Deputy Building Official

City of Redwood City; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Redwood City seeks a Deputy Building Official to lead front counter operations in the Building division. This role acts as the primary contact for residents and contractors, delivering accurate guidance on code requirements and procedures at the counter while supervising the front counter team for consistent service.

Reporting to the Community Development Services Manager/Chief Building Official, the Deputy supports daily operations, program administration, and coordination with

Qualifications

• Direct supervisory experience over inspection, plan check, or permit center staff.
• Strong working knowledge of building codes and related regulations.
• Experience managing complex or high-volume permit/inspection workloads.
• Proven coaching and performance development experience.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for residents and contractors at the counter.
• Supervise and support the front counter team to ensure high-quality customer service.
• Assist in administration and leadership of the Building Division's daily operations.
• Collaborate with staff, consultants, and other departments to ensure compliant development activities.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Building codes knowledge

Permit/plan review management

Staff coaching

Time management

Writing and presentation

Communication with public/contractors

Job description

The City of Redwood City is pleased to announce a newly created Deputy Building Official position, dedicated to front counter operations within the Building division. The successful candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for residents and contractors providing accurate, accessible guidance on building code requirements and application procedures at the counter, while supervising and supporting the front counter team to ensure consistent, high-quality customer service. This position reports directly to the Community Development Services Manager/Chief Building Official and assists in the administration and leadership of the Building Division's daily operations; supporting the safety and compliance of construction activities throughout the city. The role advances the Community Development department's mission through a commitment to customer focus, service excellence, problem solving, community interests and continuous improvement. Primary organizational responsibilities include ensuring efficient service delivery and exceptional customer service and working collaboratively with staff, consultants, other departments and members of the public.

Job PDF:

Job Announcement - Deputy Building Official #26A-41.pdf

Additional Job PDF:

Deputy Building Official Classification.pdf

The ideal candidate will embrace the City’s emphasis on excellent customer service and have demonstrated experience and skills in the following areas:

• Direct supervisory experience over inspection, plan check, or permit center staff.
• Strong working knowledge of California Building Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standards, Energy Code, International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and related local/state regulations.
• Experience managing complex or high-volume permit/inspection workloads.
• Sound judgment in addressing staffing gaps and operational bottlenecks under pressure.
• Experience working with and managing consultants and development team.
• Track record of staff coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and experience managing and meeting multiple, overlapping project timelines and deadlines.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills and experience communicating complex planning concepts to diverse audiences.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be someone who:

• Is self-directed, accountable, and comfortable making final determination under time pressure and public scrutiny.
• Is a passionate leader with strong interpersonal skills who can effectively supervise, coach, and support inspection and plan check staff.
• Communicate clearly and diplomatically with contractors, developers, architects, and the public.
• Maintains composure and professionalism when handling appeals, complaints, or conflicting stakeholder interests.