Director of Building & Safety

City of Fontana•Fontana, CA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction from the Deputy City Manager (DCM), directs, manages and coordinates the activities of the Building & Safety, Fire Prevention, and Code Enforcement Divisions. Oversees and renders interpretations of a comprehensive set of municipal and state building, fire, zoning, and land use codes in order to protect its citizens and their property from conditions which are injurious to the health, safety or welfare of the general public and may be detrimental to property values and community appearance. Coordinates plan check, inspection activities, neighborhood improvement, and preservation programs with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies. Responds, when appropriate to inquiries, concerns, and complaints by the public. Attends meetings and makes presentations, prepares reports, memoranda, letters, and other forms of correspondence. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the DCM. Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional, technical, and clerical staff. The Director of Building & Safety collaborates with developers, contractors, design professionals, residents, and City departments to address permitting, plan review, inspections, and code compliance. Time is also dedicated to resolving complex issues, overseeing departmental performance and managing budgets.

Requirements

Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
Knowledge of California Code of Regulations Title 24, Title 25, and the base model codes, as well as referenced standards and Fontana’s Municipal Code.
Knowledge of principles of structural design, engineering mathematics, and building inspection.
Knowledge of modern methods of building construction.
Knowledge of research methods and sources of information related to building and fire codes as well as nuisance abatement.
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Familiarity with building and safety standards, practices, and regulatory requirements.
Relevant tools, software, and/or technology used within the role.
Understanding of organizational policies, procedures, and best practices.
Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
Safe work practices, OSHA regulations, and workplace health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Ability to administer a variety of plan check, building/fire inspections, and code enforcement activities.
Ability to analyze problems; identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of City goals.
Ability to interpret Department’s policies and procedures to the general public.
Ability to identify and respond to public and City Council issues and concerns.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and check complex plan specifications, calculations, laws, and regulations.
Ability to assist in preparing ordinances and code amendments.
Ability to interpret building, fire and code enforcement policies and procedures to the public.
Ability to interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as well as the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Title 25, and Fontana’s municipal code.
Ability to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Ability to prepare and administer a department budget.
Ability to supervise, motivate, and train team members effectively.
Ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner.
Ability to manage and resolve conflicts or disagreements constructively.
Ability to use a personal computer, telephone, and other electronic devices, to access information, complete documentation, and communicate effectively.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions accurately.
Ability to identify issues, evaluate data, and implement effective solutions (problem solving).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment.
High School Diploma, or GED.
Equivalent and relevant coursework, certifications, or vocational training in building technology, building construction, and/or related architectural disciplines, AND ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in plan check and inspection of public, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, which includes seven (7) years of administrative and supervisory experience.
OR Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Engineering, Architecture, Public Administration, or a closely related field, AND a minimum of eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in plan check and inspection of public, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience, in addition to the training/certificates listed below.
Possession of, and continuously throughout employment, a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.
Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building Plans Examiner and Building Inspector.
Possession of an ICC certification as a Certified Building Official (CBO) and Certified Fire Marshal (CFM), or possession of either the CBO or CFM ICC Certification at employment inception with the ability to obtain the other ICC certification within one (1) year.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a local municipality is preferred.
Registration as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) with the Division of State Architect is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop, plan, and implement Department, goals, and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Manage, direct, and organize plan check, building/fire inspection, and code enforcement activities, including with other departments, contractors, developers, and residents.
Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the plan check, building/fire inspection, and code enforcement work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Department’s work plans; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Direct, oversee, and participate in the development and administration of Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year and quarterly adjustments.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
Direct the evaluation, selection, and administration of outside consulting contracts for Department’s related services; evaluate and prepare recommendations regarding the retention of consultants.
Coordinate Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide complex technical and administrative support to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Council; prepare and present staff reports, surveys, and other necessary correspondence.
Make public presentations before City Council, Planning Commission, and other governmental and private groups, and organizations; attend all City Council meetings as Department’s staff representative.
Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees; meet with and advise individual property owners and community associations on Department matters as needed.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Prepare ordinances and ordinance amendments related to building, fire, and code enforcement activities.
Render interpretations of building and fire codes.
Serve as a technical advisor to the City Management staff and City Council on department related matters.
Functions as a strategic thinker and advisor to the senior management team.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to and before public and private groups and organizations.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences.
Maintains prompt and regular attendance.
Sound judgement and attention to detail.
Perform any other tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer or as the situation requires.