Building Inspector Supervisor Cert I/II - PBCE

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The City of San José 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 San José 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 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

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 applicants who are committed to understanding, executing, and improving the customer experience to best achieve 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, building, and code enforcement processes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community. Additionally, applicants who possess a strong knowledge of planning principles, building codes, and/or regulatory requirements will be highly valued, as they will play a key role in ensuring compliance and promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable development practices.

What We Do

This City’s Building Division provides oversight and assistance towards the City's growth and development in relation to construction activity on private property within the City . The goal is to ensure the safety of buildings and to support the health and wellbeing of all persons living and working in San Jose through the implementation of the State of California’s current building codes and laws .

The Building Division is divided into the following four sections:

• Permit Center: Plan intake and routing to plan review and Development Services Partners, over the counter permit processing, permit issuance, addressing, assistance desk/public information, ADU Ally, and Small Business Ally.
  
  

• Plan Review: Review of private development project plans and calculations for compliance with the California Building Codes and state laws, coordination with Development Services partners, expedited review, and coordinated review.
  
  

• Inspection: Inspects active private construction projects for compliance with the approved plans and adopted building codes and state laws.
  
  

• Support Services: Development Services call center, document imaging, records requests, and general support for the building division.
  

The Department’s Building Division ensures compliance with the all the above-mentioned obligations by annually reviewing, analyzing, conducting, researching, processing, issuing, inspecting, and providing:

• 40,000 building permits
  

• 8,000 plan reviews
  

• 100,000 inspections
  

• 35,000 customers assisted
  

• 65,000 calls answered
  
  

The Division is seeking applicants for the Building Inspector Supervisor classification with a specialized focus in the Plumbing/Mechanical trade.

Position Duties

Salary range(s) for this classification are:

• Building Inspector Supervisor Cert I : $ 155,653.68 - $ 189,636.72 Annually
  

• Building Inspector Supervisor Cert II: $ 159,999.84 - $ 194,878.32 Annually
  

This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The full-time Building Inspector Supervisor Certified I/II position is responsible for the supervision, training, and mentorship of a team of combination and specialty inspectors performing field inspections of all project types from single-family home remodels to new high-rise construction. Inspection Supervisors also provide valuable feedback to the development community and project design and construction teams by leading construction kick-off meetings, providing guidance during the inspection process, and creating outreach materials . The supervisor mentors, oversees, and coordinates the work of building inspectors to ensure that all construction projects comply with applicable building codes, regulations, and safety standards.

Why This Role is Trade-Specific

The Division is seeking applicants for the Building Inspector Supervisor I/II classification with a specialized focus in the Plumbing/Mechanical trade.

This full-time Building Inspector Supervisor Certified I/II opportunity requires specialized knowledge and experience in plumbing systems and building code compliance. The supervisor’s primary responsibility is ensuring that all plumbing/mechanical work inspected by the team meets the highest standards for safety, and code compliance. The role also involves mentoring staff specifically in plumbing/mechanical inspection techniques and staying current with advancements in the industries.

Q ualified candidates who are certified in other specialties are also encouraged to apply as this recruitment maybe used to fi ll future vacancies in other specialties .

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of plumbing and mechanical inspectors, assigning inspections based on technical complexity and staff expertise in both plumbing and mechanical systems.
  

• Provide advanced technical guidance on plumbing and mechanical codes, regulations, and best practices to staff, contractors, and the public.
  

• Review and interpret complex plumbing and mechanical plans, specifications, and calculations for code compliance, including HVAC, hydronic systems, and gas piping.
  

• Lead specialized training sessions for staff on updates to combined plumbing and mechanical codes, advanced inspection techniques, and emerging technologies in both trades.
  

• Serve as the primary technical resource for resolving disputes or appeals related to plumbing and mechanical code interpretations.
  

• Develop and implement inspection protocols and checklists tailored to integrated plumbing and mechanical systems, including water supply, drainage, venting, steam, refrigeration, and combustion air.
  

• Collaborate with other trade supervisors (electrical, building, fire protection) to ensure fully coordinated inspections on multidisciplinary construction and renovation projects.
  

• Prepare detailed reports and professional recommendations regarding enforcement of plumbing and mechanical codes and evaluation of staff performance.
  

