Chief of Inspection Services / Building Official

Chief Of Inspection Services / Building Official

The City of Monterey Community Development Department is seeking a Chief of Inspection Services / Building Official. The Permits and Inspection Services Division is responsible for implementing and enforcing local, State and Federal building codes and other related code requirements. The Division implements the Building, Fire and Accessibility codes by providing plan checking, permit issuance and inspection services. The ideal candidate is an experienced and forward-thinking leader with strong technical expertise, proven management skills, and a commitment to building safety and service excellence.

Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test / written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check.

To direct, plan, supervise and coordinate the activities and programs of the Permit & Inspection Services Division of the Community Development Department.

Responsibilities include direct and functional supervision over professional, technical, and clerical personnel. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of by the performance of more technical and complex duties as well as budgetary, supervisory and management responsibilities.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Train and supervise division staff.
• Monitor and coordinate the building permit process for both building and some public works projects.
• Oversee plan review and inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to construction and land use.
• Develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of division staff, ensuring efficient and compliant service delivery. Plan, organize, control and evaluate the functions and activities of the Permit & Inspection Services division, including building and housing inspections, electrical inspections, plumbing and mechanical inspections, construction inspections, plan checking, issuance of permits, ADA compliance, and energy conservation.
• Mentor and coach staff to build internal leadership capacity and support succession planning. Ensure that close coordination is maintained between various City departments for plan check and inspection functions.
• Coordinate division activities with other City departments, divisions, and sections and with outside agencies.
• Answer inquiries regarding building and construction inspection services and interpret various codes and related ordinances.
• Engage with industry groups, community stakeholders, and regional partners to promote collaboration, innovation, and compliance.
• Prepare and administer the division budget.
• Develop standard operating procedures and documentation to ensure continuity of service and knowledge transfer.
• Coordinate building and field safety training in collaboration with Risk Management. Participate in division maintenance of the City Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan.
• Lead ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including cloud-based plan review, digital permitting workflows, and integrated inspection systems.
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive construction, regulatory, and personnel information in compliance with applicable laws
• Collaborate with the ADA Coordinator on various inquiries and projects
• Serve as the Floodplain Administrator.
• Present to technical issues to the Building / Housing Appeals Board and Disabled Access Appeals Board.
• May be assigned duties of Chief of Inspection Services and / or Building Official under interagency or contractual service agreements
• Respond to after-hours emergencies, such as fires or structural impacts from vehicles or trees, to assess building safety
• Ensure secure and efficient management of electronic records, including compliance with applicable data retention and cybersecurity standards.
• Stay abreast of updates to model codes (ICC, California Codes), state mandates (e.g., Title 24), and evolving standards in accessibility, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
• Evaluate and implement innovations that enhance service delivery, code compliance, and staff productivity.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Education : Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university with major course work in structural, mechanical or civil engineering, architecture or closely related field. Experience : Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience of a supervisory, administrative or professional nature in the design, construction and inspection of public, commercial, industrial or residential buildings. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Must possess a valid California Driver's License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City's standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority. Must possess a valid certificate as a Building Official issued by the International Code Council (ICC) or as compliant with State Law. Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California is desirable, but not required. CASp certification is desired but not required.

Knowledge of : Principles and practices or organizational administration, personnel and budget management. Principles and practices of the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical codes and pertinent local, state, federal and county codes and ordinances. Principles of structural design, engineering mathematics, and soil engineering. Principles and practices of American with Disabilities compliance. Knowledge of current construction methods, materials, and inspection equipment used in building systems. Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods related to structural engineering and the design, construction and inspection of Public Works facilities.

Skill in : Organizing, directing and coordinating the activities of a major division in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale. Analyzing, interpreting and checking complex plans, specifications, calculations, laws and regulations. Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Environment : Standing & Walking Standing for extended periods of time and / or walking distances (1 or more miles). Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time. Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques. Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more up ladder(s). Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as accurate field measuring, repair and calibration of instruments operating a computer keyboard and writing. Visual Ability to read printed materials, read industry warning signs and instruments, read maps and diagrams and view a computer screen for long periods. Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Mobility Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend. Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations.

Environmental Elements : Employees work in an office environment or in any building or structure within the service area. Work may be performed outdoors with exposure to inclement weather, exposure to noise, dust, grease fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may be required to respond to calls on evenings, weekends and holidays.

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.