Chief Building Official

The Chief Building Official position offers a unique opportunity for a professional to work in a City that hosts a world-class research and development university.  The City of Davis is known for a high-quality of life often associated with college towns, featuring excellent schools, a small-town atmosphere, a unique greenbelt system, and an emphasis on parks and open spaces. The incumbent in this position will see a diversity of projects including mid-rise residential and vertical mixed-use buildings, research and development laboratories and commercial facilities, unique manufacturing laboratories, as well as, single-family residential projects.  The City of Davis has been a leader in energy efficiency and has a commitment to sustainable building practices through adopted energy reach codes.

The City is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Building Official who have the technical expertise and administrative skills as defined in the job description. The incumbent in this position is responsible for planning, managing, and administering the City’s building and safety codes, inspections, plan review, permitting, and code compliance.  The Chief Building Official plans, organizes and directs programs and activities concerned with compliance with building and safety codes. This individual will also ensure that the Building Division staff is kept abreast of latest code provisions and technical developments in building code requirements. 

The Chief Building Official is classified as an At-Will, FLSA-exempt, Executive Management position.  Health & Welfare benefits for this position mirror the benefits as provided to employees covered by the City's Individual Management MOU.  

DEFINITION
 
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of the Building Division, including but not limited to, building and safety, building plan review, permitting, inspection, and code compliance; assists in coordinating assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups;  manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to management and others in the areas of expertise; oversees, reviews, and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related work as required.  
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives general direction from the Community Development Director or assigned management staff. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the highest level and full supervisory-level class in the professional building inspection series that exercises independent judgment on diverse, complex and specialized building inspection and safety duties with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work.   Incumbents have the legal responsibility and powers in the enforcement of codes, ordinances and state laws.  Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff, division budget administration, program evaluation, and recommendation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, and standards related to building services, and for organizing and overseeing day-to-day building permitting and inspection activities. Incumbents are responsible for providing professional level support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff in the Building Division; trains staff; evaluates employee performance, counsels and works with employees to correct deficiencies, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and programs; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations. 
• Participates in the development, administration and oversight of division budget; recommends funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, training, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding; approves expenditures.
• Monitors activities of the Building Division; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Meets and confers with department staff regarding interpretations of the building code, processing of complex projects, and the assignment and monitoring of work. 
• Resolves interpretation issues relating to the adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes; enforces Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to construction.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements; coordinates with City department representatives to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services. 
• Represents the department and the City to elected officials, outside agencies, public and private groups, and the general public; explains and interprets codes, policies, programs, and activities.  
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. 
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building, plan review, and permitting codes and regulations. 
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to building activities and projects; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. 
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval. 
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to management; develops and reviews staff reports related to assigned activities, projects, and services; under direction, presents reports to and advises the City Council, and other commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of building, energy efficiency and sustainability matters; performs a variety of public relations and outreach related to assigned activities.
• Manages, directs, and participates in highly complex building projects and activities in the areas of permit processing, inspection, and permit issuance; plan checking; resale program; code enforcement; enforcement of City and State codes and regulations; and sustainability and green building initiatives.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, work plan development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of budget administration.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.
• Functions, authority, responsibilities, and limitations of an elected City Council.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures including the Uniform Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, and the National Electrical Code.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of building inspection, permit issuance, plan examining, and neighborhood preservation programs, practices, and techniques.
• Principles and practices of the adopted Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical, Energy and Green Codes and pertinent state and county codes and ordinances.
• Methods, materials, techniques, and equipment used in the construction of facilities.
• Research methods and sources of information related to civil engineering and building code enforcement.
• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports and business correspondence.
• Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls to provide effective and efficient services.
• Assist in preparing and administering budget related to assigned division; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner. 
• Analyze, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures. 
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. 
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development and enforcement of building codes and department policy.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, blueprints, and engineering drawings.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. 
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. 
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Provide a high-level of customer service through being responsive to telephone, written or in-person counter inquiries regarding building division policies, procedures and operations as necessary, respond to public complaints in a tactful, professional manner.
• Work in a collaborative environment that requires coordination with and support for other divisions and departments within the City. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Implement technology enhancements and effective tools to better serve customers and increase division efficiency.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education/Training:  

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training and/or college level coursework in inspection methods, building design, building codes, construction or a related field.  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in construction management, building science, public administration, or a related field is desirable.

 
Experience:  

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection work, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) or other approved certifying organization, as a Combination Building Inspector.
• Possession of a valid Certified Access Specialist certification.
• Possession of, or obtain within one year of appointment, a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) certification or other approved certifying organization, as a Certified Building Official.

Required licenses and certificates shall be maintained in a current status as a condition of employment with the City.
 

• Possession of a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) or other approved certifying organization, Plans Examiner Certificate is desirable.

Physical Demands
 
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  
 
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
 
Environmental Elements
 
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.

Working Conditions 
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Salary : $132,770 - $161,382