Chief Building Official

City Of San Ramon; San Ramon (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Ramon is seeking a Chief Building Official to lead the Building and Safety Services Division. This role involves managing staff, ensuring compliance with building codes, and overseeing various construction-related activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of building regulations.

Benefits

CalPERS retirement

Medical, dental and vision plans

12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually

10.5 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in building code enforcement or plan review.
• Strong supervisory experience in municipal settings.
• Possession of ICC certification as a Certified Building Official.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Building and Safety Services Division's activities and staff.
• Oversee permitting, plan check, and inspection processes.
• Develop policies and ensure compliance with building codes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Technical Expertise

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Building Construction or related field

Tools

Energov EPL

Job description

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Description

Under general direction, the Chief Building Official plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs various activities for the City’s Building and Safety Services Division, including Building Permitting, Plan Check, and Inspection and Code Enforcement; performs administrative duties and policy interpretation related to the Division; develops Division goals and objectives; manages staff directly or through subordinate supervisors; develops policies and procedures related to permitting, plan check, inspection and code enforcement activities; develops and administers the Division’s budgets; conducts short and long range planning; and performs related work as required.

Description

Under general direction, the Chief Building Official plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs various activities for the City’s Building and Safety Services Division, including Building Permitting, Plan Check, and Inspection and Code Enforcement; performs administrative duties and policy interpretation related to the Division; develops Division goals and objectives; manages staff directly or through subordinate supervisors; develops policies and procedures related to permitting, plan check, inspection and code enforcement activities; develops and administers the Division’s budgets; conducts short and long range planning; and performs related work as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Buildings & Safety Division ensures safe, efficient development in San Ramon through permitting, plan review, and building code enforcement. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional in code enforcement, plan review, and permitting, with strong leadership and collaboration skills. They will excel in managing high-performing teams and engaging effectively with city officials, developers, and the public. Key strengths include communication, public engagement, and technical expertise in International Code Council (ICC) Building Standards, permitting software (e.g., Energov EPL), and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with solid project management abilities, and the ability to continue to streamline processes to enhance our service delivery. The ideal candidate will manage the activities of the Building Permitting, Plan Check and Inspection, and Code Enforcement functions to ensure that plan submittals, citizen complaints, and inspections are completed within established time frames.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Community Development Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification that manages the Building and Safety Services Division within the Community Development Department. It is distinguished from the next lower level of Senior Civil Engineer by its full oversight of the Building and Safety Services Division. The Chief Building Official is distinguished from the Director class by the latter's full managerial responsibility for a City department.

TYPICAL DUTIES

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.

• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Building and Safety Services Division; interprets and complies with all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Monitors and directs daily operations to ensure that policies and procedures are being followed, that goals and objectives are being met, and that services are being provided efficiently and effectively; takes corrective action as necessary; personally handles the most difficult, sensitive or controversial projects for the division.
• Directs the preparation of a variety of analytical studies and reports related to current and future public infrastructure and facility needs; reviews findings and makes recommendations.
• Plans, organizes, and manages the work of staff in the enforcement of codes, ordinances, and regulations related to new construction, residential housing, unsafe buildings, zoning, grading, and electrical, plumbing, ventilation, heating, and comfort cooling installations.
• Confers with owners, inspectors, and attorneys regarding difficult or complex enforcement problems and refers violations to the City Attorney's Office to initiate legal proceedings when efforts to secure voluntary compliance have been unsuccessful.
• Consults with architects, engineers, and others concerning materials, specifications, and ratings.
• Performs all activities related to the preparation and administration of grant proposals; coordinates with grant program staff to satisfy grant requirements and achieve funding reimbursements.
• Ensures that the City is in continuing compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to building permitting; reviews and recommends revisions to applicable policies and ordinances.
• Develops and monitors the Division's budget; oversees financial well-being of the Division by analyzing cost effectiveness and directing cost control activities; prepares, submits and justifies budget enhancement requests to the Community Development Director.
• Plans, organizes, administers, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate professional, technical, office support and operational staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Confers with and represents the Building and Safety Services Division in meetings with other City Departments and Divisions; serves as the City representative with a variety of public, business and community organizations; fosters collaborative relationships to the benefit of the Building and Safety Services Division, the Community Development Department, and the City.
• May act for and serve as the Community Development Director, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge Of

