Senior Building Inspector

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 04/09/26recruitment will close. (previous deadline 03/26/2026)All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted.To apply, submit:
  1. Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
  2. Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 03/30 and 04/06/26:Applications will be competitivelyscreened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 04/17/26.
• Week of 04/20 and 04/27/26:Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Under direction, this position performs a variety of the journey level inspection services and assists in planning and directing division inspection activities; coordinates building inspection services activities with other city departments; and performs combination field inspections of residential, commercial and industrial projects for compliance with applicable construction codes.

This position is distinguished from the next lower- level position of building inspector position in that the latter performs field inspections on structures during various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and municipal codes. This position is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Supervising Building Inspector in that the latter performs a variety of the most complex inspection services and assists the building official in planning and directing division activities, and performs inspections for the full range of construction development projects and performs complex plan reviews for compliance with applicable construction codes.

• Inspects all types of buildings and structures, including complex construction and development projects, using the applicable building standards codes and other related construction codes adopted by the City of Santa Cruz.
• Provides technical information to the public on codes and inspection requirements and on difficult or unusual code requirements for major structures; answers inquires from the public relating to regulations for building and housing construction, remodeling and repair, including structural, non-structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other code related questions.
• Assists architects, engineers, contractors and property owners in interpreting and meeting code requirements at the building counter, issues building permits.
• Coordinates with builders and inspects for compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program, CAL Green requirements and specifications, and building decarbonization and electrification.
• Assists with projects that do not conform to requirements, participating in the solution process of changes and modifications to bring the project into code compliance.
• Communicates with property owners, contractors and others to schedule inspections, explain requirements, obtain compliance with plans and codes, and give final sign-off approval.
• Provides technical support and coordinates with other city departments as needed.
• May assist the chief building official in developing and revising division operations as assigned. May schedule and monitor field inspection activities, advising inspectors on work assignments and challenges.
• Leads, trains, and advises inspectors and other technical staff. Provides assistance to maintain consistent application of code provisions.
• Updates and maintains technical manuals and publications.
• Assists code enforcement staff with housing, building and related codes including investigating code violation complaints, searching records to determine prior approvals, and writing up results and findings of investigations.
• Monitors and coordinates inspection services from permit application to final inspection.
• Maintains records, prepares a variety of reports and provides fee estimates for building projects.
• Inputs, accesses and analyses data in the computer. Proactive in the use and development of the city permit tracking system.
• May be required to review plans for construction and development projects.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting and stooping and reaching in the performance of daily activities. The position may also work on slippery uneven surfaces. The position requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires acute near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents and in the performance of daily duties. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The incumbent may perform work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience

• High School graduation or tested equivalent and,
• Two (2) years of college with a building inspection/construction related field emphasis, and
• Two (2) years’ experience as a journey level building inspector with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm,

• Four (4) years experience in the construction, design and/or inspection trades, and
• Two (2) years of experience as a journey level building inspector with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm.

Knowledge:

• Current building inspection methods and practices.
• Federal, state, municipal codes and regulations governing housing, building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy of buildings and structures.
• Effective use of the building standards code and referenced standards.
• Principles, materials and methods used in building design and construction.
• Effective combination inspection requirements and procedures.
• Blueprint reading and terminology used in building plans and specifications.
• Safe work practices and procedures
• Legal procedures involved in the administration of codes and ordinances.
• Data processing applications.
• Correct English language, usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Abilities:

• Review buildings, structures and systems for compliance with applicable building standards codes and ordinances, including the city green building program, being thorough and accurate.
• Provide effective leadership to assigned staff.
• Use good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Write clear and comprehensive reports and correspondence on administrative and technical issues.
• Proficiently navigate the codes, locating requirements and conducting associated research.
• Read and interpret construction plans, notes, specifications and legal property descriptions and coordinate inspection requirements and process with applicants.
• Interpret, apply and explain complex construction-related codes, regulations and policies.
• Establish and maintain accurate records; proficiency with the city permit tracking system.
• Communicate in a courteous and effective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public including property owners, contractors, architects and engineers.
• Assist in training and evaluating assigned staff.
• Demonstrate an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Possession and continued maintenance of an ICC Building Inspector (commercial) certification or,
• International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO Legacy) Building Inspector and
• Must possess one (1) ICC commercial certification from the following within one year from date of hire;
  • Electrical Inspector
  • Mechanical Inspector
  • Plumbing Inspector
  • Electrical Plans Examiner
  • Mechanical Plans Examiner
  • Plumbing Plans Examiner

or

• • Department of State Architects CASp (Certification; Certified Access Specialist)

*Other equivalent certification combinations may be considered acceptable upon approval by the Chief Building Official.

• Chief Building Official
• Deputy Building Official
• Supervising Building Inspector
• Senior Building Inspector
• Building Inspector