Job Details
Building Inspector Supervisor - Grading Unit
2026-04-06 County of Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara,CA
Description:
Education and Experience
International Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) certification in commercial building inspection; commercial electrical, commercial plumbing, or commercial mechanical inspection; and one additional area must be obtained within two years of appointment as a condition of continued employment.
As a condition of employment, California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28(a) requires that a Building Inspector must obtain certification in the appropriate fields that are closely related to their primary job function by a recognized state, national or international organization within two years of employment. Not maintaining the required certifications may result in reclassification to a lower position.
For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of: general building methods and materials; the California Building Codes; state and local laws relating to building construction and grading; proper inspection methods; the legal procedures involved in enforcing building codes and ordinances; and principles and methods of supervision.
Ability to: read and interpret building and grading plans and specifications and enforce their application; prepare clear written reports; train, direct, and supervise the work of paraprofessional and office support staff; work cooperatively with other county departments and public agencies; deal effectively with the public and secure the cooperation of persons in the construction industry; and represent the department in a knowledgeable, professional manner.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, please to learn more.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Erin Kuhn, Employment Analyst: ...@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge, if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards, there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
02
As part of the application process, this Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
03
The Human Resources Department will correspond with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
04
To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard do you meet and clearly state on your application?
05
If you selected answer option #4, "a combination of training, education and experience.." in the preceding question, please describe in detail how your training, education, and experience is equivalent to one of the standards listed above it. If you did not select this answer option, please type "N/A."
06
This position requires experience with complex construction projects. Please describe in detail your experience with complex construction projects, including the types of projects, your role and responsibilities, the employers/organizations where the experience was gained, and the duration of this experience. Please note, this information should also be documented in the Work History section of your employment application.
07
This position requires lead work or supervisory experience. Please describe in detail your experience leading or supervising staff, including your role and level of authority, the number of employees supervised, the employers/organizations where this experience was gained, and the duration of this experience. Please note, this information should also be documented in the Work History section of your employment application.
08
The following questions are an examination that will determine your ranking on the employment list. Please read the following questions carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be scored and used as a weighted selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:
09
Do you currently possess certification from the International Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) in commercial building inspection, commercial electrical, commercial plumbing, or commercial mechanical inspection?
10
How many years of experience do you have in building and/or grading inspection?
11
How many years of experience do you have interpreting and applying California Building Codes and reviewing construction drawings and specifications?
12
Please indicate your highest level of experience directing, supervising, or managing technical or support staff in an inspection, permitting, or construction environment:
13
How many years of experience do you have overseeing permit operations, customer service delivery, or operational process improvements in a building or grading environment?
Required Question
Salary: $115,209.12 - $138,840.00 Annually
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-1211-01 (O)
Department: Planning & Development
OpeningDate: 02/05/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will remain open until filled.
SALARY
$115,209.12 - $138,840.00 Annually
We are currently accepting applications to fill one full-time Building Inspector Supervisor - Grading Unit vacancy in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. The current vacancy is in the Planning and Development Department.
Please note: This position will require travel between both the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria offices.
THE POSITION: Under general direction, directs and coordinates building inspection activities in an assigned community or in a specific inspection program; trains and supervises inspection and office support staff in the enforcement of state and local building codes and regulations; and performs related work as required. The current vacancy directs and coordinates the County's grading inspection team, providing oversight of Grading Inspectors responsible for grading plan review and inspections conducted throughout Santa Barbara County.
The Ideal Candidate will possess:
- Seven or more years of building/grading inspection, plan review/grading plan check, permit review and issuance, and/or building construction experience;
- Knowledge of construction of residential and commercial buildings and structures;
- Extensive knowledge of California Building Codes in relation to construction of residential and light commercial buildings;
- Knowledge of permit intake, review, and issuance procedures;
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and related documents and specifications;
- Ability to learn and apply software solutions in accepting permit applications, assessing fees, assigning works, conducting research, issuing permits and other related tasks;
- Ability to direct, supervise, mentor and manage technical and support staff;
- Ability to deliver customer focused, reliable and consistent services to the public in person and remotely;
- Ability to evaluate processes and develop and suggest improvements that facilitate delivery of services;
- Strong communication skills including written and oral;
- Strong computer skills in the use of spreadsheets, word processing, workload management and tracking on both desktop and mobile platforms.
