Building Official (At-Will) (Open-Competitive)
New Today
Location : El Segundo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24/25-00152
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 07/02/2025
Description
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested candidates should apply immediately. The first review of applications will be on Monday, August 18, 2025.
This recruitment requires that a cover letter addressing your professional structural engineer, building inspector, or plans examiner experience and resume be uploaded with the application to be considered complete. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application materials will be invited to participate in an interview.
The City of El Segundo seeks a Building Official to join its Community Development team. This position requires a dynamic and motivated individual willing to contribute to the innovative changes happening in the El Segundo Community. The successful candidate will be responsible for the oversight, planning, and management of the Building Safety Division. The Building Official will liaise with other City departments and external agencies to coordinate activities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership and organizational skills and have strong knowledge and understanding of relevant regulations and codes. Candidates for this position should be effective communicators, both verbal and written, with strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, integrity, and self-management skills.
Building and Safety is a Division of the Community Development Department, also made up of the Planning Division, Housing Section, and Neighborhood Preservation Section. Building and Safety staff include a Building Official, three inspectors, three plan check engineers, a license permit specialist, and oversight of the Neighborhood Preservation staff and on-call contract staff. Division highlights include:
- 100% virtual plan check processing, and all historical and current permit records digitized
- Full integration of new online permitting software complete as of 2023
- Approximately 1,200 - 2,000 plan checks processed annually from 2021 to 2024
- Approximately 2,000 - 3,500 inspections completed annually from 2021 to 2024
Under general direction, plans, manages, supervises and coordinates the activity and operation of the Building and Safety Division, Code Enforcement Division.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Community Development Director. Provides direct supervision to administrative, technical and support staff.
Essential Job Functions
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Positions in this classification typically perform a full range of duties at a level of complexity represented by the following types of responsibilities:
- Plans, manages and coordinates the activity and operation of the Building and Safety and Code Compliance ; determines and develops policies and procedures for the Building Safety Division activities including checking plans, issuing permits and inspecting buildings for structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning and fire prevention in compliance with state and federal laws, local codes, ordinances and regulations; tracks construction activity, permits issued and plan checks completed; may personally perform a variety of difficult plan checking activities;
- Develops and improves processes to ensure the highest level of overall customer service experience through the City's development process; Directs staff to provide the best customer service possible within appropriate policies, procedures and specifications;
- Researches, analyzes and interprets code requirements, new materials and methods of construction; resolves field, design and office problems regarding the application or interpretation of codes and regulations;
- Prepares, implements and monitors the Division budget; tracks revenue and expenditures; administers Developer Deposit Trust Accounts and Impact Fees; oversees the work of consultants in related activities;
- Provides leadership, program development, management and coordination of programs and services; serves as liaison with the community, members of the building trades, professional groups and other external contacts and resources for the City;
- Coordinates Division activities with other programs, departments or staff to ensure program delivery according to appropriate policies, procedures and specifications;
- Resolves discrepancies or procedural problems and responds to program management and/or program delivery questions ensuring necessary follow-up occurs; controls program records for operational and budget accountability;
- Confers with and advises staff and program participants by providing advice, problem solving assistance, answers to questions and interpretation of program goals and policy;
- Directly and through subordinate supervisors, hires, directs work efforts and evaluates staff; provides for and/or conducts staff development; establishes work methods and standards; initiates corrective and/or disciplinary action and responds to grievances and complaints according to established personnel policies and procedures and in consultation with the Director and Human Resources;
- Regularly and predictably attends works; and Performs related duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Qualifications
A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience as a structural engineer, journey level Building Inspector or Certified Plans Examiner, including experience in building inspection, plan review and enforcement of building codes and two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree (minimum 120 units) in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, Architecture or a directly related field.
OR
Experience: Seven (7) years of professional experience as a structural engineer, journey level Building Inspector or Certified Plans Examiner, including experience in building inspection, plan review and enforcement of building codes and two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Education: Equivalent to an Associate's degree (minimum 60 units) in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, Architecture or a directly related field.
License/Certificates:
- Due to the performance of some field duties which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.
- Possession of International Code Council (ICC) or California Building Officials (CALBO) certification as a Building Inspector or Plans Examiner is required at the time of application. International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building Official is required within six (6) months of appointment.
- Possession of Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification by the State of California Division of State Architecture as an expert in disability access laws is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.
