Director of Building & Safety

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 following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• 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.
• This position is always evolving. Therefore, employer reserves the right to modify this job description as necessary.

Knowledge of:

• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation
  of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
• California Code of Regulations Title 24, Title 25, and the base model codes, as well as referenced standards and Fontana's Municipal Code.
• Principles of structural design, engineering mathematics, and building inspection.
• Modern methods of building construction.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building and fire codes as well as nuisance abatement.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• 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.

• Administer a variety of plan check, building/fire inspections, and code enforcement activities.
• Analyze problems; identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of City goals.
• Interpret Department's policies and procedures to the general public.
• Identify and respond to public and City Council issues and concerns.
• Analyze, interpret, and check complex plan specifications, calculations, laws, and regulations.
• Assist in preparing ordinances and code amendments.
• Interpret building, fire and code enforcement policies and procedures to the public.
• 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.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Prepare and administer a department budget.
• Supervise, motivate, and train team members effectively.
• Make sound decisions in a timely manner.
• Manage and resolve conflicts or disagreements constructively.
• Use a personal computer, telephone, and other electronic devices, to access information, complete documentation, and communicate effectively.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions accurately.
• Identify issues, evaluate data, and implement effective solutions (problem solving).
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with others in a team environment.

Incumbents are required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest Form (700 Form) annually and ethics training bi-annually, pursuant to AB 1234.

Required Question