Search Jobs

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Apply by 11:59PM on Monday, April 20, 2026

THE POSITION:

This position oversees the work of the Building Division, inclusive of managing permit technicians, plan checkers, building inspectors, and support staff, they are responsible for enforcing the adopted building codes as well as ensuring construction projects comply with federal and state laws and ordinances. Performs contract administration, project management, and coordinates activities with various outside agencies, contractors, municipalities, and other departments; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service.

The mission of the Development Services Department is to help manage the future development of Hayward, to ensure the economic and environmental health of the community and a high quality of life for its residents, protect the health and safety of the community through building inspection and enforcement of codes and standards, and provide new housing opportunities for the residents of the City.

You are:

You are a dynamic leader with a robust background in building code administration and a genuine passion for enhancing community safety and development. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in either a municipal building division or a comprehensive background in construction and the trades with building inspection and staff supervision experience. Preference will be given to those who possess or have begun working toward their Building Official certification.

Success in this role requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage high-pressure situations. We seek an individual who excels in collaborative leadership, serving as a supportive manager and mentor. Strong, dynamic communication skills are essential for fostering positive relations and driving team success. Together, you will help shape a safer, more vibrant community for all. The ideal candidate will foster relationships with Code Enforcement Officers, and Fire and Hazmat Inspectors in providing code analysis to a complex and challenging construction environment.

Essential Duties:

What you will do: 
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the division.
• Plans, organizes, controls, and evaluates the functions and activities of the Building Inspection Division, including building inspections, electrical inspections, plumbing and mechanical inspections, plan checking, and issuance of permits.
• Establishes, improves, schedules, and coordinates the plan checking and building inspection procedures of the City.
• Maintains close coordination between various City departments for the plan check and building inspection functions.
• Makes presentations to public agencies, business and civic groups, and other organizations regarding code and safety-related issues.
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the budget, including recommendations for establishing and adjusting plan check and inspection fees.
• Serves as staff liaison and provides recommendations to the Building Abatement Hearing Panel and various citizen advisory committees.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates subordinate professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• Determines code interpretations in complex and unclear cases.
• Provides leadership and motivation to expand staff knowledge and provides excellent customer service.
• Performs related work as necessary. 

Link to full job description: City Building Official


CORE COMPETENCIES  
Knowledge of:  

• Civil engineering principles, practices, and methods as related to structural engineering.
• Principles and practices of personnel and budget management.
• Principles and practices of the Uniform Building, Housing, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes, Green Building Code and practices, and pertinent federal, state, and county codes and laws.
• Principles of structural design, engineering mathematics, flood and soil engineering, knowledge of unreinforced masonry structures and concrete tilt-up and soft story retrofit practices.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Ability to: 

• Effectively organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of a program.
• Analyze, interpret, and check complex plans, specifications, calculations, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with coworkers, the public and community.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• Interpret codes for the general public, contractors, architects, engineers, and other development professionals.
• Perform building inspections in the field as needed.
• Provide assistance in the resolution of difficult field inspection problems and disagreements with contractors and homeowners.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS  

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience of a supervisory, administrative, or professional nature in the design, construction, and inspection of public, commercial, industrial or residential buildings. 

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major work in structural, mechanical, or civil engineering, architecture, or a closely related field. 

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License. Possession of Certification as Building Official by International Code Council (ICC) is required within one (1) year of appointment. Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California is desirable.  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 
Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County to manage, direct, coordinate and/or participate in meetings and community events in a variety of community settings and weather conditions; make effective presentations to public audiences; perform building inspections in the field on an infrequent, as-needed basis; conduct City business during day and evening hours, including occasional weekend and irregular hours; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; stand, walk, reach, bend and safely lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and before small and large groups, and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical and complex documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Supplemental Information:

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.

Application Review - 

A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire

The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Job Related Testing -

Oral Panel Interview - Tentatively Scheduled for early/mid December

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.

Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.  Include specific or approximate dates here.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

APPLICATIONSCandidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com.  Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA  94541.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system.  Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at  (855) 524-5627.
 

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Senior Building Inspector conducts routine and complex inspections of buildings and structures at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable building, accessibility, fire, electrical, energy, mechanical, plumbing, zoning, and sign codes. This position also performs plan checks of construction documents, prepares inspection reports, and issues corrective actions when necessary, while maintaining strict adherence to safety regulations on all job sites.

Under general supervision, the Senior Building Inspector provides technical assistance to the public, responds to inquiries regarding the construction process, and works collaboratively with other City departments. In addition, this role oversees inspection assignments, supervises and trains building inspectors, serves as the primary staff contact for building inspection complaints and dispute resolution, and performs related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training - Sr. Building Inspector 

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

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, and four (4) years of increasingly responsible and recent work experience in building inspection and/or construction. Public sector and lead or supervisory experience is preferred.

