Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes and directs the Building Section of the Planning Department; provides policy guidance and direction in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances; and does other work as required.  Acts as the Building Official for Santa Cruz County.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for managing the Building Section of the Planning Department. The incumbent administers a comprehensive building plan check, and inspection program in the County's unincorporated areas through the enforcement of Federal, State and County codes, ordinances and regulations.  This position serves as the Building Official for the County.

This class is distinguished from the class of Supervising Building Inspector in that the former has on-going program and staff management responsibility for the section including building inspection; and building plan check. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Assistant Planning Director in that the latter class is responsible for managing several sections of the Planning Department and acts for the Planning Director as assigned.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes and directs through subordinate supervisors the work of the Building Section. Assures the consistent and fair enforcement of State, Federal and County building codes, ordinances and administrative orders. Supervises the analysis and review of building plans, which include structural engineering analysis to determine if proposed construction complies with the Uniform Building and other state and local Codes, including energy and accessibility regulations. Establishes and maintains inspection standards for the construction of buildings. Develops policies and procedures for the section and acts as an internal consultant in building permit application processing, building plan check and building inspection program areas. Determines occupancy classification of buildings. Interprets building codes and makes final professional and technical determinations in difficult cases for building permit issuance and code enforcement. Inspects and directs inspections for structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical standards for compliance with the uniform building codes and energy regulations. Acts as staff expert for the Building Appeals Board, Board of Supervisors and the public. Represents the County at judicial proceedings for building inspections and other technical matters. Prepares proposed section budget. Administers the maintenance of  plan check and inspection records. Coordinates the plan check and building inspection program with other planning sections, County departments other agencies. May input, access and analyze data using a computer terminal. Prepare reports and correspondence. Attends meetings and conferences.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of the uniform codes affecting building inspection.
• Thorough knowledge of construction methods, building materials and tools and safety standards.
• Thorough knowledge of State and County regulations relating to the technical requirements for  building permit applications and collection of fees for same.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Working knowledge of seismic and energy considerations in the design and construction of buildings and structures.
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of organization, management and budgeting.
• Some knowledge of the application of data processing to building inspection operations.
• Some knowledge of the functional responsibilities of a local planning department.

Abilities

• Plan, organize and direct a comprehensive building permit plan check and building inspection program.
• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of staff.
• Formulate, interpret, explain and advise on specific building codes, ordinances and administrative order requirements.
• Formulate, interpret, explain and advise on specific codes and ordinances relating to the processing of building permit applications.
• Establish and maintain an effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Analyze complex technical and administrative problems, develop sound recommendations, and implement solutions.
• Conduct difficult inspections, enforce regulations and detect deviations from approved plans and specifications.
• Analyze, interpret and check complex building plans and specifications.
• Coordinate the Building Permit plan check and Building Inspection program with other Planning
• sections, County departments and other agencies.
• Write effectively, prepare concise reports and speak effectively before groups.
• Perform field inspections in environmental conditions such as broken or hilly terrain and construction sites.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Two years of experience supervising or administrating building permit programs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

License/Certificate/Registration/Professional Membership Requirements:

Possession of a valid California class C driver license, or the ability to provide suitable transportation, which is approved by the appointing authority.

Certification by the ICBO/ICC as a Building Inspector AND one of the following specialty certifications: Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector, or Building Code Accessibility Usability Specialist.

Within two years of the date of hire, must obtain certification by the California Building Officials (CALBO) as a California Building Official. 

Bargaining Unit: 11

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 76

Worker's Comp Code: 0053