Chief Building Official

SALARY:

Chief Building Official $7,106 - $8,671/month

DEFINITION:

This class series performs comprehensive construction related duties including managing the building inspection activities of the City; prepares building ordinances for adoption by the City Council; inspects residential, commercial, and other types of buildings and structures in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair; enforces safety regulations and applicable building codes; per contract administration of improvement projects and field personnel supervision; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the journey level class in the Chief Building Official technical series and is distinguished from the entry level class by the assignment of the full range of duties, certifications obtained, and overall experience in this field. Receiving general direction from management staff, the incumbent performs a variety of technical and management work of considerable difficulty, supervises subordinate professional and/or technical staff involved in the investigation, quality control, quality assurance, and/or inspection of construction projects.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Manages, organizes, and directs the building inspection activities in the City; coordinates building activities with other divisions and departments; assists in the selection of employees; trains and evaluates personnel; implements disciplinary actions.
2. Makes field inspections of residential, commercial and other types of building projects at various stages of construction or alteration for conformance to applicable zoning, plumbing, electrical, structural, and building codes, city ordinances, and state laws and permit applications; performs final inspections.
3. Reviews permit applications; reviews building plans for compliance with code; explains departmental procedures and policies; calculates fees; performs final review before issuance of permit.
4. Investigates complaints of substandard buildings and possible noncompliance with laws, codes, or ordinances related to zoning and building; meets with owner or representative to review corrective actions.
5. Acts as an information source in the interpretation of building and safety codes; assists the public and City crews in matters related to bringing building problems into compliance with codes; prepares ordinances for adoption by the City Council.
6. Assists with redevelopment projects; reviews proposed rehabilitation projects; inspects houses applying for housing loans; reviews projects for seismic and code compliance.
7. Keeps detailed records and prepares reports; assists public at counter and in the field on matters regarding building safety and inspection. 
8. Represents and supports the policies and procedures established by the City Council, City Manager, Department Heads and Division Chiefs.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience:
Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Required education and experience:  
1. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience inspecting buildings and/or building plan review and enforcing municipal, county, and/or state building codes: with two (2) of the four (4) years performing 
the most complex inspection including, but not limited to, commercial or multi-story buildings, tracts, apartments and condominiums; OR,
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience performing building inspections for a California municipal agency.
Experience specific to access compliance plan review and inspection is desirable.

Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of building inspection, building materials, and accepted safety standards; modern methods of building construction; building, plumbing and electrical codes, ordinances and laws; disabled access laws and regulations; supervision practices.

Ability to:
Read blueprints; inspect construction according to submitted documents and appropriate codes; analyze, interpret and accurately check building plans and specifications; establish and maintain effective public relations; work cooperatively with builders, contractors and other members of the public; understand and follow verbal and written directions; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; 
prepare reports and records.

Exercise sound administrative judgment and initiative in the development of new methods and procedures and in the solution of difficult problems; direct inspections and archive compliance with construction plans, materials, and specifications; contact owners, contractors, and the general public, and effectively establish and maintain good working relationships; prepare clear, concise and competent reports, correspondence and other written materials and make clear oral presentations; work effectively in a fast paced environment; be decisive and work under pressure particularly when faced with unexpected occurrences and delays.

REQUIREMENTS:

Required License:  
Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire date. However, it is highly desirable that the incumbent will already possess this certification upon hire:

1. Certification as a Chief Building Official.
Notes:
Certificates must be issued by one of the following organizations: the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), the International Code Council/Council of American Building Officials (ICC/CABO), the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA), or the Southern Building Code Congress International 
(SBCCI). Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code, building officials employed by the City of Porterville to perform the above duties, must meet certification requirements and continuing education requirements.

Positions in this classification require incumbents to possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, Class C or higher, to carry out job related duties

SELECTION:

Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training and work experience. May be followed by an exam and/or interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final. Applicants will receive electronic notification regarding results for all phases of the recruitment up to the establishment of the eligibility list, if applicable. Candidates will be notified of the date and time of scheduled interviews and/or tests. The City of Porterville reserves the right to alter the testing process at any time, without notice, as needed.

TO APPLY:  

Apply online at: governmentjobs.com/careers/porterville or submit a completed City of Porterville Employment Application with Conviction History Form (a resume may be included, but does not substitute for a completed application), together with any other materials required to accompany the application if noted in this announcement, to the Human Resources Office, Porterville City Hall, 291 N. Main 
Street, Porterville, CA 93257. Application deadline: 4pm, Friday, January 30, 2026.

SPECIAL CONDITION:

Candidates recommended for hire will be required to undergo a background reference and fingerprint check and a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

EEO:

The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at (559) 782-7441 to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.

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