• S upervises and coordinates field construction inspection resources for new or remodeled industrial, commercial and residential facilities to ensure they comply with governmental codes and ordinances. Oversees the coordination of inspections, and review of plans and specifications for building projects. Typically supervises, trains and mentors Building Inspectors and/or administrative staff. Performs related work as required . Is typically responsible for day-to-day supervision of Building Inspectors and inspection operations.
  

• Provides lead direction or supervises employees to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; and, making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations and any other recommendations related to the change in status of employees. May also perform work of a similar nature to those employees he/she supervises.
  

• Provides ongoing reports to management which includes preparing written reports and giving oral presentations of code enforcement inspections and program performance analyses.
  

• Oversees and coordinates resources and daily operations of a number of inspection projects in one or more technical building trades disciplines which includes: establishing and monitoring work plans; ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards; assisting in the evaluation of new and existing programs; and, allocating inspection resources as needed.
  

• Undertakes the customer service and public relations function which includes: providing technical support and departmental information to staff, the public, other City departments, and outside agencies; participating in the development of outreach materials; investigating complaints; representing the City and department in external forums; and, giving presentations to a variety of groups .
  

• Participates in researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating new division processes and procedures; prepares building inspection plans; negotiates and monitors building contractors’ activities within prescribed guidelines .
  

• Develop, direct, and/or implement technical training programs to ensure consistency among the inspection staff
  

• Performs inspections on unique or difficult projects which includes identifying and scheduling industrial, commercial, and residential facilities for inspections.
  

• Resolve disputes and politically sensitive issues regarding compliance with codes, regulations, ordinances, and standards.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education for Building Inspector Certified I/II : Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED).

Experience for Building Inspector Certified I/II : Six (6) years of experience in construction as a journey level carpenter, plumber, air conditioning mechanic, electrician, or related contractor, or performing inspections for a public agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California Driver’s License.
  
  

• Building Inspector Supervisor Certified I : Possess and maintain valid Inspector Certification issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the inspection trade discipline(s) being supervised. .
  
  

• Building Inspector Supervisor Certified II : Possess and maintain valid commercial certifications issued by an agency acceptable to the City in the emplo yee’s specialty trade and in three (3) additional commercial specialty trades OR in two (2) additional commercial specialty trades and one other certification such as Plan Review or CASp .
  

Note: for this current opportunity, candidate must possess certification in Plumbing/Mechanical specialty.

Form 700 requirement : T his position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.

Other Qualifications

Competencies

Job Expertise : Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Demonstrates knowledge of and skill in:

• Inspection practices and procedures;
  

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
  

• Basic electrical principles;
  

• Basic building, plumbing and mechanical principles;
  

• Current computer technology and trends;
  

• Basic construction practices;
  

• Safety principles.
  

• Negotiating with building contractors;
  

• Conducting tests and measurements to ensure compliance with building codes;
  

• Researching information;
  

• Using simple drafting instruments;
  

• Performing routine mathematics;
  

• Using electrical and mechanical measuring tools;
  

• Performing inspections;
  

• Reading and interpreting technical documents, plans, ordinances and blueprints.
  

Communication Skills : Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts

• Communicates and listens effectively and responds in an timely, effective, positive and respectful manner
  

• W ritten reports and correspondence are accurate , complete, well- organized, legible, concise, and in proper grammatical form
  

• R esponds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion
  

• A sks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility.
  

Conflict Management : Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people, by presenting the facts, analysis, and conclusions or solutions that show command of content and perspectives and interests of the audience.

Customer Service : D emonstrates the ability t o anticipa t e customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Approaches problem-solving by focusing on customers first; advocates for customer results point of view solutions; demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely , accurate , respectful and friendly manner .

Problem Solving : Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Reliability : Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate .

Supervision : Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices ; establish es realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others i n an appropriate mann er to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.

Establishes high standards of performance and sets an example for others to follow; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness; uses appropriate methods and a flexible interpersonal style to help others develop their capabilities.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills : Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills

Demonstrates a positive attitude and flexibility along with the ability to develop effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process:

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.? Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews .

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Edmund Wong at Edmund.wong@sanjoseca.gov.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. 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.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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