Back to Job Board

Deputy Director- Buildings

Merced County
Post Date
March 13, 2026
Closing Date
April 3, 2026
Salary
121,430.40-147,804.80
Description
Under general directions, is responsible for all operations in the Building and Safety Division; ensures compliance with State and Federal mandated minimum standards along with Merced County Codes in the issuance of building and fire permits; and performs related work as required.

The Deputy Director-Buildings is an At-Will member of the Community and Economic Development Department’s executive management team and as such reports directly to the Director of Community and Economic Development.   Responsibilities include overall management, planning, development and coordination of the building permit, fire permit, plan checking, and inspections functions of the Building and Safety Division.

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

  • Manages and supervises the County wide building and fire permit issuance for inspections, construction, flood regulations, and repairs.
     
  • Regularly reviews samplings of all types of proposed construction documents prior to issuance to assure compliance with pertinent codes, ordinances and regulations.
     
  • Assists contractors, architects, engineers, and the public with problems and questions concerning construction requirements.
     
  • Acts as a code consultant and makes field investigations of structural problems.
     
  • Directs the building and fire permits inspection and code enforcement functions within the Division.
     
  • Conducts plan reviews and inspections.
     
  • Develops and implements ordinances, policies and procedures related to Division’s functions.
     
  • Approves inspections and issues Certificates of Occupancies on County-owned buildings, including overseeing third party inspections and those performed by inspectors of record (IOR).
     
  • Participate in County inter-department and multi-governmental agency task forces to resolve and coordinate more technical code enforcement issues.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 

  • Sit for extended periods, frequently stand and walk
     
  • Have manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to use a variety of office equipment.
  • Have corrected hearing and vision commensurate with duties
     
  • Climb ladders or scaffolding to inspect construction on exterior of buildings, unfinished basements, roofs or other areas under construction: visually trace colored electrical wiring.
     
  • Administer the Division’s programs, budgets, and personnel.
     
  • Practical application of advanced mathematical calculations and concepts as appropriate.
     
  • Communicate effectively with others in person, with written communication and over the telephone.
     
  • Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
     
  • Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions.
     
  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
     
  • Updating of professional occupation job knowledge to keep current and informed of new developments.
     
  • Application of logic, scientific thinking, and techniques to develop/evaluate projects, plans, and specifications.
     
  • Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations; develop appropriate conclusions.
     
  • Makes presentations and represent the County with the community and other agencies.
     
  • Conduct field inspections on uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
     
  • Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives; train, evaluate and supervise staff.
     
  • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
     
  • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:
 

  • State Adopted Model Codes and pertinent Federal, State and County laws pertaining to new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and/or demolition of structures.
     
  • Safety standards; philosophy of public building and fire inspection.
     
  • Accepted construction practices and building materials.
     
  • Principles of engineering and architectural design and engineering mathematics.
     
  • Construction documents (plans, specifications, calculations) and how to interpret and check for compliance with all regulations.
     
  • Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:
 

  • Read, interpret and perform analyses and computations on construction documents.
     
  • Plan, direct and evaluate the building permit issuance, inspection and code enforcement functions.
     
  • Supervise and direct other employees.
     
  • Exercise tact and good judgment in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with contractors, developers, design professionals, the general public, and other employees.
Additional Information
 
FLSA: Exempt
Probationary Period: At-Will
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
 
Desirable Certifications:
Plans Examiner and Combination Inspector certifications.

Experience:
One (1) year supervisory and two (2) years as a building inspector or plans examiner, or (2) years of professional experience in architectural, structural or civil engineering, general construction or related field.

Licenses:
Possess a valid California driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain.

Certification:
Possess or have the ability within 1 year to obtain a  Building Official certification administered by the Council International Code Council (ICC) or the equivalent certifications offered by other recognized state, national or international association acceptable to the jurisdiction.