Senior Building Inspector

The current vacancy is for Senior Building Inspector in the Building Division of the Planning and Community Development Department.

The Building Division within the Planning and Community Development Department assists with the City’s development projects in the plan review and construction phases, such as multi‑story residential and commercial buildings over commercial projects, some with sub‑grade parking; a planned hotel and conference center; and a new arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors basketball team.

For additional approved professional certifications obtained over the base required certifications, there is an additional 2% to 10% incentive pay.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Senior Building Inspector vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment # 26-052

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 03/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
• Application – online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
• Response to supplemental questions – will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 03/30 and 04/06/26:
  Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 04/17/26.
• Week of 04/20 and 04/27/26:
  Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Under direction, this position performs a variety of the journey level inspection services and assists in planning and directing division inspection activities; coordinates building inspection services activities with other city departments; and performs combination field inspections of residential, commercial and industrial projects for compliance with applicable construction codes.

This position is distinguished from the next lower‑level position of building inspector in that the latter performs field inspections on structures during various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and municipal codes. This position is distinguished from the next higher‑level classification of Supervising Building Inspector in that the latter performs a variety of the most complex inspection services and assists the building official in planning and directing division activities, performs inspections for the full range of construction development projects and performs complex plan reviews for compliance with applicable construction codes.

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Inspects all types of buildings and structures, including complex construction and development projects, using the applicable building standards codes and other related construction codes adopted by the City of Santa Cruz.
• Provides technical information to the public on codes and inspection requirements and on difficult or unusual code requirements for major structures; answers inquiries from the public relating to regulations for building and housing construction, remodeling and repair, including structural, non‑structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other code related questions.
• Assists architects, engineers, contractors and property owners in interpreting and meeting code requirements at…