Assistant Building Official

City-of-Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Escondido seeks an Assistant Building Official in the Development Services Department/Building Services to supervise plan review and permit issuance, ensure code compliance, and lead staff.

The role includes evaluating complex plans, managing counter activities, budget considerations, and acting as Building Official in the absence of the chief.

Open until filled; first review the week of August 17, 2026. This recruitment may close at any time after that date.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and review staff reviewing building plans for code compliance and permit issuance.
• Oversee plan checking for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Manage counter activities and permit tracking programs.
• Interpret policies, update procedures, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide guidance and training to staff; act as Building Official when needed.

Job description

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of August 17, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Assistant Building Official in our Development Services Department/Building Services. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under general direction, supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of staff responsible for reviewing building plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations and the issuance of building permits; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; and serves as acting Building Official in the absence of the Building Official.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, and participates in the work of staff responsible for plan checking residential, commercial, and industrial building plans and drawings for conformance with applicable state and local codes and regulations.
• Assumes responsibility for the Building Division's public counter activities, permit tracking program, and issuance of building permits; maintains quality control for the automated permit tracking system.
• Establishes schedules and methods for providing plan checking and permit issuance services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
• Participates in the development of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; interprets, reviews, and evaluates plan review and permit issuance policies and procedures in response to changes in building codes and local ordinances; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; participates in the implementation of approved policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Participates in the selection of assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures.
• Participates in the preparation and administration of the assigned program budget; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures.
• Oversees and participates in the maintenance of records concerning assigned operations and programs; prepares reports on operations and activities.
• Performs the more technical and complex tasks of the work unit including plan reviews on the more complex and sensitive projects; determines project valuation and related building and development fees; processes and issues building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits; assists plans examiner with rechecking of plans to allow for faster turn around of projects.
• As necessary, provides assistance to building inspectors in the performance of structural and non-structural field inspections on special projects.
• Responds to questions from and provides assistance to the public, developers, contractors, owners, and design professionals regarding building regulations, permit requirements, and application