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Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development | Chief Building Official | Deputy Building Official

• Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development: $169,032 – $205,464, plus excellent benefits
• Chief Building Official: $157,680 - $191,652, plus excellent benefits
• Deputy Building Official: $137,208 - $166,776, plus excellent benefits

Application deadline: Apply by Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., for first consideration

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-2026 annual budget of approximately $192 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE DEPARTMENT

In recent years, the City of San Rafael has seen an unprecedented interest in development and growth, and our department has responded with collaborative focus on creating a thriving, sustainable community that meets the needs of our diverse population. Thanks to a determined effort to provide excellent service, the City’s building department maintains a great reputation with local builders and residents.

The Community & Economic Development Department is comprised of five divisions with a total fiscal year 2025-2026 budget of over $7 million and 24 full-time employees. 

The Community & Economic Development Department is comprised of five divisions: 

• Planning, Building, Housing & Code Enforcement Divisions: Support the City’s land use entitlement, construction and inspection permitting, housing policy, and community code compliance programs.
• Economic Development Division: Creates and maintains a thriving economic environment for businesses and residents by providing resources, primarily through the one-stop-shop “San Rafael Go” Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Community & Economic Development department (C&ED) has one (1) vacancy to be filled at either the Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, Chief Building Official, or Deputy Building Official classification.

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development is a collaborative and strategic municipal leader with core competencies in Building and Code Enforcement with broad experience across community and economic development operations. This individual is a trusted partner to executive leadership, skilled in overseeing multiple divisions, advancing departmental priorities, and representing the City before the Planning Commission, City Council, boards, commissions, developers, and the public. The successful candidate brings strong people management, budget, and operational experience, demonstrates sound judgment in complex and sensitive matters, and is committed to inclusive leadership, community engagement, and public service. The position will have direct oversight of the building and code enforcement division functions and will serve as the Chief Building Official.
 

The ideal candidate for the Chief Building Official classification is an experienced building and safety professional with deep knowledge of California building, fire, life-safety, accessibility, and energy codes. This individual provides strong technical leadership over plan review, inspections, permitting, and code enforcement, and is confident exercising independent authority, including code interpretation and enforcement actions. The successful candidate is an effective people manager who values consistency, customer service, and public safety, and can clearly communicate technical requirements to staff, professionals, and the public.

The ideal candidate for the Deputy Building Official classification is a seasoned building inspection professional with strong technical expertise and proven supervisory experience. This individual brings comprehensive knowledge of California building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, accessibility, and energy codes, and is skilled in performing and overseeing complex commercial inspections and plan reviews. The successful candidate is an effective working supervisor who can assign and monitor workloads, coach and evaluate staff, and ensure consistent, high-quality inspections and customer service. They are comfortable serving as the primary point of contact for contractors, design professionals, and the public, resolving disputes and complaints with professionalism and sound judgment. The ideal candidate communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with other City departments and outside agencies, and provides reliable advice and support to the Chief Building Official to ensure the efficient, compliant, and customer-focused operation of the Building Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Assist the Director of Community and Economic Development in managing and directing the Community and Economic Development Department.
• Assist in developing department goals and objectives; assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct activities of Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Housing, and Economic Development Divisions.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the divisions work plans; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Prepare the division’s budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Represent the department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
•  Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of planning, building, code enforcement, housing and economic development; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Represent the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.  
• Foster an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion and collaboration.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Chief Building Official - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Serves as the City's Chief Building Official.
• Oversees the review and performs complex plan reviews of building, subdivision improvement and development plans, reports, calculations, and specifications in verifying compliance with building, fire, zoning, and other codes, ordinances and resolutions.
• Oversees and provides information to interested parties on the City's Building code, and subdivision and site development program including code provisions, procedures, required submittals and plan processing, and inspection schedules.
• Develops and implements division policies and procedures.
• Issues stop-work orders in situations of deliberate or negligent non-compliance.
• Understands and interprets applicable codes, laws, ordinances and regulations. Provides code interpretations as required and recommends the adoption and amendment of codes, ordinances and regulations. Maintains construction, fire, and life-safety codes in conformance with current State law.
• Manages the division budget and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the budget.
• Makes presentations to City Council as required.
• Provides staff with support in decision making and provides direction to technical staff.
• Maintains effective communications with staff through regularly scheduled meetings.

