Building Division Manager
What We Offer
When you join Permit Sonoma you become part of a challenging and rewarding work environment where you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are working to better your community. You can also look forward to a competitive total compensation package, including*:
- Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Effective May 31, 2022, this position receives a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.74% which will result in an increased starting salary up to $72.54/hour
- An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $1,700 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
- May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
Lead Permit Sonoma's Building Division
As Permit Sonoma's Building Division Manager, you will plan, assign, and direct division operations, including supervising the professional, technical, and clerical staff who are working together and engaged in successfully accomplishing the division's goals. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Engineering & Construction, you will oversee the operations and staff of the Building Plan Review and Building Inspection sections; handle difficult problems and code interpretation; and with your ICC certification as a Building Official, act as the Deputy Chief Building Official for the County. Additionally, you will:
- Direct program operations, including the development and implementation of goals, objectives, priorities, and policies/process improvements
- Participate in setting long-range programs/services plans and objectives in consultation with the Director of Permit Sonoma
- Find solutions to projects that have stalled due to construction issues not anticipated during plan review, noncompliance with model building codes, etc.
- Coordinate with other professionals, outside agencies, and various County departments to organize efforts and program activities
- Directly, and through two subordinate supervisors, manage a staff of 20, including establishing performance standards and evaluating performance; interviewing, selecting, and training staff; advising supervisors on the appropriate handling of employee performance issues; and recommending changes and improvements
In order to effectively and professionally represent the County as our Building Official, our ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, and:
- Multiple years of building inspection experience which included successfully supervising a team of building inspection professionals and technical staff to accomplish plan review and inspection related objectives
- A strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a common-sense approach to resolving issues
- The ability to research and analyze administrative problems in order to reach practical conclusions, and institute effective changes
- Excellent time management skills, with the proficiency to continuously manage competing demands
- Effective analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to see the big picture and effectively collaborate with others to attain common goals
- An interest in exploring innovative technologies within the building/construction industry such as the application of virtual inspection, green building, energy conservation, alternate materials and construction methods, etc.
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills, including the capability to present to and engage with audiences of all levels
- A valid certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Building Official or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire
- While licensure by the State of California as a Professional Civil Engineer is preferred, it is not required
The County of Sonoma is the place to live, grow, and build your career legacy. When you join the County of Sonoma, you'll have the freedom to explore the beauty of our county - its picturesque coastline, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, award-winning wineries, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities. For additional information about the beauty of our community and the valuable services and support that the County provides our communities, please visit sonomacountyconnections.org and Permit Sonoma's website.
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Effective May 31, 2022, this position receives a COLA of 2.74% which will result in a salary range of $59.69 - $72.54/hour. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits directory.
Permit Sonoma is currently recruiting to fill a Building Division Manager position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Any combination of education and/or training which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, training received at an accredited college or university or course work which includes public administration, business administration, personnel management, electrical systems, construction materials and methods, or civil, structural or mechanical engineering.
Experience: Experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed, including considerable knowledge in one of the major disciplines, such as building construction or public works. Normally, 1) three years experience at the level of Supervising Building Inspector or 2) two years experience as a Building Official or Deputy Building Official or 3) equivalent experience would provide such opportunity.
Certification: Possession of a valid certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Building Official is required or must be obtained within six months of hire.
License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Probation Period: All Administrative Management employees serve a one-year probationary period.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of: public personnel administration, county government, and other governmental agencies which have a coordination relationship with county government, effective supervisory practices, training, and techniques; specific and general provisions of the model codes and related County, state and federal regulations relating to building permit issuance and construction inspection, plan checking, building construction materials, and specialized terminology utilized in the building industry.
Considerable knowledge of: the principles and practices relating to modern budget, program and systems management; English syntax and grammar; modern organizational dynamics and management theory which includes but is not necessarily limited to behavior and performance management, conflict resolution, leadership and communication; supervisory and management skills which include employment interviewing, counseling and instructing, and for organizing and directing group discussions; communication skills for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information.
Working knowledge of: the methods and techniques to organize, initiate, evaluate and coordinate the work of subordinates engaged in complex technical work and to maintain consistency with program objectives and standards; the use of electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department.
Ability to: determine work priorities and effectively coordinate and schedule the necessary personnel and other resources; deal tactfully, convincingly and work effectively with department personnel, government officials, representation of specific interest groups, and the general public; effectively assemble, organize and present in written and/or oral form, reports containing alternative solutions and recommendations regarding specific resources, plans and policies; present or direct, or supervise presentations in oral, written and graphic form; advise citizen groups and various boards and commissions orally and in writing concerning specific programs and projects; plan, organize, coordinate, supervise, train, and evaluate professional and technical employee activities; assist in developing and implementing effective training and performance evaluation programs; determine appropriate research methodology for project studies and insure that analysis is complete and accurate; supervise the preparation of, or perform, difficult, complex and specialized projects; speak effectively before groups and audiences; effectively synthesize data into the final format; prepare clear and concise written reports; analyze administrative problems and a variety of programs, systems and procedures adjust workload changes and work under stress to meet deadlines; train and coach employees to work safely and follow safe working practices; effectively and accurately interpret construction documents; make visual inspections, detect deviations from approved plans specifications and to secure compliance and enforce State and County codes and ordinances; visually detect substandard work and conditions; participate in code amendments.