The City of Benicia is seeking a highly skilled and energetic Building Inspector Supervisor to support the leadership and daily operations of the Building Safety Division. Under the direct supervision of the Building Official, or under the general direction of the Development Services Director, this position serves as a working supervisor responsible for overseeing building inspection, plan review, and code enforcement activities. This includes the direct supervision of building inspectors and the code enforcement officer.
The Building Inspector Supervisor performs complex inspections, ensures the consistent application of state and local codes, provides training and technical guidance to staff, and assists in the development and implementation of division policies and procedures. In the absence of the Building Official, this position acts as the Building Official and may provide overall division oversight. The role requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and effective leadership in a dynamic regulatory environment.
Benicia offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, community-focused organization that values professionalism, innovation, and public service. The City is committed to investing in its employees through professional development, leadership growth, and long-term career advancement, including pathways toward Building Official responsibilities. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment, a high quality of life in a historic waterfront community, and the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on public safety and the built environment. Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance make Benicia an exceptional place to build your career.
Under direct supervision of the Building Official or general direction from the Development Services Director, assists in the planning, direction, coordination, and supervision of the activities and staff of the Building Safety Division. Coordinates, oversees, and participates in plan check operations and specifications for permit issuance. Conducts building inspections and enforces building codes, laws, and ordinances. Provides training programs for division staff. Represents the Building Official in their absence and performs related functions as required.
This is the first-line supervisory class within the Building Inspector series. This position is a working supervisor performing inspections and supervisory duties and is differentiated by the performance of lead responsibilities and by the level of technical and professional expertise required. This position exercises direct supervisory responsibilities include evaluating the work of assigned staff; participating in the selection of staff; working with employees to correct deficiencies; and implementing discipline when necessary.
The employee is required to be trained in all procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility. Assignments are varied and may require the exercise of judgment and independence in the interpretation of codes and regulations, where authorized by the Building Official. May provide Building Safety Division oversight in the absence of the Building Official.The representative duties listed include essential and marginal functions that vary by position. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon an assessment of the essential functions of the particular position.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Supervise assigned personnel.
- Train staff in adherence to city polices, procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Plan, prioritize, assign, schedule, supervise, and review work of assigned personnel including the planning and organization of daily work and inspection schedules.
- Understand, interpret, clearly explain and enforce provisions of applicable codes, construction methods and ordinance requirements to contractors, developers, and the general public.
- Perform complex building inspection work.
- As directed by the Building Official and where supported by professional certifications and expertise, review building construction plans to ensure compliance with the applicable codes and regulations, ensure that permits are issued accordingly.
- Provide ongoing training to staff as directed; ensure uniform application of the appropriate codes, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Consult with the Building Official in planning workload, reviewing productivity, and determining division needs.
- Monitor and evaluate work in progress; evaluate work methods; recommend and implement work policies, procedures, and improvements.
- Provide responsible professional and technical assistance in the development, administration, and implementation of the Building Safety Division programs.
- Respond to technical questions from assigned staff in the field; as necessary, meet with developers, contractors, and other individuals to resolve issues and concerns.
- Assist with interpretation of codes and regulations, where authorized by the Building Official, and resolve questions and problems in the application of such regulations.
- Assist with and make recommendations to support the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities of the division.
- Establish, improve, and coordinate the plan review and building inspection procedures of the City; provide standardization in the enforcement of codes.
- Coordinate division activities with other city personnel, divisions, departments, and outside agencies to ensure code compliance for typical inspections and investigations.
- Assist in preparing, monitoring, and administering the division budget.
- Assist in the development and preparation of code amendments and implementation.
- Answer or respond to public inquiries regarding division policies, procedures and operations as necessary.
- Appear before public agencies, business and civic groups, and other organizations in the presentation and discussion of building and safety-related problems, proposals, projects, and policies.
- Prepare reports and memos regarding division operations and activities as requested.
- May respond to emergency situations in off-hours as necessary.
- Intermittent weekend and/or evening work other than normal business hours may be required.
- Serve as Building Official as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices in leading and training staff.
- Methods, materials, and progressive steps used in the construction of buildings and related structures.
- Pertinent codes, ordinances, and regulations enforced by the City including the California Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes, Benicia Municipal Code, and related city, state and federal regulations.
- Advanced principles and techniques in building inspection, including those used to examine the quality of work and materials and to detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
- Operational characteristics and use of standard equipment and technology used in building inspection and the building trades.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
- Permit processing procedures.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
- Principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting.
And
Ability To
- Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel; ensure safe working conditions.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Operate equipment necessary to perform division work functions, including computers, tablets and related devices, permit software, word processing and spreadsheet software, and related technology.
- Understand, explain, and enforce provisions of applicable codes and regulations, construction methods and ordinance requirements.
- Follow industry standard inspection techniques and communicate inspection requirements, policies, and decisions to the public; and to provide such training to assigned personnel.
- Prepare and maintain records, memoranda, and reports in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
- Build and maintain positive, professional working relationships with peers, co-workers and the public and exercise sound judgment in such communications and interactions.
Experience And Education
Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Experience
Five (5) years of building inspection experience or closely related activities, including three (3) years of building inspection experience with a public agency or equivalent at the level equivalent to the City of Benicia Building Inspector II classification.
Education
Associate’s degree in fields related to Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology or advanced level construction experience.
License Or Certificate
- Must possess a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
- International Code Council (ICC) Combination Residential Building Inspector and Combination Commercial Inspector certificates.
- ICC Building Official Certification is required within one year of hire, or within the certification timeframe established by State law.
- Possession of a Safety Assessment Program (SAP) registration ID card issued by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), or must obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or must obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Certification from the CA Division of the State Architect as a Certified Accessibility Specialist is desirable or as directed by State law.
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) issued by Certification Board of Regents for Association of State Floodplain Managers is desirable.
- Required licenses and certifications shall be maintained as a condition of employment.
Working Conditions
- Field inspection work is performed outdoors with exposure to various weather conditions. Tasks performed in an office setting will include utilizing a computer and standard office equipment.
- Performance of field inspection duties include exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to walk and stand for extended periods of time; walk on uneven and slippery surfaces; lift and carry, and push/pull up to fifty (50) pounds; climb ladders and ascend and descend stairs; bend, kneel, twist, stoop, crouch, crawl, and squat; work both inside and outside with exposure to weather, noise, odors, dust, and pollen; the ability to see and read construction plans, documents and computer screens and the ability to drive a City vehicle; ability to hear and distinguish various sounds at a construction site, including alarms and sounds of operating equipment in both quiet and noisy environments; ability to speak and be understood at a noise construction site or when talking on the telephone; and hand and finger dexterity to use small tools and a computer.
