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We have an excellent opportunity in the Community Development Department for the position of Plan Check Assistant!

We are seeking a customer service-oriented individual with the competence and experience to address challenges with confidence and professionalism. The Plan Check Assistant performs a range of duties in reviewing and checking building construction plans (residential, commercial, and industrial) for compliance with all applicable State and City codes.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Review construction plans for additions, alterations, repairs, and other projects to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances
• Respond to inquiries from, and provide information to architects, engineers, contractors, building designers, owners, and the general public regarding project status, plan checking, and other code code-related issues
• Provide assistance at the public service counter (over-the-counter plan checking, code questions, and permit issuance)
• Perform routine engineering analysis and calculations
• Approve over-the-counter plan revisions to issued permits

Highlights: 

1. Play a key role in facilitating the digital transformation of the Community Development department. 
2. Embrace a flexible work-life balance with our 9/80 schedule
3. Highly competitive salary and benefits package

We are seeking an innovative and proactive Building Official with a positive, forward-thinking perspective. The Building Official will manage all building division functions (building permit issuance, plan check, and building inspections). The position reports to the Community Development Director. The Building Official will assist in integrating the City’s vision, goals, and people strategy with the business strategy of the Community Development Department; managing, planning, and organizing Community Development services, programs, and operations; developing and implementing policy; crafting and accomplishing department and City objectives, goals, and performance metrics within guidelines established by the City Council and City Manager. The Building Official must exercise a high degree of judgment and discretion along with political acumen and an understanding of the needs of the community.

The City is experiencing a high volume of development applications, including residential, commercial, assisted living, and industrial projects. There is also significant interest in downtown revitalization. Some key initiatives on the horizon for the Building Official include:

• Implementation of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan, which is a top-priority downtown revitalization project that includes mixed-use development and focuses on an attractive, dynamic, and pedestrian-oriented environment
• Participate in developing and implementing a comprehensive land management system
• Leading staff to be innovative, collaborative, develop expertise, excel in community outreach, promote continuous improvement, and continue moving forward in an enthusiastic and professional manner
• Shaping and positively influencing the Community Development Department environment by supporting a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Identification, development, and promotion of innovative strategies and technological solutions to maximize efficient service delivery
• Working across department lines to promote public service efficiencies
• Development and implementation of key performance metrics to measure operational effectiveness, identify areas of success and areas for improvement
• Planning and executing staffing and operational strategies to provide high-quality, cost-effective services to external and internal customers

Join the City of Berkeley's Planning and Development Department in its effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens by enforcing building codes and regulations. As a Certified Building Inspector I or II, you will perform skilled inspection work in the enforcement of building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, zoning and related codes and regulations that govern new building and housing construction, additions, alterations, repairs and use of existing buildings. This work includes resolving problems and complaints to final resolution.

These classifications differ in that the Building Inspector I works under closer supervision and performs less complex inspection work than the Building Inspector II.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities is:
Equivalent to graduation from high school and experience as specified below.

• Building Inspector I:
  • One year of full-time experience as a building inspector with a public agency, OR
  • Four years of full-time experience as a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, building plans examiner, public works inspector or permit specialist, OR
  • Three years of full-time experience in the building construction field as a licensed general, plumbing, electrical or mechanical contractor, OR
  • Completion of a two year AA program or equivalent in construction technology or a related field and a minimum of four ICC certificates including building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical.
• Building Inspector II:
  • Three years of full time experience in building inspection work with a public agency.

Other requirements include possession of a valid International Code Council (ICC) Commercial and Residential Building Inspector Certificate or equivalent. In addition, Building Inspector II requires possession of a valid ICC Commercial and Residential Electrical Inspector Certification or equivalent. Equivalency shall be determined by the building official in accordance with state law. Required certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Incumbents in both positions must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is required.

Under general supervision, the Neighborhood Preservation Inspector. ensures compliance with applicable sections of the State, Federal, and Municipal Codes, ordinances, and in relevant areas, such as property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, planning, zoning, signs, community nuisance, and related areas.  This is a classification in the Economic and Community Development Department.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

The Neighborhood Preservation Inspector is the full journey-level classification.  This position requires experience in both Municipal and Zoning Codes and Regulations. Employees at this level are expected to work with property owners independently and to coordinate City resources to solve neighborhood issues.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• Work closely with homeowners and businesses to achieve compliance.
• Interpret ordinances, policies and procedures, and code enforcement concepts.
• Prepare reports and recommendations on code enforcement matters, and gain voluntary compliance.
• Coordinate actions with other departments or jurisdictions.
• Prepare reports, legal documents, and letters.
• Prepare case information and present evidence at appeal hearings and other legal proceedings.
• Inspect and investigate land use, and site and environmental conditions.
• Other related duties as assigned.

This recruitment is for our Economic & Community Development department.

