Principal Construction Inspector

University of California, Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Cruz is seeking a Principal Construction Inspector to lead fieldwork on the campus’ largest construction projects on the main campus in Santa Cruz, CA.

The role involves supervising inspectors, ensuring high-level code-compliant inspections under California Building Codes, and supporting the UC project manager with change orders and occupancy documentation. Salary ranges reflect a senior leadership role on a major university project.

Qualifications

• Experience leading fieldwork on large, complex campus construction projects.
• Strong mentoring and team leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with building codes and inspections processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead field project management for major campus construction projects.
• Supervise and mentor inspection staff; oversee work quality.
• Perform code compliance inspections according to California Building Codes.
• Assist UC project manager with change orders, comments and documentation.
• Support obtaining occupancy documents (CO, substantial completion).

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Code compliance

Job description

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University’s main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/design-construction/

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Campus Inspector, the Principal Construction Inspector serves as a high-level expert on fieldwork for the largest and most complex campus construction projects. The incumbent provides a leadership role for the team, mentoring lower-level inspectors and overseeing their work. The Principal Construction Inspector directly supervises subordinate inspectors and represents and fills in for the Campus Inspector when required. The Principal Construction Inspector acts as the lead field project manager, as delegated by the UC PM, and performs code compliance inspections at the highest level, in adherence with California Building Codes for plans and specifications specific to the project, and lends high-level expertise with highly complex projects to assist certified building officials with certificates of occupancy, substantial completion, and beneficial occupancy documents, performing quality assurance with the contractor's quality control team, and assisting the UC project manager (PM) with change order review, comments, and documentation as needed.

Appointment Information

• Budgeted Salary: $135,000 - $145,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
• Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification

Career appointment

Job End Date

None

Work Location

UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation

Non-Represented

Job Code Classification

CONST INSP 4 (000365)

Travel

Never or Rarely

Job Duties

20% - Team