- Supervises a regional office or a specific program of the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Development department; assigns and reviews the work of permit technicians, inspectors, plan checkers, and office support staff.
- Evaluates staff work performance in completing assigned tasks. Develops measurable goals and objectives to assist staff in improving job performance.
- Coordinates work with inspection specialists and engineers; advises and instructs inspectors in code interpretations; reviews unusual or difficult inspection problems.
- Supervises studies and reviews building and grading plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations, method, and schedule of inspections; plan checks and makes field inspections.
- Mediates and resolves conflicts concerning code interpretation with builders; investigates complaints; recommends policy and procedural changes.
- Prepares reports; supervises the collection of fees; maintains permit records.
Education and Experience
- Four years of public agency building engineering and/or grading inspection experience, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
- Three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector II or Grading Inspector, Senior, with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
- One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector III or Specialist with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience; OR,
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and certification.
International Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) certification in commercial building inspection; commercial electrical, commercial plumbing, or commercial mechanical inspection; and one additional area must be obtained within two years of appointment as a condition of continued employment.
As a condition of employment, California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28(a) requires that a Building Inspector must obtain certification in the appropriate fields that are closely related to their primary job function by a recognized state, national or international organization within two years of employment. Not maintaining the required certifications may result in reclassification to a lower position.
For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of: general building methods and materials; the California Building Codes; state and local laws relating to building construction and grading; proper inspection methods; the legal procedures involved in enforcing building codes and ordinances; and principles and methods of supervision.
Ability to: read and interpret building and grading plans and specifications and enforce their application; prepare clear written reports; train, direct, and supervise the work of paraprofessional and office support staff; work cooperatively with other county departments and public agencies; deal effectively with the public and secure the cooperation of persons in the construction industry; and represent the department in a knowledgeable, professional manner.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
- Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, please to learn more.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Erin Kuhn, Employment Analyst: ...@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans
- Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
- Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
- Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
- County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
- To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge, if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards, there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
- I understand
02
As part of the application process, this Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
- I understand
03
The Human Resources Department will correspond with applicants by email during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
- I understand
04
To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard do you meet and clearly state on your application?
- Four years of public agency building engineering and/or grading inspection experience, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience.
- Three years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector II or Grading Inspector, Senior, with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience.
- One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Building Inspector III or Specialist with Santa Barbara County, including experience with complex construction projects and lead work or supervisory experience.
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and certification.
- None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
05
If you selected answer option #4, "a combination of training, education and experience.." in the preceding question, please describe in detail how your training, education, and experience is equivalent to one of the standards listed above it. If you did not select this answer option, please type "N/A."
06
This position requires experience with complex construction projects. Please describe in detail your experience with complex construction projects, including the types of projects, your role and responsibilities, the employers/organizations where the experience was gained, and the duration of this experience. Please note, this information should also be documented in the Work History section of your employment application.
07
This position requires lead work or supervisory experience. Please describe in detail your experience leading or supervising staff, including your role and level of authority, the number of employees supervised, the employers/organizations where this experience was gained, and the duration of this experience. Please note, this information should also be documented in the Work History section of your employment application.
08
The following questions are an examination that will determine your ranking on the employment list. Please read the following questions carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be scored and used as a weighted selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:
- I understand
09
Do you currently possess certification from the International Code Council (ICC) or Division of the State Architect (DSA) in commercial building inspection, commercial electrical, commercial plumbing, or commercial mechanical inspection?
- Yes
- No
10
How many years of experience do you have in building and/or grading inspection?
- Seven or more years
- Five years up to seven years
- Three years up to five years
- One year up to three years
- Less than one year
- No experience
11
How many years of experience do you have interpreting and applying California Building Codes and reviewing construction drawings and specifications?
- Seven or more years
- Five years up to seven years
- Three years up to five years
- One year up to three years
- Less than one year
- No experience
12
Please indicate your highest level of experience directing, supervising, or managing technical or support staff in an inspection, permitting, or construction environment:
- Directed a program, unit, or regional office with full supervisory responsibility
- Supervised staff and administered corrective or disciplinary actions
- Supervised staff and completed performance evaluations
- Served as a lead assigning or reviewing work
- No lead or supervisory experience
13
How many years of experience do you have overseeing permit operations, customer service delivery, or operational process improvements in a building or grading environment?
- Seven or more years
- Five years up to seven years
- Three years up to five years
- One year up to three years
- Less than one year
- No experience
Required Question