or commercial mechanical inspection; and one additional area must be obtained within two years of appointment as a condition of continued employment.
• As a condition of employment, California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28(a) requires that a Building Inspector must obtain certification in the appropriate fields that are closely related to their primary job function by a recognized state, national or international organization within two years of employment. Not maintaining the required certifications may result in reclassification to a lower position.
• For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as condition of continued employment.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• General building methods and materials.
• The California Building Codes.
• State and local laws relating to building construction and grading.
• Proper inspection methods.
• The legal procedures involved in enforcing building codes and ordinances.
• Principles and methods of supervision.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret building and grading plans and specifications and enforce their application.
• Prepare clear written reports.
• Train, direct, and supervise the work of paraprofessional and office support staff.
• Work cooperatively with other county departments and public agencies.
• Deal effectively with the public and secure the cooperation of persons in the construction industry.
• Represent the department in a knowledgeable, professional manner.

Pay

$115,209.12 - $138,840.00 annually.

Benefits

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity, time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.