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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.

An exciting opportunity is available to join the City of Santa Clara’s Water & Sewer Utilities Department as a Code Enforcement Officer. This position offers the chance to be part of a small, dedicated team in the Compliance Division, supporting critical programs that protect and manage the City’s water distribution system, sewer collection system, and recycled water system.

The Department: 

The Water and Sewer Utilities Department (WSUD) is a utility enterprise that provides planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the City's water distribution system, sewer collection system, and recycled water system. The WSUD’s mission is to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services in a manner that protects these resources for future generations. For more information about Water and Sewer Utilities, please visit the department website. 

The Position: 

The Code Enforcement Officer will conduct inspections, lead investigations and complete plan reviews. The Code Enforcement Officer will also determine violations and work towards compliance related to storm water pollution, sanitary sewer overflows, water waste incidents, fats, oils and grease (FOG) source control, recycled water, and related municipal codes and ordinances. Additionally, the incumbent will complete various water, sewer, and recycled water sampling. 

The City:

The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city – one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.

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. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of April 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE.  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. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.

The annual salary range for this position is $113,920.32 - $145,705.32.  This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range. 

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

An Associate's Degree in City or Urban Planning, Business Administration, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

Two (2) years of experience in public contact work involving zoning administrative investigation, building inspection or investigation, industrial/commercial pretreatment inspections, or stormwater pollution control, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

Acceptable Substitution: 

One (1) year of additional related experience may be substituted for each year, up to two years of the required education.

License/Certifications: 

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for the duration of employment.

For the Public Works Department:
A recognized professional certification within the stormwater management field (QSP, QISP, CSM, CESSWI, CPESC, CPMSM, etc.) within twelve (12) months of appointment and for the duration of employment.
 
 For the Water and Sewer Utilities Department:
 A Grade II Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification issued by the California Water Environment Association within twelve (12) months of appointment and for the duration of employment.
 A Water Distribution Operators Certification from the State Water Resources Control Board is desirable.
 A Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certification from the American Water Works Association is desirable.

Desirable Qualifications: 

A Bachelor's Degree in City or Urban Planning, Business Administration, Construction Technology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or closely related field is desirable.
A Code Enforcement Officer Certification by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) is desirable.

Other Requirements:  

May be required to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
Must be able to perform all of 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.