Building Official

A world-class city is seeking world-class talent.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Under general direction, the Building Official manages and directs the programs, activities and operations of the Building Division that include permit processing, plan check, building counter services and building inspection functions to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, policies and regulations. This classification assists with the most complex inspections and provides fiscal oversight for program budget, exercises direct supervision over assigned staff, serves as a technical resource, coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies, and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Building Division and Community Development Department.

The Community
The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County. Fifty miles of hiking trails and nearly seven miles of coastline support an active, healthy lifestyle in Carlsbad, drawing not only residents looking for a high quality, well-run city, but top talent from throughout the country. A full-service city, with over 1,200 employees who serve approximately 115,000 residents, as well as a thriving business community that includes corporate headquarters for leading technology, life sciences, and action sports companies.

You Belong in Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Building Official is an "At Will," single management classification responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Building Services Division, which requires a high level of self-direction and initiative. The Building Official may perform the more complex plan check reviews and structural inspections requiring the use of considerable independent judgment as distinguished from the next lower classification of Senior Building Inspector. The Building Official is also distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector classification by the degree of supervisory, administrative and budget responsibilities; difficulty and complexity of work; responsibility managing programs and operations; and experience and certification requirements. Residents, business owners, architects, contractors and other professionals routinely interface with Building Division staff. The Building Official is responsible for ensuring that they receive courteous, accurate and professional services that are consistent, predictable and timely.

First applicant review will be on August 11, 2025.

Essential Duties, Knowledge and Functions (Illustrative Only)

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. Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages the Building Division within the Community Development Department, including permit review, plan check, inspection, and code compliance functions.
• Supervises the operation of the building division and is responsible for coordination across departments and divisions to assure timely plan review, permit issuance, inspection, and follow up to inquiries regarding permits, building codes, and related municipal ordinances.
• Evaluate or assist in the evaluation of discretionary and other referral permit applications for the planning and design of new development proposals and site plans for conformance with building codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Building Division's budget.
• Manages and participates in the development and monitoring of Building Division goals and objectives; reviews and evaluates Building Division's progress in meeting goals; makes recommendations for changes for improvement as part of the goal setting process.
• Proactively provides staff training and development on topics such as current inspection methods and procedures, customer service, and regulatory changes to ensure appropriate and consistent application and interpretation of Federal, State, and city codes, ordinances, policies and standards. Provides technical expertise to staff and develops technical code-related educational materials for staff training and public dissemination.
• Plans, organizes, and manages the work of staff in the enforcement of codes, ordinances, and regulations related to new construction, renovation, single- and multi-family housing, unsafe buildings, zoning, grading, and electrical, plumbing, ventilation, heating, and cooling installations.
• Help administer and manage the city's online self-service portal to help establish new electronic permitting systems and to evaluate and recommend changes to help automate and streamline the building permit process. Provides for the selection, training, professional development, and work evaluation of subordinate staff, and makes recommendations on hiring, termination, promotion, and discipline, as required.
• Manages the maintenance of accurate and current records related to program activities so that public information, education, and technical assistance can be offered and provided to the public in a meaningful and timely manner.
• Meets with individuals and user groups such as developers, architects, engineers, and contractors to provide building code and ordinance interpretations, and to explore operational, code, or standards revisions.
• Confers with other agencies regarding development and construction trends to assist in forecasting building revenues for the operating budget to ensure that fees for building services cover the direct cost of the building program; recommends changes in fee schedules based on forecasted building activity revenues and anticipated program costs.
• Directs the abatement of structures that fail to meet the minimum housing or building standards.
• Maintains appropriate records on non-conforming building usage and non-conforming structures.
• Confers with owners, inspectors, and attorneys regarding difficult or complex enforcement problems; coordinates with appropriate city divisions and departments and outside agencies on legal actions associated with code and ordinance compliance.
• Confers with and represents the Department in meetings; serves as the city representative with a variety of public, business, community groups, and organizations; and fosters collaborative working relationships.
• Assists with consultant selection, contract administration, and inspection of the work of Building Division contractors.
• Prepares periodic reports on routine operations and special reports/studies, as required.
• Authorizes the procurement of necessary supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Coordinates intradepartmental and interdepartmental responses to inquiries, concerns, suggestions, and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Increases knowledge base and learns new skills in a continuous effort to become a more productive team participant and subject matter expert.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, organizations, and their representatives, and the general public exhibiting effective customer service and communication skills.
• As needed, responds to emergencies at any time of the day or night.
• Prepares and makes presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, advisory bodies, neighborhood groups, local businesses, and community organizations, as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• California building standards code, including but not limited to electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes; and related Federal and State laws; and city codes, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations.
• Principles, methods, and techniques of building inspection, materials, and design; construction; safety standards; and modern methods of building construction.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning and assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Methods of researching building issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles and practices of local government processes and community engagement techniques.
• Structural and physical calculation.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Professional level writing techniques, including proper grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Contract development and management.

• Read plans and construction drawings.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Effectively represent the Department and the city in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, businesses; professional, educational, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships and networks with those contacted in the course of work.
• Lead others while fostering an atmosphere of teamwork among Building Division staff; plan, organize, direct, and participate in the work of staff engaged in the performance of complex, technical engineering work.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logically written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Assist in resolving citizen and customer issues and engage constructively with differing or conflicting public opinion.
• Consider broad input and prioritize accordingly.
• Manage and advance multiple priorities, including plan review and inspection of large and complex projects concurrently, to meet established timelines.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs relevant to the work performed.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Consistently demonstrate professionalism, ethical integrity, and exceptional customer service.
• Celebrate the achievements and success of the organization.
• Oversee the work of consultants and contract extension staff and process all invoices received for payment.

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

License and Certification Requirements:

• Current certification as a Building Official through the International Code Council is required at the time of appointment
• A valid California Class C Driver's License or higher is required at the time of appointment