Location
Description
The City is seeking an experienced and collaborative Building Official to lead and coordinate key public‑facing programs, including building inspection, plan review, permit processing, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) activities, and code compliance within the Community Development Department’s Building Division. This role plays a vital part in supporting safe, resilient, and well‑designed neighborhoods throughout the community. Under the general direction of the Community Development Director, the Building Official serves as a key member of the Department’s leadership team, guiding staff who assist residents, businesses, and builders throughout the development process—from permit applications to final inspections.
The Building Official is a hands‑on leader who works closely with homeowners, contractors, design professionals, and City partners to provide clear guidance, responsive service, and practical solutions, helping safeguard the community’s natural environment and property. The role requires service‑oriented leadership, strong technical expertise, and the ability to build effective working relationships with residents, contractors, developers, partner agencies, and City staff.
Ideal Candidate
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in construction, civil or structural engineering, architecture, or a related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible management or administrative experience as a building official or in plan checking and/or the enforcement of building codes with a public agency, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
At the time of appointment, the incumbent must possess the following:
- A valid California Driver’s License, or equivalent mobility
- International Code Council (I.C.C.) Building Official Certificate
- International Code Council (I.C.C.) Plans Examiner Certificate
- International Code Council (I.C.C.) Building Inspector Certificate
- International Code Council (I.C.C.) Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Inspector Certificate
The ideal candidate is a skilled and service-oriented building professional with strong technical knowledge of construction codes, plan review, inspections, and permit processing. They are an effective and hands-on leader who can guide staff, improve processes, and manage complex projects with clarity and accountability. The incumbent is adept at balancing daily operational oversight while resolving complex code issues, conducting detailed reviews, and representing the City with professionalism. The ability to communicate clearly, provide exceptional customer service, and build strong working relationships with residents, developers, contractors, and City staff are essential. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and committed to ensuring safe, complaint, and high‑quality development within the community.
Benefits
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The City of Saratoga provides an excellent total compensation and benefits package along with a 9/80 Work Schedule: Nine-hour days Monday to Thursday; and an eight-hour day one Friday, off the next Friday.
The salary for this position will be set at a step between steps 1 and 5 based on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
The annual salary range for Steps 1-5 is $173,222 - $210,558. The City has a seven-step range, including multi-year steps 6 and 7. Advancement to steps 6 and 7 is after four (4) years of satisfactory service at Steps 5 and 6, respectively.
A summary of benefits may be obtained online.
Special Instructions
To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please apply online through www.calopps.org.
As part of your online application, provide the City with a cover letter along with a resume and responses to the required supplemental questions. Applications that do not include the above elements will not be considered. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will consist of oral interviews.
Deadline to apply is Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm. The City reserves the right to close applications early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received prior to June 14. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.