Building Official

The City of Dana Point seeks a talented, highly motivated, and customer-oriented individual interested in being part of a positive work culture and wishes to help support the City’s mission and values. 

The current vacancy is in the Community Development Department. The position

will assist with the City's building and safety division. Candidates with

construction and/or code enforcement experience are encouraged to apply.

This is a Continuous Recruitment that is subject to close once a sufficient number

of qualified applications are received.

DEFINITION:

Under administrative direction manage and coordinate the activities of plan checking, permit issuance, inspection, and code enforcement within the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department; directs and/or conducts routine and complex plan checks and building inspections to ensure that City structures are in compliance with state, local and federal regulations; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

The incumbent performs professional work on complex issues and projects requiring a significant level of professional training and experience; exercises considerable judgment in developing approaches and techniques. Position reports to the Director of Community Development. Responsibilities include direct supervision of professional, technical and clerical positions.

This position is at-will and exempt under FLSA standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (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.)

1. Plans, directs staff, and participates in checking plans, inspecting buildings and performing code enforcement for compliance with laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations governing the safety construction, and alteration of buildings including structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing installations; monitors the work of consultants; issues building and related permits for building construction activities.
2. Participate in the development and administration of the Building Division’s budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures.
3. Prepares reports and correspondence including plan check corrections, comparative plan check, permit and inspection reports, performance evaluations, informational brochures and staff reports.
4. Provide information on building regulations, permits, procedures, developments, and related matters to developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public.
5. Plan, direct and review the Building Division’s work plan, assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
6. Represents the City, as assigned, in relations with the community, committees, local, state and federal agencies, other building departments, and professional organizations; provide technical assistance to the City Council and the Planning Commission in matters related to building requirements and construction.
7. Researches code requirements, new materials, methods of construction, and related matters; administers drafting of code revisions and adoption.
8. Supervise Building Division personnel; provide or coordinate staff training, work with employees to correct deficiencies.
9. Implements and oversees Building Division policies and procedures.
10. Computes building evaluations and permit fees; prepares and presents revisions to building fees.
11. Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of building plan check and inspection operations.
• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and related codes and regulations, including the Uniform Building Code.
• Modern methods, materials, techniques, and practices employed in building inspection design and construction.
• Principles of personnel management including supervision, training and performance evaluation. 
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Safe work and driving principles and practices.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform plan check of plans for life-safety, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and state and municipal code requirements.
• Perform complex building and construction inspections.
• Deal effectively with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, representatives from public agencies, and the general public.
• Ensure program compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Utilize a variety of computer software programs.
• Create and maintain accurate records, databases and files.
• Communicate effectively and maintain effective, positive and harmonious working relationships with citizens, City officials, staff, and others regarding a variety of City policies, procedures and practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

The following combination of education and experience is most typically likely to provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in structural, mechanical or civil engineering, construction technology, architecture or a closely related field. 
• Five years of progressively responsible work in building inspections and construction, including two years of supervisory experience.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of C.A.B.O. Certificate or equivalent.
• Possession of I.C.B.O. Building Inspector Certificate or equivalent.
• Possession of I.C.B.O. Plan Examiner Certificate or equivalent.
• Possession of a California license as a civil or structural engineer highly desirable.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license, proof of an acceptable driving record and valid personal automobile insurance as required by the State of California.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Position requires the ability to perform light lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time; occasional walking, standing and/or bending. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; may require occasional pushing and pulling; and occasional use of hand and foot controls for driving. This position also requires the ability to read engineering drawings, plans, specifications, technical reports, contracts and other records. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment described herein is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Primarily office environment with controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Occasional field work where incumbent may be exposed to construction and traffic noise; dust, gas or fumes; walking on uneven ground; machinery and construction equipment; and occasional driving to job sites. High volume of work with tight deadlines and performs overtime work beyond regularly scheduled hours.

Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.