Deputy Building Official - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Analyzes, distributes and monitors the inspection workflow.
• Provides work review, information and training to Building Division personnel as directed.
• Assigns work, including field inspections, to Building Inspectors
• Oversees and inspects all major commercial work.
• Serves as the focal point for complaints and dispute resolution.
• Coordinates the work of the department with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Reads and interprets plans and discusses requirements with builders and owners.
• Investigates all disabled access complaints, issues reports and assists with resolution.
• Inspects building construction, plumbing, electrical and gas installations in residential, business, industrial and public buildings.
• Conducts final inspections of newly completed buildings.
• Reviews and investigates violations of building code laws.
• Performs complex plan reviews of residential and commercial projects.
• Provides information to the public regarding building requirements. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development

• Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
  • Education: Possession of the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban or regional planning, economics, public administration, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class. Possession of a master’s degree is desirable.  
  • Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible community and economic development experience, including (2) two years of supervisory experience. 

Chief Building Official

• Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
  • Experience: At least 6 years of progressively responsible professional experience construction related inspection and design review, and code enforcement with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity. Practical experience with principles and practices of organization, administration, budgeting, and personnel management for a municipal government is preferred.
  • Training: Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college with major work in construction technology, engineering, or related field.
    • ICC certification as a Building Official must be obtained within one year of employment
  • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
    • Valid CA driver’s license is required.

Deputy Building Official

• Education/Experience
  • Graduation from high school or equivalent based on courses taken from an accredited educational institution.  Associate of Science degree in Building Inspection or related field is preferred.  
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, including commercial, of which at least two (2) years must be in a supervisory capacity.   
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Valid CA driver’s license.  
  • Must maintain ICC certification in at least three of the following areas:
    • Commercial building inspector, combination building inspector, electrical inspector, plumbing inspector or mechanical inspector.  These certifications are required at time of hire.  
    • In addition, Plans Examiner certification from ICC is required, but may be obtained within 6 months of hire. 

ABOUT THE CITY

We offer a wide range of meaningful career opportunities with potential for growth, training and development, competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, paid time off, and robust benefits. The Redwood City team is guided by core values of excellence, integrity, service, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.   Inherent in these values is a great organizational culture based on trust, strong and supportive leadership, respect, risk-taking, empowerment, and effective communication. The community is known for its inclusivity, strong engaged neighborhoods, and civic pride. The City works diligently to maintain positive and productive relationships with community partners, together providing outstanding services, programs and opportunities for residents and businesses. This mix of tradition and progress, community and diversity, makes Redwood City an extraordinary place to work and call home. If you’re looking to grow your career or make valuable contributions as a part of the Department of Community Development that fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration, we hope you’ll apply. 

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Department of Community Development is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Management Fellow. Designed to attract top talent from graduate schools to commit to meaningful and value-driven work in local government, the Management Fellowship program creates a channel into future leadership opportunities within local government. Primarily designed for recent postgraduate candidates as well as current Master's program students. The Fellowship is a limited 1-year term position beginning Spring 2026 with the option to extend for an additional year.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Redwood City, Community Development Department is seeking a value-driven team player to join the Department. Through mentorship and under general supervision, the Fellow will assist in coordinating and managing specific projects to completion in the areas of budgeting, planning, community engagement, procurement, and legislative policy, especially related to the Planning and Building Divisions in Community Development.

Some of the various projects and responsibilities may include:

• Performing policy research and analysis, identifying relevant legislation, and developing recommendation positions as related to Planning and Building policy
• Assisting with the City’s budget process
• Program and Performance Management analysis towards the goal of identifying efficiencies
• Statistical analysis of data; and preparing findings and/or recommendations to the supervising Management Analyst
• Assisting with community engagement and the development of outreach strategies, reviewing the Staff Report Guide and implementing, training and supporting staff to improve staff reports (written reports for City Council)
• Working with the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals application within the Department, especially in staff reports to City Council 

The Fellowship is a 1-year limited term position with the option to extend for an additional year.

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Review of contract invoices, back-up documentation and reports; providing logistical support for meetings; monitoring/tracking budgets and expenditures; assisting with the creation and implementation of performance measures; writing and editing Staff Reports for City Council; assisting with procurement activities such as performing RFPs and stewarding contracts; development, analysis, and working with the City’s Short Term Rental program.

Application filing deadline Open Until Filled- Apply Immediately

Interviews- TBD

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing a City application

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Code Enforcement Officer, the Code Enforcement Inspector facilitates compliance with City Municipal codes, ordinances, California Codes, conditions of approval and resolutions relating to public nuisances, planning, zoning, construction, business licensing, animal control and other associated disciplines. Works collaboratively with other City Divisions and Agencies and actively participates as a member of the Code Enforcement Task Force. Tracks, updates and maintains investigations, complaint information and official records. Attends training to maintain or achieve Code Enforcement Officer Certification. Performs related work as required.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Investigate reported or suspected violations of City or California codes, and implement enforcement activities to gain compliance. Issue written notices and warnings, and criminal citations. Educate the public regarding code requirements. Conduct field inspections, gather-supporting evidence, maintain case files (both computer and hard files) and, as necessary, prepare investigation reports regarding violations. May assist in preparing and presenting information to the Planning Commission, City Council, Administrative Hearing Board and courts of law. Participate in and often coordinate joint code enforcement activities with other agencies. Speak before neighborhood and civic groups about the Code Enforcement Program and work closely with such groups to solve neighborhood problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Basic code enforcement and investigation techniques; common California Codes relating to property maintenance, municipal codes, ordinances and resolutions related to public nuisances, planning and zoning. Effective and efficient techniques of public education, field inspections for code compliance, gathering and analyzing evidence and data, and preparing and presenting reports.