License and Certificate:

• Possession of a valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment. 
• Possession of valid Combination Residential Inspector OR Combination Commercial Inspector, AND Plans Examiner certification from an approved agency. 

Special Requirements:

Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction projects. While performing the outdoor duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts around high- voltage energized electrical equipment, climbs scaffolding and ladders, works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and /or humid conditions.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walls; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; lift and /or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Applicants are encouraged to review the class specification for the essential duties, and knowledge and abilities required for the position.

The ideal candidate for Plan Check Engineer with our Office of Building Safety will possess strong technical background in structural engineering and/or building life safety in a wide range of residential and commercial projects.  This candidate will be proactive, customer service-oriented, and a team player and demonstrates effective communication skills.  Analytical skills, initiative, independent judgment, along with strong time management and attention to detail, are key attributes for success in this role.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for performing plan review, inspections, and other duties as required.  The position will also be involved to varying degrees with public education, public relations, exterior hazard abatement, engine company pre-fire planning, record keeping, and report writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Receives supervision from the Fire Marshal. There may be limited supervisory tasks assigned to this classification.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
This position is responsible for the review of plans, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local fire safety laws, ordinances, and codes.  Although not all inclusive, the following serve to represent the various types of plans to be reviewed: planning applications; applications for the subdivision of land; site plans for access and water supply; building and tenant improvement plans; fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, kitchen hood extinguishing systems; and other types of plan reviews that are part of various fire code permitted activities.  

Other duties include attending meetings with other local government agencies such as planning and building departments, architects, contractors, developers, and the general public.  Utilizes the District’s citation process when appropriate and when other means of gaining voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. This position is responsible for conducting in-house training and updating of field inspection staff members on changes occurring in codes enforced by the District.  This position is also responsible for the formulation of standardized field inspection guidelines and record keeping systems for construction projects. Provides supervision, work direction, and technical assistance as directed. Participates in the code change process at the state and international levels. Utilizes tools and technology identified by the District related to performance of tasks. Supports emergency operations as requested and appropriate.

The position is responsible for performing inspections of both new and existing buildings; witnessing various tests required for sophisticated fire protection equipment and verifying proper operation and compliance with applicable codes and standards; prepares necessary correspondence, reports, and records; with regards to projects, confers with architects, engineers, developers, etc.; attends training courses and meetings of professional organizations as directed; performs surveys of fire hazards and processes complaints; conducts and participates in public education and public relations programs; performs other related duties as directed.

Description

The Department:

The Community Development Department strives to enhance the community’s safety, welfare, quality of life, and economic opportunities by providing advanced planning, development review, permitting and inspection services, as well as administration of programs related to affordable housing. To learn more about the City of Santa Clara's Department of Community Development/Housing click here.

The Position:

The Combination Inspector is responsible for performing the building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections.  Each Inspector may be assigned to one or more of the following Programs or specialties: Code Enforcement, Building, Electrical, Permit Center, and Plumbing & Mechanical.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. 

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous: First review of applications will be on November 7, 2025. After the initial review, applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $125,115.24 - $159,613.32 annually. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

*Please note: Tentative testing date will be the week of November 17 – 21, 2025.*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D.

Minimum Experience Requirements:

Five (5) years of experience as a journey person in the building construction or related trades

OR

Three (3) years of experience as a Combination Inspector in a city or county inspection jurisdiction

OR

Possession of a State of California license as a general (B-l) or electrical (C-10) or plumbing (C-36) or heating, ventilating, air conditioning (C-20) contractor for a minimum of two (2) years

Acceptable Substitution:

None

License/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required. 

Certification by the International Code Council or other recognized agency, as a Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Inspector is required within one (1) year of appointment and for continued employment in this class

Desirable Qualifications:

Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification is desirable

Other Requirements: 

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job assignment

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

Under direction of the Chief Building/Fire Code Official, performs complex residential and commercial inspections of buildings and structures in various stages of construction, alteration and repair for compliance with applicable building, accessibility, energy and zoning codes and ordinances; responds to inquiries from the public, applicants, contractors and other City staff and departments; performs related duties as required.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Under general supervision of the Chief Building/Fire Code Official or designee, performs complex and detailed inspections of structures for conformance to codes, ordinances, approved plans, calculations and specifications; reads and interprets construction drawings and specifications for compliance with codes, ordinances, energy and disabled access requirements; conducts investigations of suspected violations of the Municipal and Building codes, including code enforcement; may assist in training other Building Inspectors and providing direction to other technical and/or clerical staff, including temporary; employees. Performs related duties as required. 

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.