MANAGEMENT/ CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES (M&C)
Benefit Summary
PERS Retirement:
Miscellaneous employees - Tier I-2% @ 55. Tier II-2%@60 for individuals employed by the City on or after 12/30/12 who are already PERS members. Tier I and II members pay 7% of PERS member share and 1% shall be employee-paid cost-sharing of the City's contribution under Gov. Code section 20516(a). Single highest year is coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. PERS 2%@62 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. Members pay 50% of normal cost (6.75%).
Safety employees (Battalion Chiefs) - 3% @ 55 for current employees and individuals hired by the City who are already PERS members. Single highest year. Employees pay a total of 12% towards retirement. 7 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average final compensation. Members pay 50% of normal cost .
Social Security: The City matches employee's Social Security contribution, which is 6.2% of your salary and is made on a pre-tax basis. The 2025 Social Security income cap is $176,100.
Medical - Monthly medical contribution of $1,800 ($932 for medical and $818 for flex dollars). Flex dollars may be used toward a medical premium and/or deferred compensation plan. Employees are responsible for paying any out-of-pocket balance of the medical plan premium through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in Mission Square 457 plan.
Dental & Vision: MetLife Dental and VSP vision benefits are provided.
Flex Plan: Section 125 Plan, allows for payment of employee-paid insurance, medical treatment, and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program: Employees are eligible for the basic level of service.
Life Insurance: $50,000 term life policy provided by City; employee can purchase additional self and dependent coverage at group rates.
Long-Term Disability: In addition to basic LTD plan (66 2/3 % of first $9,750 after 60-day waiting period), City provides Executive LTD which pays 75% of first $12,000 of employee's salary less the amount of any other income, up to a total of $2,500. Applies to non job-related occurrences. 90 day waiting period.
Holidays: 12 fixed paid holidays plus one day of personal leave/floating holiday per year. Battalion Chiefs paid 156 hours.
Vacation Leave: Vacation Leave is earned at a rate of 4.15 hours per pay period. Total years of service in a CalPERS or comparable agency may be used for placement in a higher Vacation Leave accrual. One Personal Leave day per year is provided until such time the City recognizes an additional holiday.
Sick Leave: 8 hours per month.
Administrative Leave: Mid-Management and Confidential positions shall receive up to 56 hours per calendar year upon recommendation of the Department Director and approval of the City Manager.
Bereavement Leave: Three (3) working days (or 40 hours where travel is 500 miles or more) for qualifying incident.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,000/year for work-related college courses.
Cell Phone Stipend: City cell phone provided depending on position.
Other: Uniform Allowance ($40/mo) for Battalion Chiefs; Voluntary participation in Credit Union; Payroll Direct Deposit; Long-Term Care (premiums paid by employee).
1/14; 12/15; 8/19; 8/22; 24; 7/14/25
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Based upon the application materials and responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the best qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process.A COMPELLING COVER LETTER DETAILING YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, JOURNEY LEVEL BUILDING INSPECTOR OR CERTIFIED PLANS EXAMINER AND A RESUME IS REQUIRED TO BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response, detailing your experience. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. You will not have an opportunity to provide additional information if your application is not selected to proceed in the recruitment process, so you should be sure to detail ALL relevant work experience within your application and supplemental questionnaire.Do you understand and agree to the foregoing?
- Yes
- No
02
Please select the highest level of education completed:
- Master's Degree or higher
- Bachelor's Degree (120 units)
- Associate's Degree (60 units)
- Some college or Certification(s)
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- I do not have education equivalent to the 12th grade
03
Please select the field in which you were awarded your degree:
- Civil Engineering
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Architecture
- Related Field
- I do not have a degree
04
Please select your years(s) of professional experience as a structural engineer, journey level Building Inspector or Certified Plans Examiner including experience in building inspection, MEP plan review and enforcement of building codes:
- 5 or more years
- At least 4 years, but less than 5 years
- At least 3 years, but less than 4 years
- At least 2 years, but less than 3 years
- Less than 2 years
- I have no experience in these areas
05
Please select all the areas in which you have experience:
- Structural Engineering
- Building Inspection
- Certified Plans Examiner
- Plan Review
- Enforcement of Building Codes
- None of the above
06
Please describe your experience in building inspection, plan review and enforcement of building codes, include your years of each area and specific job duties related to the requirements of a Building Safety Manager, and the frequency with which you performed this function. Please be specific in your response. If no experience, type "N/A".
07
This position requires occasional field work and work outside of traditional office hours. Are there any constraints that would limit your ability to meet these position responsibilities?
- Yes
- No
08
Do you have a valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record?
- Yes
- No
09
Do you now, or have you in the past, worked for a municipality (City)?
- Yes
- No
Required Question
- Location:
- El Segundo
- Job Type:
- FullTime