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The County of San Mateo Planning & Building Department is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector.

Under general supervision, Building Inspectors inspect public and private buildings, structures, and related installations being constructed, altered, or repaired to determine conformance with approved plans and specifications and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances. In addition, Building Inspectors investigate complaints, advise and assist building contractors and property owners on the use of materials and building methods, and coordinate inspections with other agencies and organizations. Specific duties include inspection of plumbing, water, gas, and electrical work as well as general construction work; preparing reports and maintaining records; processing and issuing permits; and minor plan checking.

Building Inspector I is the trainee level class in the Building Inspector series, responsible for learning the tasks and responsibilities involved in the inspection of public and private buildings. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II/III by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level work under general supervision while learning job tasks, but as experience is gained, incumbents work with greater independence and are given more responsible assignments. Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for conformance with established procedures.

Building Inspector II is the journey-level class in the Building Inspector series. Employees at this level are capable of working independently and performing a full range of inspections of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural work as well as general construction.

Building Inspector III is the advanced level class in the Building Inspector series. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II by the performance of the full range of more complex and difficult inspection activities. Employees at this level assist in training less experienced inspectors and provide assistance with difficult situations in the field. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement based on experience and acceptable work performance.

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least two years of experience conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures and working in a jurisdiction performing a combination of field inspections and minor plan reviews.
• Be well-versed in the area of building construction and safety.
• Have experience training less experienced inspectors and provide assistance with difficult situations in the field.
• The ability to analyze and interpret building and zoning codes, ability to determine the scope of grading and erosion control.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations to resolve complex issues or situations.
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• excellent customer service skills.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have the skill and ability to:

• Work at indoor and outdoor construction sites at different heights and in confined spaces.
• Walk on uneven surfaces.
• Climb into trenches.
• Work on ladders.

Possession of a Combination Inspector Certification (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) from a recognized testing organization, and California Access Specialist (CASp) Certification are highly desirable.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspect structures being built, repaired or altered for conformance with approved plans and specifications and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
• Inspect plumbing, water, and gas lines, gas appliances, electrical services, electrical wiring, motor installations, setbacks, quality of materials used, and general construction of buildings.
• Investigate building code violations; post "stop work" notices on work in progress that does not conform to law; post notices on houses unsafe for occupancy; prepare correction notices; order corrections and improvements.
• Inspect existing structures for unsafe or substandard conditions; write correction and violation notices; make reinspections.
• Make final inspections; issue certificates of final inspections; prepare reports of inspections and work completed.
• Advise builders and property owners on building construction methods and code requirements; advise on building practices; assist with problems and interpret codes; wait on counter, answer phones, and write correspondence giving information on codes, general requirements, zoning regulations, and inspections.
• Assist the public by processing permits, receiving fees, and writing receipts.
• Review building plans.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Coordinate work with other agencies on code and ordinance provisions and in cooperative efforts to improve housing in deteriorated areas.
• Maintain surveillance of substandard dwelling units to expedite rehabilitation, abatement, demolition, or court action.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Building Inspector II: One year of experience in conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures.

Building Inspector III:Two years of experience in conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures.

Licensure/Certification:

Building Inspector I: Obtain certification as a building inspector from a recognized state, national or international association within two years of employment, pursuant to State requirements.

Building Inspector II/III: Possession of certification from a recognized state, national, or international association.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Thurs day, July 10, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: July 14 - 18, 2025

Civil Service Panel Interviews: July 31 and/or August 1, 2025

The City of Auburn is looking for an Associate Planner to join team. We're looking for an individual to help convey land development policies, process various land use applications, and present impactful reports. Join our team and play a key role in shaping our community's future!

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Performs technical and paraprofessional work supporting both the department and City planning operations including current and long-range planning,  environmental compliance review, processing development proposals, interacting with applicants, developers, consultants, the public, and external agencies, organizations and community groups, and other technical-level functions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

A paraprofessional classification requiring administrative, analytical, and specialized technical skills to perform semi-complex municipal planning duties. The role is distinguished from lower classifications by its scope of work and requirements for specialized training and technical proficiency in planning. This classification performs recurring tasks and solves problems independently under general supervision from the department director or assigned supervisor, and does not exercise supervision over staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Actual work may vary based on department needs or change due to evolving business practices.

• Perform a wide range of administrative, operational, and technical tasks supporting planning programs and functions.
• Process, review, and evaluate plans, required planning documents and construction plans for completeness, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Administer zoning, land use, subdivision, and environmental regulations; provide recommendations on project issues, and assist applicants to ensure all requirements are met within established time frames.
• Interact with the public, and internal and external stakeholders;  serve as liaison to City staff, applicants, developers, consultants, and external organizations and agencies regarding City codes, policies, processes, and requirements.
• Conduct site visits; investigate zoning issues and complaints; advise property owners, developers, and the public on relevant City ordinances and regulations.
• Prepare reports and make public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups.
• Conduct specialized planning studies, research, and analysis for current and long-range planning issues, including environmental evaluations and General Plan updates.
• Develop ordinances, resolutions, and regulations related to planning matters.
• Oversee and coordinate the current planning process including project scheduling for Historic Design Review Committee and Planning Commission, and project review with other staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date planning records and data.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to various on-site locations. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in the field on-site and in an office setting including stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard and calculator; occasionally work in outside weather conditions; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; verbally communicate to exchange information; vision to see in the normal visual range with or without correction, and read computer screens and printed documents; and hearing and speech in the normal audio range to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone with or without correction.

"TO REVIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE CLICK THIS BROCHURE. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE."

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

About the Department

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards.  This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: 

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities 

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements 

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods 

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives.  This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.  

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions: 

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division. 

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division. 

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division. 

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website. 

Position Duties

To review the full job description please click here

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams. 
  

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.  

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.  
 

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.  

Essential areas of responsibility include: 

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives. 

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects. 

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability 

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division. 

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them. 

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations. 

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff. 

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts. 

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve 
   its economic development, quality of life, and other goals. 

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. 

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include: 

• Housing Crisis Action Plan 

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2 

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation 

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning 

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates 

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative 

• Historic Preservation 

• Regional Policy