Certified Building Official (on-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $133,280.80 - $139,944.84.

This position is 100% on campus.

Applicant review will take place on or about March 30, 2026. Posting will remain open until offer is accepted.

This position is represented by UPTE.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Chief/Certified Building Official (CBO) heads the Building Department and is the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with the California Building Code. CBO is expected to provide positive leadership, strong management, administrative, and technical expertise. The CBO establishes procedures to perform the responsibilities and duties of "Building Official" defined in the CBC. The Certified Building Official enforces compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, by appropriate reviews and inspection as required therein. The CBO is responsible for ensuring that all construction projects comply with Title 24, Title 19 and other applicable building codes, including the administration of the functional building department, interpretation of code requirements, and direction of the code process.

CBOs enforce code compliance for all campus or campus-related projects. CBOs also ensure that fire and life safety requirements are reviewed by a Designated Campus Fire Marshal (DCFM), and that Disabled Access requirements are reviewed by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance (DSA-AC) when required. CBOs shall enforce OSHPD's "licensed clinic" regulations referred to in the Building Code as "OSHPD 3".

CBOs issue building permits and work closely with the DCFM on the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, Beneficial Occupancy, and Temporary Occupancy in accordance with the contract documents and permit requirements, and after verification of code compliance and review by other officials, as appropriate. (See 4.1.4 below)

Conducts inspections for compliance with Title 19 and Title 24 and interprets code requirements as appropriate. Responsible for all UCM campus construction projects, ensuring building code compliance for capital projects, University owned properties, and lease space occupied by UCM.

Further, the CBO is responsible for ensuring compliance with the UC Facilities Manual. Serves on committees. Participates in strategic and long-range planning for development of future projects.

The CBO is a University employee, appointed as the University professional responsible for administering the Facility's architecture, engineering, and construction building program, including the enforcement of the CBC and related University policies. The DCBO is responsible for the administration and management of campus facility design, construction, renovation, and other Facility design and construction related obligations to support effective enforcement of the building program obligations. Additional obligations include, but are not limited to, compliance with applicable accessibility laws and policy, UC Seismic Safety Policy, Sustainable Practices Policy, adhering to the Long Range Development Plan (FM2:3), the Physical Design Framework (FM2:7.4), and local Facility adopted policies and guidelines (e.g. Gender Inclusive Facilities). The CBO is the University's AHJ for the Facility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acts as the Campus Certified Building Official and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (ADJ) for matters of code regulations on University projects. The University complies with the Title 24 California Building Standards Code, Parts 1-12 and all amendments (CBC). Administer a code compliant program for all facilities owned, leased, designed, constructed, altered, or renovated with intent, or future intent, to support the mission of the University, that are under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the University. Within the limitations of the Building Official's Authority, ensure that all work is designed in conformance with applicable codes for all capital improvement Program, Renovations, Special Events, and Alteration Plans, directs, and manages several programs within multiple disciplines regarding code compliance, building safety and fire safety, and awareness, compliance reporting, and other related programs. Provides comprehensive oversight and conducts full inspection and plan review services on a wide variety of construction projects ranging from tenant improvements, maintenance and repair projects, through complex new construction and infrastructure replacement projects, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, access compliance and infrastructure projects to ensure that all work is constructed in conformance with California building codes, federal law, state law, UC Policies and campus policies. Consults with design teams, architects, stakeholders, contactors, facilities, and management on construction projects and programs. Actively engages and provides input. Witnesses, certifies, and documents field tests. Oversees Special Inspection coordination in accordance with CCR Title 24 as well as enforces other relevant California building regulations, campus policies and standards. Issues permits, correction notices, and certificates of occupancy, beneficial/temporary occupancy.

Provides administrative oversight and leadership of the CBO's Office. This includes financial management, personnel management, contract and MOU management and other departmental functions as they arise. Administers and monitors budgets and expenses, ensuring compliance with budgetary allocations, permitting program. Serves on campus, systemwide and community committees as appropriate, representing UC Merced.

Formalizes in writing, departmental procedures and practices to illustrate compliance and for strategic department growth and operational planning. Assist with the development of applicable policies and procedures on campus to ensure compliance and/or best practices. Manage, train, guide, evaluate a staff and other building safety employees and student employees, including contract staff and consultants. Includes selection, training, evaluation, and as required, corrective action for multiple staff levels. Develop and implement an inspection program that ensures continued code compliance, identifies violations, and corrective process to be compliant.

Represents Building Safety at the Emergency Operation Center. May work with emergency responders on emergency response and campus familiarity (pre-plans, building awareness, fire alarm functions). Partners with other public safety staff on emergency preparedness planning, development and implementation along with training of campus constituents. Must be able to respond to campus for emergencies. Must be able to respond to UC Systemwide/State of CA calls for assistance as needed. Evaluates, recommends, and implements program policies and procedures to assure awareness of and regulatory compliance of building safety and construction processes, building requirements. Provide consultative feedback on building projects, ideas, and plans

Collaboration. Participates in workgroups, campus driven efforts/programs, consults, and other activities, task responsibilities as assigned.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree in related area/field of study (required) and/or
• Master's degree in related area/field of study (preferred); and
• 7-10 years of recent full-time experience performing a combination of fire prevention inspections, advanced technical plan review experience, permitting process, and construction inspection for a California local or state entity responsible for fire or building code regulations (required); and
• Valid California Driver's license (required); and
• Possession of an ICC Certified Building Official Certificate is preferred. If certification is in progress or not current at time of employment, obtaining the certification within 1 year of appointment and maintaining the certification in good standing is a condition of employment (required); and
• ICC Certification for Building Plans Examiner (preferred); and
• ICC Certification for Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector (preferred); and
• ICC Certification for Electrical Inspector (preferred); and
• California Division of State Architect - CASp Certification (preferred).
• Comprehensive thorough knowledge, technical expertise and understanding of California codes and regulations, and Campus Design Standards.
• Expertise and experience in inspections and plan review process. Strong understanding of fire protections systems, complex building designs, fire alarm and mass notification systems, egress systems, building construction, accessibility and sustainability.
• Experience with managing, training, supervising and leading department staff to be able to meet the needs of future campus expansion.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including advanced political acumen and skill to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies in a highly political environment.
• Excellent skills to create, develop, implement projects/programs, anticipate needs and plan for projected needs, ability to develop/formalize department procedures/policies.
• Skills to appropriately and efficiently evaluate an incident to improve future code compliance and campus safety; recommend, develop and implement changes to improve safety. Ability to partner and liaise with on and off campus emergency responders. Ability to work with the campus emergency responders on emergency planning.
• Advanced innovative and creative problem-solving skills, including problem recognition/avoidance/resolution skills and skill to determine workable solutions that may require application of technical advice or counsel.
• Ability to identify stakeholders, when encountering an Issue and ability to work through the issue while fully considering and accounting for the competing interests.
• Strong organizational and records keeping skills. Demonstrated ability to understand, create, and implement workflow process to improve services for customers.
• Strong knowledge of campus/medical center construction environment including infrastructure and applicable rules, regulations, laws, policies and practices.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/