The City of Calistoga is in search of a building professional who exemplifies a collaborative and team-oriented leadership style. The ideal candidate shall possess advanced knowledge of building code applications, demonstrate proficiency with permitting technology, and exhibit a proven history of successfully implementing efficient processes and effective customer service within a municipal context.
This position necessitates the ability to manage a diverse array of residential and commercial projects in a cooperative manner. Exceptional communication, technological, and managerial skills are imperative. The Building Official will serve as a significant contributor to the leadership of the department. Emphasizing a strong customer service orientation, this hands-on official will prioritize the needs and interests of the community while leading the Division in providing outstanding services. Considerations of equity and access will be paramount in all aspects of the work.
The candidate will be well-versed in the development challenges and legal frameworks that confront California communities, with a focus on expanding affordable housing opportunities in an equitable and safe manner. The ideal candidate will possess a successful track record of supervising and leading engaged teams, as well as training staff with diverse levels of experience.
This candidate will acknowledge the importance of forging and maintaining strong relationships both within the City organization and within the broader community to fulfill the City’s objectives. The future Building Official will be a collaborative partner who can engage effectively with colleagues across various City divisions and departments, as well as with residents and builders, thereby providing the necessary flexibility to realize creative visions while ensuring adherence to applicable codes and ordinances.
The Building Official is a division manager within the Planning and Building Department and exercises full responsibility for planning, organizing and directing the work activities of the Building Division. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Director of Planning and Building in that the latter is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Planning and Building Department.
The Planning & Building Department
The Building Division is committed to providing exceptional customer service while upholding high standards of quality. Under the general supervision of the City's Director of Planning and Building, the Building Official collaborates with a team of five professionals within the Planning and Building Department. The Building Division reviews building permit applications for compliance with state and local codes, including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency standards, with assistance from a Permit Technician, and provides inspection services for construction activities. As the sole code enforcement official, the Building Official ensures adherence to the City’s Municipal Code by investigating property violation complaints, conducting inspections, issuing citations, educating property owners, preparing reports, and possibly appearing in court for enforcement actions. Additionally, the Building Official compiles permit data, maintains enforcement files, patrols for violations, and coordinates with external agencies to ensure effective enforcement of building regulations.
Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience that equips an individual with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is deemed qualifying. Typically, one may achieve the required qualifications by holding a high school diploma or a general equivalency degree, complemented by college-level coursework in disciplines such as building inspection, architecture, construction technology, civil engineering, or a related field. Furthermore, a candidate must possess four (4) years of responsible experience that is equivalent to that of a Combination Building Inspector. While a Bachelor’s degree is preferred, it is not mandatory.
Licenses and Certifications
• Possession of a valid California class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.
• Possession of ICC or ICBO Combination Building Inspector or Building Official certification; or
• Commercial or residential certificates for the following:
• ICC Building Inspector; and
• ICC Electrical Inspector; and
• ICC or IAPMO Mechanical Inspector; and
• ICC or IAPMO Plumbing Inspector; and
• ICC Building Official certification within a year of hire.
• Certified Access Specialist (CASp) (desirable)
Benefits
- Retirement - CalPERS Defined Benefit Pension: Classic Members: 2% @ 60 formula, PEPRA Members: 2% @ 62 formula, The City participates in Social Security, and the employee portion is 6.2%.
- Deferred Compensation: 457 plan is offered.
- Medical Insurance: Provided through the Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act (“PEMHCA” or
- “PERS Health”) insurance program. The City pays 90% of the monthly premium for medical insurance. If an
- employee “opts out” of medical insurance because of other coverage, the employee may receive an additional $400 per month.
- Dental and Vision Insurance: The City pays 90% of the monthly premium for dental and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents.
- Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the monthly premium, with the life insurance policy valued at 1x the employee’s annual salary.
- Vacation Leave: Accrues at the rate of between two to four weeks annually, depending on the number of years in service. Based on the City Manager’s discretion, an employee may “cash out” up to 80 hours of vacation each calendar year.
- Sick Leave: Accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month.
- Administrative Leave: 80 hours granted annually (prorata the first calendar year).
- Holidays: 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays per calendar year.
- Disability Insurance: The City pays 100% of the monthly premium, with the policy benefit of 66 2/3% of the employee’s first $1,500 of salary.
- Bilingual Pay: Qualified employees may receive up to 5%.
- Other Benefits: $100 per month Technology Allowance for use of the employee’s personal internet, laptop, and cellphone services.
