Deputy Building Official

California State University, Long Beach; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 149,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) seeks a Deputy Building Official to lead the campus building official program, oversee plan reviews, permits, and occupancy determinations. The role manages inspections, accessibility compliance as CASp, and coordination with Facilities Management on complex projects.

The position requires extensive experience in building codes, inspections, and university environments, with strong leadership and program administration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or closely related field.
• Ten years of experience in building construction, inspection, or administration with supervisory experience.
• Experience in a university, large institutional, or public works environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers campus plan review, building permit, and code compliance program and related processes.
• Leads the campus building inspection program and ensures code compliance across projects.
• Acts as the campus Certified Access Specialist (CASp) and oversees accessibility compliance.
• Coordinates with regulatory agencies and supports post-disaster building assessments and safety determinations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or closely related field

Ten years of experience in building/inspection/administration roles with supervisory experience

Job description

Deputy Building Official

Job No: 561245
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Location: Southern California: Long Beach
Categories: Bargaining Unit: MPP, Job SearchCategory/Discipline: Administrative, Appointment Type: At-Will, Time Basis: Full Time

Join the vibrant community at California State University, LongBeach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern Californian lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus-one of the largest in the CSU system-serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you'll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It's an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California's future - offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Beach Building Services, the Deputy Building Official exercises delegated building official authority and is responsible for the daily administration and oversight of the campus building official program, including plan review, permitting, inspections, code interpretation, and compliance activities for all university construction and facilities projects. The position issues permits, construction authorizations, stop-work notices, and Certificates of Occupancy, leads the Building Inspection Program, and coordinates post-disaster structural assessments and building safety determinations in collaboration with CSU and campus building officials.

The position serves as the campus-designated Certified Access Specialist and satisfies the requirement of Senate Bill 1608 that every agency acting as its own building department employ a building inspector and a staff member who is a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) to provide expert consultation on disability access requirements and CASp observations of all permits regarding places of public accommodation. The campus holds full access compliance authority for projects up to the major capital dollar limit, and the position exercises that authority on the university's behalf. The position supervises the AVP Program Specialist, develops the program's administrative and financial infrastructure, and partners with Facilities Management, Design and Construction Services, colleges, and divisions to identify code-compliant solutions early in project development. This position acts independently, and only the most complex technical determinations and politically sensitive matters are escalated to the Designated Campus Building Official, who retains final authority over campus code.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Administration
  Administers the campus plan review, building permit, and code compliance program in accordance with the California State University Plan Review, Permit and Code Compliance Program and the California Building Standards Code. Performs and directs plan reviews for all major capital, minor capital, deferred maintenance, maintenance, renovation, alteration, and demolition projects. Validates the completeness of construction documents before outside agency review and determines whether a systemwide plan check service will be engaged for plan check or the review will be performed directly. Issues written construction authorizations, campus building permits, and Certificates of Occupancy, including Temporary and Beneficial Occupancy. Administers all campus permit types, processes requests for alternative materials and methods of construction, prepares the annual Delegation Management Plan for the Office of the Chancellor, and maintains the official campus record of all permits and approvals.
• Building Inspection Program Management
  Provides leadership and oversight of the campus inspection program by managing Inspectors of Record, establishing inspection standards, ensuring consistent code compliance, and delivering training and guidance to campus stakeholders and contractors.
• Building Inspection
  The DBO performs building inspections of work completed by in-house trades, university-hired subcontractors/general contractors, and other vendors only as needed. Conducts field investigations, site observations, and technical assessments to verify that construction conforms to the approved plans, specifications, campus standards, and permits. Monitors the overall safety of projects under construction, reviews contractor payment applications for accuracy with the project manager, maintains daily logs, issues correction notices, and inspects as-built documents for accuracy and validity. Serves as the department's field point of contact for utility shutdowns and service interruptions and coordinates contractor access to campus resources such as Facilities Management.
• Access Compliance
  Serves as the campus Certified Access Specialist (CASp) in satisfaction of Senate Bill 1608. Exercises the campus access compliance authority for projects up to the major capital dollar limit. Performs accessibility plan reviews, field surveys, and barrier assessments under the accessibility provisions of the California Building Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Coordinates submittals to the Division of the State Architect when state certification is required, partners with the Bob Murphy Access Center, and responds to accessibility complaints with expert code analysis and corrective recommendations.
• Business and Administration
  
  • Provides administrative, fiscal, and operational leadership for the Building Official program, overseeing staff, permit and procurement processes, budget and resource management, customer service, program development, and performance metrics to support continuous improvement.
• Outside Agency and Special Events
  
  • Serves as the primary liaison to regulatory agencies, coordinates fire and life safety reviews, fosters governmental partnerships, and oversees code compliance for special events and campus permitting activities.
• Training and Development of Resources
  Develops and delivers building code, fire and life safety, accessibility, and emergency response training; leads campus construction and compliance standards initiatives; and serves as the campus authority for post-event building assessments, emergency preparedness, and disaster response coordination.