Under direction, provides clerical and administrative support to a department head, division head, section supervisor and/or supervisory and professional staff within a variety of City departments. On occasion, work may involve confidential issues and thus needs to be handled accordingly. May also perform related work as assigned.  Incumbents in this classification perform administrative, technical and analytical duties within assigned program or functional area(s) of a City department.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

This is the lead-level class in the Administrative Assistant series. Under general supervision, may provide lead direction and training to a small group of Administrative Assistants and Office Specialists; provides difficult and/or specialized office support to a designated department head, division head, section supervisor and/or supervisory and professional staff within a variety of City departments; and performs related work as assigned. This position is distinguished from the Administrative Assistant II class by the high degree of independence, level of responsibility, the greater complexity of assignments received, and its possible supervisory nature. Incumbents exercise a high degree of responsibility for administrative research and analysis and provide recommendations to department heads, section supervisors and/or supervisory and professional staff within a variety of City departments.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• May provide lead direction, training and review of work of those in the Office Specialist and Administrative Assistant series.
• Coordinates purchasing and supply ordering activities; contacts vendors; obtains the best terms and prices; arranges for delivery; and processes paperwork for payment.
• Arranges for the maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment; follows up to ensure that repairs have been completed.
• Prepares policies and procedures for department use; disseminates such procedures and instructs others in their use.
• Coordinates the issuance of permits for use of various City facilities; may arrange for staff coverage for specified events.
• Interprets departmental and/or program rules, policies, and procedures for others; recommends improvements to policies and procedures.
• Prepares a variety of written reports and correspondence regarding department or program activities, policies, procedures and/or services; maintains records and files.
• May assist in the development and administration of the annual program and/or departmental budget; analyzes requests and prepares cost figures; determines the reason for variances.
• May provide general administrative support to departmental and/or program staff in such areas as payroll, contract administration, and production and distributions of written and promotional materials.
• May attend a variety of meetings with City staff, contractors, vendors, representatives of other governmental and/or regulatory agencies and the public, to identify, discuss and/or resolve problems.
• May attend and participate in professional group meetings to maintain knowledge of developing trends and/or innovations in assigned program area.
• Participates in various studies by collecting, monitoring, and analyzing data; performs analysis of issues affecting program; assists in developing recommendations, improvements, and/or modifications to policies and procedures to enhance program and administrative effectiveness.
• Assists in preparing requests for proposals and contractual agreements.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Under the supervision of the Building/Code Compliance Coordinator and the Chief Building Official/Senior Plans Examiner, the Building/Code Compliance Inspector performs work in the areas of building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, green, zoning, and residential fire protection inspections; various aspects of code enforcement; and other duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level, professional class that is expected to read plans, make code interpretations, have comprehensive knowledge of construction materials and techniques, and be able to perform field inspections (both Building and Code Enforcement) on their own.

This position is distinguished from the next higher class of Senior Building/Code Compliance Inspector by the latter providing training, technical advice, and lead assistance to incumbent inspectors. The Building/Code Compliance Inspector is further distinguished from the lower level of Building/Code Compliance Trainee in that the latter is the entry-level class, and is in training, learning the full scope of the assigned duties and responsibilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• Inspecting residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies for compliance with building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, green, zoning and fire protection codes and standards.
• Recommending solutions or corrective actions to problems and taking follow up actions to ensure discrepancies are corrected.
• Performing various functions related to code enforcement (e.g., inspections, noticing, follow-up with owners, and research).
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of audiences.
• Writing reports and preparing correspondence pertaining to assigned duties.
• Keeping pertinent records.
• Utilizing personal computers to access the permitting system, GIS (geographic information system, various other software applications, and perform word processing functions.
• Consulting with architects, engineers, contractors, business owners, and homeowners.
• Using appropriate safety practices.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Why City of Berkeley?

Berkeley is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, we’re home to over fifty parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay. And we’re famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts.

As an employer, the City of Berkeley offers all the benefits of a career in the public sector while fostering diversity, creativity, and innovation. Join a team of high-caliber, experienced staff with a shared mission of serving the Berkeley community and promoting an accessible, safe, healthy, environmentally sound and culturally rich city.

The Position

The Community Development Project Coordinator (CDPC) acts as a project leader in the City's community development program activities. This position is responsible for coordinating various phases of projects and implementing activities of economic development and housing. Duties include handling requests for grant funding, contract compliance matters, operations support, data analysis, and development and administration of policies, procedures, and budgets. 

View the class specification here.

The Departments

Health, Housing & Community Services

• In Affordable Housing Programs, the CDPC provides project leadership and implements a variety of programs related to affordable housing development, rehabilitation, program administration, and policy development and implementation. Candidates will have significant interaction with housing developers, owners, managers, tenants and applicants. Ideal candidates will have a solid understanding of affordable housing financing and/or housing policies and programs, resourcefulness in responding to challenges, and proficiency in drafting, negotiating and executing the mechanisms for ensuring the community's interests. 

