Job Details

Chief Building Inspector/Plans Examiner

The City of Carpinteria is accepting applications for Chief Building Inspector/Plans Examiner. Deadline to apply: Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Salary range: $84,919 - $116,764/annually plus a generous benefits package. If you are looking to make a direct impact in a small, collaborative city organization and help guide safe, well-planned development, we encourage you to apply. You'll be part of a team that values thoughtful review, sound judgment, and working collaboratively with an engaged community. In this role, you will oversee building inspections, plans review, and permit services while serving as a key resource for building code interpretation and compliance. We're looking for someone who enjoys both technical plan review and field work and brings a practical, solution-oriented approach, along with a strong commitment to customer service.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Building Division, including building inspection, plans examination, permit processing
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of building inspection, plans examination, and permit processing services and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding building code and City construction regulations; reviews complex code applications for requested code modifications and alternate materials and methods; represents the division, department, and City in building code disputes and litigations.
• Performs preliminary review of projects submitted; performs site inspections of construction projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local construction codes; works closely with other departments in addressing City construction projects and code interpretations.
• Coordinates with City department representatives to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements; oversees technical consultants' work products to ensure adherence to City standards and legal provisions; ensures that deliverables are submitted on time and budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with City policy and contract provisions.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in building and safety; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to divisional and City needs.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Assists with developing and managing the program's budget.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, and responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Enforces laws, codes and ordinances dealing with the construction of new buildings and the alterations and safety of existing buildings, grading and excavation.
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits; approve building permits; plan, direct and participate in field inspections of building construction, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings to ensure compliance and conformance with applicable codes.
• Reviews and check plans and specifications for construction, remodeling and alterations to ensure compliance with pertinent codes and accepted construction practices; issue acceptance and approval of such plans and specifications.
• Consults with engineers, architects, contractors, and property owners regarding applications, requirements, restrictions, permits, building plans, and inspections.
• Advises County and City officials, professionals and the public of building codes, building code interpretations, city ordinances, development review processes, and other related requirements.
• Investigates violations and complaints; conduct site visits regarding violations, ensures accurate documentation and determine solutions and alternative methods to achieve code compliance.
• Keeps current on new codes, ordinances, laws and amendments, and new construction methods and materials and they relate to building code provisions.
• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; conduct inspections.
• Reviews plans for seismic safety precautions and code compliance.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.

Education and/or Experience: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course works in civil engineering, architecture or related field is highly desirable. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in structural engineering, building inspection, code enforcement, plan checking, building permit counter and record maintenance.

License/Certificate: All required licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of employment. Possession of at least one of the following certificates at time of appointment:

• International Code Council (ICC) Combination Building Inspector
• (ICC) Plans Examiner
• Building Official certificate

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities: Knowledge of project and program management methodologies and organizational management. Specialized training in building inspection, code enforcement, plan checking, building permit counter, record maintenance and clerical operations. Skill/Ability to direct and administer Building Division programs; analyze and interpret complex building plans and specifications and construction blueprints. Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations. Inspect and analyze standard building construction, interpret and apply laws and regulations and apply technical knowledge to identify code violations and detect deviations from plans and standard construction practices. Respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner. Prepare accurate and precise technical reports and records. Interpret and explain City policies and procedures; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including co-workers, property owners, builders, contractors, civic and professional groups and the general public. Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. Operate computer systems and permit, record keeping, word processing and accounting programs. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact. Speak Spanish is not required but desired.

Selection Process and Additional Information: To be considered for first review of applications: Apply by May 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. Applications must be submitted online. Complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application. Please be sure to review the complete job description. Certificates, resumes, and/or cover letters must be uploaded with your application through this applicant tracking system. Statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment. All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. Those candidates whose skills and abilities best meet the needs of the department will be invited to move to the next step in the recruitment process.