Department

Facilities Services

Department Description (Optional)

Beach Building Services (BBS) at California State University LongBeach is dedicated to supporting the university by ensuring the safe operation, maintenance, and development of the campus. As a large, thriving department, BBS provides facilities based comprehensive support to the campus in the areas of academics, activities and event services. These facilities contribute to a well-rounded and enriching campus experience for students, faculty and staff. BBS is proud to contribute to the dynamic and transformative educational and social events and programs that make CSU Long Beach one of the most sought-after institutions and a leader among the CSU campuses.

Departments within BBS:

• Environmental Health and Safety
• Energy and Utilities
• Facilities Operations (Service Response, Fiscal Operations, Payroll/Personnel, IT Services)
• Planning and Sustainability
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (Engineering, Fire Alarm, Electrical and Plumbing Shops)
• Building Trades (Lock, Sign, Carpentry, Paint and Auto Shops)
• Grounds and Landscaping Services
• Custodial Services
• Design and Construction Services

BBS is composed of talented and skilled employees and dedicated administrators who work hard and collaborate to achieve our mission to "Build a Better Campus Every day."

Duration of Appointment

This is a regular, at-will position.

Classification

Administrator III

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

• CSU MPP Compensation Summary Range: The MPP Comp Summary Range for this position is $13,356 - $20,034 per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will be a highly knowledgeable building code and compliance professional with extensive experience in permitting, inspection, accessibility, construction administration, and regulatory compliance within a complex institutional environment. They will exercise delegated building official authority and serve as a trusted resource for interpreting and applying applicable building, fire, life safety, and accessibility codes to ensure the protection of life safety and the reduction of institutional risk. The successful candidate will oversee the campus building permit program, manage plan reviews for a wider range of construction, renovation, maintenance, and demolition projects, provide code compliance determinations, administer occupancy certifications, and coordinate with university, CSU, and state regulatory agencies. They will possess strong technical expertise in reviewing construction documents, evaluating alternative construction methods, managing deferred submittals, and ensuring projects comply with all applicable code and permitting requirements.

The ideal candidate will also provide leadership for the campus inspection program by administering the Inspector of Record program, directing inspection activities, establishing consistent inspection standards, and developing training and guidance materials to support compliance among campus stakeholders and contractors. They will demonstrate the ability to independently perform field inspections, monitor construction safety, investigate compliance concerns, recommend corrective actions, and coordinate construction activities while serving as a key point of contact for project stakeholders. As a Certified Access Specialist, they will lead accessibility compliance efforts, conduct plan reviews and barrier assessments, provide expert guidance on accessibility requirements, and collaborate with campus partners to ensure equitable access and compliance with state and federal regulations.

In addition, the successful candidate will possess strong administrative, supervisory, and fiscal management skills to oversee program operations, staff supervision, budget administration, performance metrics, records management, and continuous process improvement initiatives. They will build and maintain productive relationships with regulatory agencies, university leadership, contractors, and campus departments while serving as the primary liaison for governmental and code compliance matters. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate exceptional leadership in emergency preparedness and response by conducting post-disaster building assessments, coordinating emergency response activities, developing training programs and response protocols, and providing critical compliance and safety information to university leadership. Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and relationship-building skills will be essential, as this individual will maintain comprehensive and legally defensible records, deliver technical training, support campus planning and development efforts, and provide strategic guidance on compliance risks, operational improvements, and construction standards while advancing the mission and goals of Beach Building Services.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence".

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or closely related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ten years of experience, or the equivalent, as an architect, engineer, inspector, contractor, building official, or superintendent of construction, or any combination of these. Five of those years should include supervisory experience. This standard is consistent with Appendix A of the California Building Code for building officials.
• Experience in a university, large institutional, or public works environment is preferred.

Licenses / Certificates

• A current State of California license as an Architect or Professional Engineer, OR International Code Council certification as a Commercial Building Inspector (B2) or Building Plans Examiner (B3), consistent with California State University qualification requirements for this role.
• Certified Access Specialist certification, or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire. This certification satisfies the Senate Bill 1608 requirement for a staff Certified Access Specialist.
• International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Building Inspector certification is required, or the ability to obtain it within one year of the date of hire.
• California Office of Emergency Services Safety Assessment Program evaluator certification, or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire. This certification is required to lead post-event building assessments.
• International Code Council Certified Building Official certification is highly desirable.
• Healthcare facility inspector certification (Class A), sustainability accreditation, or design-build and construction management credentials are preferred.
• A valid California driver's license. Employees who are required to operate motorized vehicles and/or use their personal vehicle more than once a month on University business are required to take a mandatory Defensive Driving course and enroll in the DMV Employee Pull Notice (EPN) Program.

Physical Summary

Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

Conflict of Interest: The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Non-Discrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact [e-mail].

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Application Closes: 10 September 2026