Building Inspector Supervisor - Grading Unit

Full Job Description

We are currently accepting applications to fill one full-time Building Inspector Supervisor – Grading Unit vacancy in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. The current vacancy is in the Planning and Development Department.

Please note: This position will require travel between both the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria offices.

THE POSITION: Under general direction, directs and coordinates building inspection activities in an assigned community or in a specific inspection program; trains and supervises inspection and office support staff in the enforcement of state and local building codes and regulations; and performs related work as required.

The current vacancy directs and coordinates the County’s grading inspection team, providing oversight of Grading Inspectors responsible for grading plan review and inspections conducted throughout Santa Barbara County.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Seven or more years of building/grading inspection, plan review/grading plan check, permit review and issuance, and/or building construction experience;
• Knowledge of construction of residential and commercial buildings and structures;
• Extensive knowledge of California Building Codes in relation to construction of residential and light commercial buildings;
• Knowledge of permit intake, review, and issuance procedures;
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and related documents and specifications;
• Ability to learn and apply software solutions in accepting permit applications, assessing fees, assigning works, conducting research, issuing permits and other related tasks;
• Ability to direct, supervise, mentor and manage technical and support staff;
• Ability to deliver customer focused, reliable and consistent services to the public in person and remotely;
• Ability to evaluate processes and develop and suggest improvements that facilitate delivery of services;
• Strong communication skills including written and oral;
• Strong computer skills in the use of spreadsheets, word processing, workload management and tracking on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Requirements

1. Supervises a regional office or a specific program of the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Development department; assigns and reviews the work of permit technicians, inspectors, plan checkers, and office support staff.
2. Evaluates staff work performance in completing assigned tasks. Develops measurable goals and objectives to assist staff in improving job performance.
3. Coordinates work with inspection specialists and engineers; advises and instructs inspectors in code interpretations; reviews unusual or difficult inspection problems.
4. Supervises studies and reviews building and grading plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations, method, and schedule of inspections; plan checks and makes field inspections.
5. Mediates and resolves conflicts concerning code interpretation with builders; investigates complaints; recommends policy and procedural changes.
6. Prepares reports; supervises the collection of fees; maintains permit records.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Four years of public agency building engineering and/or grading inspection experience, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
2. Three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector II or Grading Inspector, Senior, with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
3. One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector III or Specialist with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
4. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and certification.

Additional QualificationsInternational Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) certification in commercial building inspection; commercial electrical, commercial plumbing, or commercial mechanical inspection; and one additional area must be obtained within two years of appointment as a condition of continued employment.

As a condition of employment, California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28(a) requires that a Building Inspector must obtain certification in the appropriate fields that are closely related to their primary job function by a recognized state, national or international organization within two years of employment.

Not maintaining the required certifications may result in reclassification to a lower position.

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of: general building methods and materials; the California Building Codes; state and local laws relating to building construction and grading; proper inspection methods; the legal procedures involved in enforcing building codes and ordinances; and principles and methods of supervision.

Ability to: read and interpret building and grading plans and specifications and enforce their application; prepare clear written reports; train, direct, and supervise the work of paraprofessional and office support staff; work cooperatively with other county departments and public agencies; deal effectively with the public and secure the cooperation of persons in the construction industry; and represent the department in a knowledgeable, professional manner.

Additional Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.

Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored.

Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list.

An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI.

Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months.

At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting.

We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, please click here to learn more.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service.

Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance.

The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates.

The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 02/26/2026 at 4:59pm PST Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Erin Kuhn, Employment Analyst: erkuhn@countyofsb.org