Considerable working knowledge of building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City; of the principles and techniques of building inspection; of building materials, building design, accepted safety standards, and modern methods of building construction; administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision; principles and practices of budget administration and employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures; organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs and operational needs of the assigned programs; applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility; business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence; business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures; principles and procedures of record keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations; and techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability To

Plan, organize, direct, assign, review, and evaluate comprehensive municipal building activities; ability to analyze complex, technical and administrative problems and make sound recommendations for their solution; effectively plan, organize, and supervise the division program; to analyze, interpret, and check building plans and specifications related to building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical construction projects; enforce regulations firmly and impartially; supervise and coordinate code enforcement activities. Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services; manage and monitor complex projects, on-time, and within budget; plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures; evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner; interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; effectively represent the Community Development Department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, various businesses, and professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations; Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations; establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping systems; make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet time deadlines; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations; and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework related to architecture, engineering, building construction, management.

AND

Experience

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building code enforcement, plan review, or construction, including supervisory experience.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.

Licenses And Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment. A valid California Driver’s License is not a requirement for this position. However, persons hired into this class who intend to drive their personal vehicle and/or a City vehicle as part of their job duties will be required to possess a valid California Driver’s License; alternatively, persons hired into this class could use alternative means of transportation as part of their job duties.
• Valid International Code Council (ICC) certification or other approved certifying organization, as a Certified Building Official
• Possession of a valid International Code Council (ICC) or other approved certifying organization, as a Combination Building Inspector
• Possession of a valid Certified Access Specialist (CAsP) certification
  
  

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; ability to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Recruitment Process

Resumes cannot be substituted for a completed application.

The Recruitment Process Is As Follows

The most qualified candidates, as determined by initial screening of applications, will be invited to participate in an oral and/or department panel interview.

The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled for late-July 2025. The eligibility list will be established from the interview process. Individuals on the eligibility list may be asked to participate in a second round of interviews based on specific individual qualifications and the City's needs. The eligibility list will remain in effect for one (1) year for potential future vacancies.

The City of San Ramon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin, sexual orientation or disability. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Division at [e-mail].

Information contained herein, including the recruitment process, is subject to change without notice.

The City's excellent benefit package includes: CalPERS retirement; medical, dental and vision plans; 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave accrued annually; 10.5 paid holidays; 3 floating holidays; adoption benefits; short and long term disability; employee assistance program; group and supplemental life insurance; and a retiree health savings plan.

Click here for a detailed summary of our benefits by bargaining unit.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

• High School or Equivalent
• 1 year college (30 semester/45 quarter units)
• 2 years of college (Associate's Degree or 60 semester/90 quarter units)
• 3 years of college (90 semester/135 quarter units)
• 4 years of college (Bachelor's Degree or 120 semester/180 quarter units)
• Master's Degree or above
  
  

02

Please list your coursework and training related to construction technology, pre-engineering, or similar construction related field and code enforcement.

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience in building code enforcement, plan review or construction do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years or more
  
  

04

How many years of supervisory experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 6 years
• 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years or more
  
  

05

How many people have you supervised and what were their classifications.

06

I acknowledge that I am required to upload my ICC, CBO, CASp and relevant certification(s) or, if unable to do so, will email a copy to [e-mail] to have HR staff upload to my application.

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Please list your certifications related to the position of Chief Building Official.

08

Please list the years of California Code Adoptions you completed.

09

Please list the permitting software and other construction related software you have used to track and issue permits, perform plan checks and inspection results tracking/documenting.

10

Please describe your experience with permit/plan check/inspection automation system programming and implementation.

11

Provide a list of Ordinances you were part of developing and getting adopted.

• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Government Administration

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