Building Official

Job Summary

DEFINITION

Manages the programs and activities of the Building and Safety Division which includes administration and enforcement of state laws and City ordinances governing the construction of buildings, structures, and mechanical , electrical and plumbing systems on private and public property throughout the City; oversees plan review , building inspection, and permit process es . Performs related work as assigned .

SUPERVISION

Works under the leadership and administrative direction of the Director of Community Development. Exercises administrative and technical supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff and consultants , occasionally reviewing work in progress, and reviewing completed work.

Note : Effective June 30, 2024 this position will be eligible to receive a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

P lans, manages, organizes, and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Building and Safety Division including permit processing , plan check , and inspection functions to ensure compliance with laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations governing the safety, constructions, and alteration of buildings . Ensures coordination across departments and divisions to en sure timely plan review, permit issuance, inspection, and follow-up to inquiries regarding permits, building codes, and related f ederal, State, and municipal ordinances.

Reviews and evaluates current plan review, building inspection, and permit issuance functions and anticipates future needs. Directs the preparation of reports including graphic and statistical information and recommendations regarding policy changes and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations .

Reviews, revises, drafts, and recommends amendments and updates of building construction - related technical codes and or dinances.

Prepares drafts of ordinances of current codes and other ordinances for adoption as needed.

Reviews, researches , and resolves complex issues relating to the interpretation and application of building construction regulations .

Reviews and approves building plans and engineering reports, requests for use of alternate methods of construction, and find ing s of code equivalency for hardship.

Keeps informed of training and practices in the construction and building d esign professions; may participate in technical code development and related professional organization s .

Performs as a lead member o f the management team responsible for the development and implementation of customer service and citywide improvements. Manages the implementation of new policies, procedures , and standards to integrate into the development review process to provide predictable, consistent outcome s.

Prepares and administers the annual division budget; admi nisters the approved budget and controls expenditures.

Develops the work plan for the Division; establishes performance standards and business objectives ; implements effective tracking mechanism s, and measures and evaluates performance outcomes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Participates in and oversees the selection and evaluation of Division staff. Reviews and evaluates employee performance and recommends disciplinary action.

Identifies training needs and participates in the development of in-house training or assists in the procurement of training resources to promote the professional expertise of staff .

Implements departmental and division administrative and operational policies, procedures , and standards; formulates general policies to ensure compliance and enforcement of f ederal, State , and City codes, ordinances and regulations.

Develops, reviews, revises, implements , and evaluates customer service standards to maintain quality and responsive customer service levels.

Addresses complaints regarding activities of the Division and takes or directs appropriate corrective action.

Attends and speaks at meetings and provides information to the public, community groups, professional association s, and elected and appointed officials; confers with contractors, architects, engineers , property owners, developers, attorneys, public officials and other interested persons concerned with Division - related activities .

Appears at hearing boards or in court; test ifies a nd assists in preparing evidence and proceedings in connection with legal actions and appeals .

Acts as staff liaison to the Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices , and procedures involved in the administration and enforcement of building codes, ordi nances, and local, S tate , and federal laws and regulations governing development services

Principles and practices of organizational development, budget and fiscal administration , and management

Effective customer service standards

Principles and practices of effective administration, program management, and personnel management i ncluding supervision, hiring, evaluation , training, and development

Principles, practices, and procedures of building, construction, building materials, and construction methods, including U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system

Construction related codes and ordinances

Operations and functions of City, County and State governments and other public agencies and their interrelationships with Building and Safety Division functions

Ability to:

P rioritize on - going management and administration of multiple short-term tasks and projects and long-term goals and priorities in an active public environment

Plan, direct , and manage the goals, objectives , policies , and programs of a comprehensive building and safety operation that includes plan review, building inspection, and permitting

Prepare and monitor budgets and contracts

Read and accurately interpret construction plans, specifications and documents , and make decisions in accordance with appropriate rules , laws, re gulations , and policies

M anage, supervise , evaluate, train , and develop the work of subordinate professional, technical and clerical staff

Analyze issues, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed action s, and implement effective course s of action in support of solution s

Oversee the preparation of complex and specialized studies and surveys to evaluate the effect iveness and efficiency of division operations and satisfaction level of its customers

Formulate policies and procedures designed to provide effective and efficient public service levels

Prepare clear, co ncise and complete reports and correspondence, and maintain accurate and complete records

Identify technology needs and provide analysis and recommendation for system design and/or acquisition

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working rel ationships with the general public , contractors , architects, engineers, public officials, property owners , developers, attorneys and others contacted in the course of performing assigned duties

Acknowledge, value , and support diversity of thought, opinion and approach with customers and colleagues regardless of background, culture , and organizational level

Execute work that adheres to the City’s stated principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion including, but not limited to , your “duty to act” to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all persons and historically underrepresented groups

Skill in:

Sound judgement to interpret, apply, communicate , and enforce codes, policies, regulations , and laws

Creative problem solving and conflict resolution within required codes and processes

Leadership, management and supervision

Teamwork and collaboration

P ublic speaking

The use of personal computers and applicable word processing , spreadsheet and other applicable software applications

Fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in which everyone in the City has an opportunity to thrive

Incorporating an equity perspective to day-to- day work in all responsibilities, decisions , and actions of providing public service

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil e ngineering , a rchitecture, s tructural e ngineering, c onstruction m anagement or a closely related field . A m aster's degree in c ivil or s tructural e ngineering, a rch itecture , or a closely related field is highly desirable .

Experience: Five years of recent , paid , and progressively responsible building construction . plan check, permitting, and inspection experience involving complex residential, commercial, and industrial structures, with a public agency or private firm. Must have three years of comprehensive responsible building and safety experience. T w o years of the required experience must have included direct supervisory responsibilities.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Licensed as a Civil, Structural, Mechanical or Electrical Engineer with the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors or as an Architect with the Calif ornia Architects Board.

International Code Council certification as a Certified Building Official (CBO) and/or International Code Council certification as a Master Code Professional.

Possession of a LEED Professional Certification is desirable.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

Note : Internal staff who submit transfer applications must notify the analyst in charge of the recruitment, via email, upon submission of their transfer application

NOTE: You must attach a copy of your college level-transcripts or diploma with your application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of the following:

Evaluation of Training and Experience

Oral Interview: 100%

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is regularly performed indoors in an office environment ; however, work requires occasional inspections at construction sites and nuisance p roperties . Work involves frequently changing priorities and the ability to meet multiple strict deadlines . Outdoor work requires exposure to moving equipment , dust, noise, odors, slippe ry surfaces and seasonal weather conditions; will be required to use safety gear and follow safety procedures . Physical demands in clude sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, reac h ing , carrying plans, equipment and product samples and walking . Wee kend and evening work is occasionally required .

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and Marine Park Childcare Center.

Closing Date/Time: 7/25/2024 5:30 PM Pacific

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