Building Official/Senior Building Inspector

City of Canyon Lake (CA); Canyon Lake (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Canyon Lake (CA) seeks an experienced Building Department leader to oversee inspections, plan reviews, and code enforcement across commercial and industrial projects. You will guide staff, coordinate permit processes, and ensure compliance with building codes and city regulations.

The role requires a high school diploma with technical training and at least three years of supervisory building inspection experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma supplemented by technical training in building and construction.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the Building Department and personnel, providing leadership and guidance.
• Manages field inspections of grading and building; ensures compliance with codes and City guidelines.
• Reviews plans and change specifications; conducts preliminary examinations for code compliance.
• Coordinates permit processes and responds to citizen inquiries and complaints concerning construction.
• Prepares reports, budgets, and administrative documents; enforces regulations with firmness and tact.
• Gathers data and develops new ordinances and municipal codes.

Skills

Building inspections

Supervisory experience

Plan review

Codes/regulations

Education

High School diploma/technical training

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Under the general direction of the City Manager or designee, provides oversight and technical expert guidance to Building and Safety staff, is responsible for the overall direction and coordination of Building and Safety operations, and advises Building Department staff and the public on a variety of complex building and safety programs and projects; operates a computer; inspects work quality for compliance with applicable codes and materials used in a variety of commercial and industrial projects; oversees and monitors construction, repair, maintenance, or alterations to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications, and regulations; conducts field inspections of building construction and safety, grading, off-site streets, code enforcement, and fire sprinklers; reviews plans and building change specifications; oversees and supervisors the work of assigned Building Permit Technicians; performs other duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Oversees and manages the Building Department; provides leadership to employees, including training and guidance; monitors and evaluates assigned department employee performance; supervises and directs the work of subordinates; assists staff in resolving complex or technical problems; coordinates in-house training; operates a computer.
• Manages field inspections of grading and building; develops and implements goals, policies, and procedures; performs inspections to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; inspects foundation, concrete, framing, plastering, heating, and electrical installations.
• Conducts preliminary examination of plans and specifications of routine building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical facilities to determine compliance with the provisions of the construction codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Observes work during various phases and upon completion; ensures safety procedures are followed; works collaboratively with vendors, contractors and building organizations on construction specifications and procedures; ensures compliance with City guidelines, requirements, procedures and regulations.
• Prepares a variety of inspection and activity reports as requested; maintains files and reports regarding inspection and plan check activities and findings; issues notice to comply on violations; prepares and issues correspondence including stop work and correction notices pursuant to job site field inspections; discusses job progress with inspectors and ensure that inspections are performed to City standards.
• Coordinates and supervises the City’s building permit process; oversees and provides training for permit processing; guides; assists building permit staff in responding to and resolving difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints concerning construction and repair projects.
• Prepares and monitors project budgets and expenditures; drafts revenue projections; develops a variety of administrative reports, records and documents.
• Gathers data, researches, and prepares correspondence, memoranda, and technical advisory reports; develops new ordinances and municipal codes.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Performs related duties and functions as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Principles, methods, materials, equipment and techniques of municipal building inspection work.
• Building construction materials and methods used at various stages of construction.
• Methods and techniques applied to the design and construction of commercial and industrial buildings.
• Applicable laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies governing construction, including the Uniform Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural codes.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of construction activities.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment including a computer.
• Mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to construction inspection work

Abilities:

• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Determine if construction conforms to plans, regulations, and City code requirements.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
• Respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner.
• Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Operate a computer.
• Prepare a variety of reports and maintain accurate records.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Understand, explain and apply policies and procedures.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City staff and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• High School diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by technical training in building and construction.

Experience

• Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing combination building inspections in a municipality including lead or supervisory level work.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid State of California Driver’s License, Class C.
• Possession of International Code Council (ICC) Combination Dwelling or Building Inspector Certificate, or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months, is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment

• Indoor, office environment and at inspection sites environment.
• Exposure to dust, noise, fumes and inclement weather.

Physical Demands

• Lifting, standing, stooping, sitting for extended periods of time.
• Walking on even, uneven, and slippery surfaces.
• Climbing, squatting, crouching, kneeling, bending, leaning, turning, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, and pulling.
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Inspecting in confined areas.
• Near and far vision required for performing inspections.
• Driving motorized vehicles and work around moving traffic

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Canyon Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state and local laws.