Building Deputy Director

This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled, please apply by 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 13th for first consideration.  

The County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department is seeking an experienced leader with a strong knowledge of California Building code regulations to serve as the Building Deputy Director. This opportunity is for someone who is driven and motivated by the desire to do impactful work for the community. 

The Department

The Department of Planning and Building provides oversight of the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Planning and Building performs all land use planning functions to maintain the wise use of land and to help build safe communities including policies, programs, permitting, environmental review and zoning enforcement.

The Role

Under direction, the Deputy Director will plan, organize and direct Building Division operations and activities, which is a major organizational segment of the department. They will use their leadership experience to coordinate and direct personnel, resources, projects and communications to meet community and department needs. The Deputy Director may also serve as the County's Chief Building Officer.

Typical Tasks

• Plan, organize, control and direct the operations, activities, and services of a major organizational segment of the Planning and Building Department such as administration, permitting or policy and program services.
• May serve as the County Building Official: act as final arbiter for the County in rendering interpretations of construction codes; direct the resolution of conflicts and issues related to construction regulations; represent the County at the Construction and Accessibility Appeals Boards; represent the Department at various groups, boards, commissions and other functions as directed. 
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees; recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions; coordinate subordinate work assignments and review work to assure compliance with established standards, requirements and procedures; assure employee understanding of established requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and pending legislation related to assigned functions and activities; modifies programs, functions, and procedures to assure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements as appropriate.
• Monitor and analyze services, programs, activities and functions for financial effectiveness and operational efficiency; respond to administrative input concerning organizational needs; direct the development and implementation of policies, procedures and programs to enhance the financial effectiveness and operational efficiency of services, programs, activities and functions.
• Participate in the development, preparation and presentation of annual budgets for assigned functions; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations; provide recommendations concerning fees, taxes, and assessments as requested.
• Communicate with administrators, personnel, outside organizations, and advisory committees to exchange information, coordinate activities and programs, and resolve issues or concerns; meet with elected officials, individually or as a governing board, to review and discuss issues and recommendations in a clear and organized manner; communicate with news media concerning division issues; attend and conduct a variety of meetings that may include evening events and out-of-county locations as assigned.
• May act for the Director in their absence or as directed.

Click Here to view the full job description for Deputy Director-Planning & Building.
Click Here to learn more about the County of San Luis Obispo's Planning & Building Department.
The Successful Candidate 

• Has demonstrated strong organizational leadership skills
• Is driven and motivated by complex projects 
• Is a confident verbal and written communicator 
• Has exceptional problem-solving skills and can analyze situations accurately while adopting an effective course of action 
• Can establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships
• Is experienced in California Building Code
• Is familiar with Federal, State, and local land use and environmental laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards
• Is passionate about working with the community and is excited about contributing to projects with far-reaching public interest 
• Can monitor, analyze and modify policies, procedures and programs to enhance the financial effectiveness and operational efficiency of services, programs, activities and functions
• Can provide consultation and technical expertise concerning the operations, activities, and services of the Building Division
• Can interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures
• Can direct the maintenance of a variety of reports, records and files related to assigned activities

Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
 
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree.  A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, natural resources management, environmental, physical or life science, engineering, architecture, construction management or a closely related field is preferred.
 
In addition, six years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and implementation of planning or building programs, projects and services, including two years in a supervisory position.

Licenses and Certificates
A valid driver license is required at the time of application.  A valid CALIFORNIA driver license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
 
Possession of a valid Certificate as a Certified Building Inspector, Plans Examiner or Building Official, or State registration as an architect or civil or structural engineer, or a contractor's license is strongly preferred.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.  Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca.  Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process.  We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
 
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
 
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. 
 
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
 
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
 
Relocation assistance is available if the selected candidate is relocating for this position! The final candidate will be offered tailored support to address the various challenges encountered by individuals and families during relocation. This includes the assistance of a dedicated concierge who will connect you with personalized relocation services such as realtors, schools, and community interests/events.  

The Community
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, approximately 280,000 people call San Luis Obispo County home. More than a dozen towns and cities create a single extended community through the County. The natural beauty of the area includes beaches, lakes, mountains, wetlands, forests, and state/county parks. The County is home to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Cuesta Community College, Hearst Castle, two of the twenty-one historical California missions, and a newly remodeled regional airport. A perfect Mediterranean marine climate keeps San Luis Obispo sunny and warm on average 315 days a year. Throughout the County, Residents rejuvenate themselves by enjoying the County's year-round farmers’ markets, wineries, public trails, and cultural events. Agriculture, government, tourism, recreation, and a growing technology business sector make up the stable economic background of the County. San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in the State of California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa Counties. Wine grape production is the leading agricultural sector in the County, enhancing the local economy and supporting tourism. 

The County
The County of San Luis Obispo is one of the largest employers in the area, with more than 2,950 individuals working to serve the community with pride to enhance the economic, environmental, and social quality of life. The County has an elected five-member Board of Supervisors, a County FY 2024-2025 budget of $851.8 million, and 24 departments all working collaboratively to provide essential services that benefit local citizens.

Salary : $136,906 - $174,741