Senior Building Inspector

The Position

For additional approved professional certifications obtained over the base required certifications, there is an additional 2% to 10% incentive pay.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Senior Building Inspector vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligibility list is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

• On Thursday, 03/26/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
  Application online only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
• Response to supplemental questions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
• Week of 03/30 and 04/06/26:
  Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 04/17/26.
• Week of 04/20 and 04/27/26:
  Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Under direction, this position performs a variety of the journey level inspection services and assists in planning and directing division inspection activities; coordinates building inspection services activities with other city departments; and performs combination field inspections of residential, commercial and industrial projects for compliance with applicable construction codes.

This position is distinguished from the next lower‑level classification of building inspector in that it performs field inspections on structures during various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and municipal codes. It is also distinct from the next higher-level classification of Supervising Building Inspector, which performs a variety of the most complex inspection services and assists the building officer in planning and directing division activities, and performs inspections for the full range of construction development projects and performs complex plan reviews for compliance with applicable construction codes.

• Inspects all types of buildings and structures, including complex construction and development projects, using the applicable building standards codes and other related construction codes adopted by the City of Santa Cruz.
• Provides technical information to the public on codes and inspection requirements and on difficult or unusual code requirements for major structures; answers inquiries from the public relating to regulations for building and housing construction, remodeling and repair, including structural, non-structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other code related questions.
• Assists architects, engineers, contractors and property owners in interpreting and meeting code requirements at the building counter, issues building permits.
• Coordinates with builders and inspects for compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program, CAL Green requirements and specifications, and building decarbonization and electrification.
• Assists with projects that do not conform to requirements, participating in the solution process of changes and modifications to bring the project into code compliance.
• Communicates with property owners, contractors and others to schedule inspections, explain requirements, obtain compliance with plans and codes, and give final sign-off approval.
• Provides technical support and coordinates with other city departments as needed.
• May assist the chief building official in developing and revising division operations as assigned. May schedule and monitor field inspection activities, advising inspectors on work assignments and challenges.
• Leads, trains, and advises inspectors and other technical staff. Provides assistance to maintain consistent application of code provisions.
• Updates and maintains technical manuals and publications.
• Assists code enforcement staff with housing, building and related codes including investigating code violation complaints, searching records to determine prior approvals, and writing up results and findings of investigations.
• Monitors and coordinates inspection services from permit application to final inspection.
• Maintains records, prepares a variety of reports and provides fee estimates for building projects.
• Inputs, accesses and analyzes data in the computer. Proactive in the use and development of the city permit tracking system.
• May be required to review plans for construction and development projects.
• Performs…