• In Labor Standards and Employment Programs, the CDPC works to ensure the City is in compliance with relevant local and federal ordinances/regulations. The Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) contains several locally adopted labor and employment programs. The City is also an entitlement jurisdiction, and receives an annual funding awards from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

Public Works

• In Real Property Services, the CDPC provides lead direction to staff, advises City Management on program implications of operational or financial activity, and makes recommendations regarding areas such as project restructuring, funding alternatives, and cost analysis. Incumbents have considerable latitude to exercise independent judgment, particularly when representing the City Manager or department in meetings with other agencies, boards and commissions and community groups.

• In Electric Mobility, the CDPC leads the City's efforts to fulfill the Berkeley Electric Mobility Roadmap. This plan aims to create a fossil-free transportation system that integrates with and supports the City’s ongoing efforts to increase walking, biking, and public transportation use in the City, and ensures equitable and affordable access to the benefits of clean transportation. Incumbents will organize the Electric Mobility Implementation Working Group, manage the development of City-owned electric vehicle charging infrastructure, track and develop programs utilizing emerging mobility options, and catalyze actions such as pilot projects and new best practices.

City Manager 

• In the ​​​Office of Economic Development, the CDPC provides assistance to new and growing businesses in Berkeley and the business district organizations that represent them. They will perform a range of economic data analysis, prepare reports and presentations for the City Manager, City Council, and various boards and commissions, manage Berkeley's Revolving Loan Fund, and manage contracts with one or more Berkeley Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Incumbents will also act as liaison with various district-based business organizations to help them promote and develop their districts, build local capacity and promote positive neighborhood economic development outcomes. They will advise businesses seeking to grow in or relocate to Berkeley and link them with property owners, brokers and other sources of business assistance. 

Required Qualifications

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college with major coursework in business, planning, or public administration or a closely related field.

AND

Four (4) years of professional project management experience in community development, such as housing, economic development, public works, or planning. Lead and/or supervisory experience is desirable.

A master's degree in a related program is desirable and can be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A valid California driver's license is desirable. Must be able to attend evening meetings.

The Position

The Building Inspector Specialist (Plumbing) enforces the provisions of the Plumbing codes by inspecting both new projects and additions and alterations to existing residential, commercial and industrial buildings; provides technical expertise and training in an assigned functional area; may be assigned to assist at counter or in development activities; and performs related duties as required.

Examples of Job Duties

- Performs inspections, plan checks, and related duties in the specialized plumbing field of building inspection.
- Investigates unlisted equipment and suspect substandard installations to determine product equivalency.
- Resolves disputes over interpretation and application of building codes.
- Reviews building plans to determine compliance to specialized systems and methods and schedules of inspection.
- Meets with City officials, business representatives and the general public to discuss specialized facets of inspection, including procedures and problems.
- Represents the City at meetings and conferences in a positive, constructive, and complementary manner.
- Reviews and approves building permits.
- Trains staff in assigned building inspection specialty.
- Performs combination building inspection duties.
- Prepares correspondence and reports.
- Maintains building inspection records.
- Utilizes computer for tracking projects, writing and generating reports.
- Other duties as assigned.

About Us

Fremont is a well-managed and innovative city! Located in the heart of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Fremont prides itself on innovation, clean technology and advanced manufacturing, a low crime rate, great schools, a low unemployment rate, quality parks, nearby open space, and an incredibly diverse population of over 235,000 residents.  As a full-service city, Fremont employs 962 regular employees and operates on a FY 2020-21 General Fund budget of $213.4 million.  With its strong and diversified business base, Fremont is an important economic force in the region.  The City strives to be an innovator in municipal government, with dynamic leadership provided by the City Council and City Manager.  

The Department

The Community Development Department provides community planning, engineering, code enforcement, and building permit and inspection services. Using the City's General Plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances, the Department acts as the steward of the community by assisting the public through mandated development project reviews, the subdivision of land, and related public improvement plans.
 
To safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare, the Department is also responsible for ensuring that buildings and public improvements are designed and constructed according to established standards and governing regulations. The City's capital assets - such as streets, parks, and public buildings - are designed and constructed under the Department's auspices.

The Position & Responsibilities

- Performs inspections, plan check, and related duties in the specialized field of mechanical building inspections.
- Investigates unlisted equipment and suspect substandard installations to determine product equivalency.
- Resolves disputes over interpretation and application of building codes.
- Reviews building plans to determine compliance to specialized systems and methods and schedules of inspection.
- Meets with City officials, business representatives and the general public to discuss specialized facets of inspection, including procedures and problems.
- Represents the City at meetings and conferences.
- Reviews and approves building permits.
- Trains staff in assigned building inspection specialty.
- Performs combination building inspection duties.
- Prepares correspondence and reports.
- Maintains building inspection records.