Job Description
Salary : $7,655.00 - $10,772.00 Monthly
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 24-004
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 07/20/2023
The Position NOTE: As of 08/17/2023 this recruitment is "Open until filled" and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Once the appropriate applicant pool has been established or the position has been filled the recruitment will close without notice. T he current vacancy is for Senior Building Inspector in the Planning and Community Development Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full and part-time Senior Building Inspector vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Chief People Officer.
The Building Division within the Planning and Community Development Department assists with the City's development projects in the plan review and construction phases, such as multi-story residential and commercial buildings over commercial projects, some with sub-grade parking; a planned hotel and conference center; and a new arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors basketball team. For additional approved professional certifications obtained over the base required certifications, there is an additional 2% to 10% incentive pay.
Under direction, the Senior Building Inspector 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.
Recruitment #24-004 Selection Timeline: (The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Chief People Officer.)
- On Thursday, 08/17/23 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- 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 application process.
- 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 08/21 and 08/28/23: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment once all applications have been reviewed.
- Week of 09/11 and/or 09/18/23: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled. The examination process will include an interview and may include a writing and/or performance exam.
Typical Duties (May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications 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,
-OR-
- 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.
Career Ladder Career Ladder - Chief Building Official
- Deputy Building Official
- Supervising Building Inspector
- Senior Building Inspector
- Building Inspector
SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit and has a nine-step salary range. All classifications in this bargaining unit add an additional wage Step J on 7/14/18 by MOU agreement. Appointment may be made commensurate with experience. The current salary schedule is posted on the City website. See for salary practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick - 12 days/year
Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
01
Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?
02
This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
- Yes, I have a valid California driver's license.
- I do not have a valid California driver's license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.
03
Required Certification: This position requires the possession of an ICC Building Inspector (commercial) certification OR International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO Legacy) Building Inspector. In the space below, please list the certificate you currently possess, AND the Certificate/License #. If you do not possess either of the listed certificates, please write N/A.
04
In addition to one of the above required certifications, it is required to possess one (1) ICC commercial certification from the following within one year of date of hire: Electrical Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Electrical Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner OR Department of State Architecs CASp (Certification; Certified Access Specialist). (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration). I accept this requirement:
05
Please select from the following choices regarding qualifying college completion or work experience. You may be required to supply proof of degree or coursework upon request.
- Successful completion of two years of college with a building inspection/construction related field emphasis.
- I will be qualifying with four (4) years of experience in the construction, design and/or inspection trades.
- I have both successfully completed two years of college with a building inspection/construction related field emphasis and have four (4) years of experience in the construction, design and/or inspection trades.
06
Please describe in detail your experience in the construction, design and/or inspection trades, indicating employer name, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. All experience described here must relate back to your employment history on the main application to receive credit.
07
This position requires two (2) years of experience as a journey level building inspector with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm. Describe in detail how you meet this requirement, providing the name of the employer, specific job duties that demonstrate this experience, and duration. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience section of your application.
08
If you answered the above question that you have successfully completed two (2) years of college with a building inspection/construction related field emphasis, please write in the space below your degree, field or study, the college or accredited university you attended, and number of months or years attended. If you have not completed two years of college with a building inspection/construction related field emphasis and are qualifying with four or more years of experience, please write "N/A."
Required Question City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Part time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Shift work,