Ability to: Read, understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions, policies and other documents associated with enforcement duties. Maintain a positive attitude and work as a highly effective team member of the Code Enforcement Program, Economic and Community Development Department and the Code Enforcement Task Force. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Prepare and make verbal presentations to small and large groups, the Administrative Hearing Board and other official bodies. Prepare factually clear, concise and complete written reports and correspondence. Exercise good customer service skills with the public, outside agencies and staff. Interact tactfully to gain voluntary compliance with City codes. Identify code violations and exercise proper judgment in determining the degree of compliance with various laws and determine appropriate course of action. Assist City staff with interpretation and application of the codes used. Coordinate enforcement and inspection functions with other City departments. Competently use a desktop computer with a main program base such as Office 2010, to record, organize, and monitor all code enforcement activities. Follow established work procedures and practices, including adherence to sound safety practices. Drive a vehicle. Work under stressful and uncomfortable, cold, foggy and rainy climatic conditions. Perform inspections on substandard or unsafe properties, which may require climbing, crawling, kneeling, and bending. Interview witnesses and violators in a highly effective and professional manner. Interact positively and cooperate with co-workers, respond politely to customers, work as a team member, function under demanding time pressure, respond in a positive manner to supervision, and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Education: Possession of an AA degree in a related field. Additional education and training in writing, public speaking and areas related to code enforcement are desirable.

Experience: A minimum of one year of full-time, relevant public contact experience, with occasional public speaking, requiring problem solving and/or field investigation in code enforcement, law enforcement, investigations, or a comparable field that would provide the requisite knowledge needed to succeed in this position. Experience in the enforcement of municipal, planning and zoning codes and working with building or planning permits at a public or private agency is desirable.

Certifications: Possess, or obtain within 12 months from hire date, current certification as a Code Enforcement Officer from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO); or certification as a Housing Inspector from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO- through the American Association of Code Enforcement). Certification under Penal Code 832 Module A (California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) or similar police training is desirable.

License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

The City of Newark is hiring a Community Preservation Specialist I/II. This role is essential to protecting the health, safety, and quality of life in our community. Working under general supervision, the Specialist enforces City codes related to health and safety, nuisance abatement, housing, and zoning. The position combines investigative work with public education and involves frequent interaction with property owners, businesses, community organizations, and residents.

Community Preservation Specialist I is an entry-level role focused on enforcing City ordinances and abating nuisance conditions. Under close supervision, incumbents learn City systems, procedures, and practices, gradually taking on more varied duties with increased independence. While they may perform many tasks similar to a Community Preservation Specialist II, they work at a developing skill level and exercise less independent judgment and discretion.

Community Preservation Specialist II is a journey-level role responsible for performing the full range of duties independently, with judgment and initiative. Incumbents receive minimal supervision, are fully knowledgeable of unit procedures and policies, provide training and technical support to Community Preservation Specialist I staff, and may serve in a lead role over entry-level personnel.

In these positions, you will:

• Advise property owners, businesses, and residents on City code requirements and compliance.

• Educates the public and professional groups on code regulations to encourage voluntary compliance.

• Investigates complaints from City staff, the public, and officials regarding zoning or nuisance issues such as signs, fences, rental housing, home occupations, vehicle storage, trash accumulation, noise, and odors.

• Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance, providing clear guidance on corrective actions when necessary.

• Prepares notices, correspondence, and detailed reports documenting investigations.

• Represents the City in court proceedings, hearings, and other official forums.

• Manages difficult and confrontational situations with professionalism and diplomacy.

• Provides lead direction and reviews the work of assigned clerical staff or coworkers, as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

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:

Community Preservation Specialist I - Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, and one (1) year of experience serving the public in enforcement, inspection or investigation of local, state, or federal codes and/or regulations in areas such as housing, building, zoning, environmental, vehicle and penal codes, or a similar field.

Community Preservation Specialist II - Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, and two (2) years of experience performing code enforcement for a public agency at the level equivalent to a Community Preservation Specialist I with the City of Newark.

Bilingual skills are desirable.

License and Certificate:
Possession of a valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.