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Principal Inspection Supervisor

City of Oakland

Oakland, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$137,623.92–$168,957.48 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Building Codes, Building Permits, California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), Communication Skills, Community and Social Services, Computer Workstations, Conflict Resolution, Construction, Construction Inspection, Construction Management, Customer Relations, Data Analysis, Detail Oriented, Diversity, Driver's License, Electricity, Employee Assistance Plan, Establish Priorities, Government, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Healthcare, High School Diploma, Human Resources Management, Land Use, Leadership, Legal, Licensing, Life Insurance, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance - Plumbing, Mechanical Maintenance, Multilingual, Multitasking, Operations Processes, People Management, Performance Management, Plumbing, Policy Development, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Process Improvement, Property Maintenance, Public Administration, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Retirement Plan, Safety/Work Safety, Service Delivery, Software Administration, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Tax Planning, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Support, Time Management, Urban Planning, Zoning
LOCATION
Oakland, CA
POSTED
1 day ago
Salary : $137,623.92 - $168,957.48 Annually
Location : Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full Time Civil Service
Job Number: 26-IS122-06
Department: Planning & Building Department
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: UH1

The Position
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland Planning and Building Department?
Would you like to serve as a leader on a collaborative team dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy community for the City of Oakland? The Building staff includes a large number of public servants dedicated to improving and maintaining the built environment who are in need of supervisors that can support them. We have some lead roles that will oversee staff and operations within the Residential, Commercial, and Code Enforcement Divisions. If you have experience leading teams and working with other supervisors enforcing local and state Building Codes andbelieve in providing quality service to the community, then we have a role for you on our team.
The Department of Planning and Building is looking for one (1) Principal Inspection Supervisor to support in planning review or inspections and code enforcement. If you have experience conducting inspections, enforcing codes and regulations, reviewing plans, or supporting development and permitting activities, and have served in a lead or supervisory role, we encourage you to apply and join our team!
We are looking for someone who is:
  • Adaptable: Adjusts to changing priorities, handles multiple demands, and remains effective in a fast-paced environment.
  • Dedicated: Committed to public service, follows through on responsibilities, and works to improve processes and team performance.
  • Empathetic: Listens actively, communicates respectfully, and considers the needs of residents, contractors, and staff when resolving issues.
  • Knowledgeable: Applies strong understanding of codes, regulations, and inspection practices to guide decisions and support others.
  • Responsible: Takes accountability for actions, uses good judgment, and ensures work is accurate, timely, and compliant.
What you will typically be responsible for:
  • Supervising the processing of permits, the inspection of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and the processing of complaints.
  • Facilitating the understanding of codes, ordinances, and regulations for staff, contractors, and residents.
  • Facilitating the understanding of City processes and procedures for residents who are completing projects.
  • Establishing operating policies and procedures.
  • Training staff
*Read the complete job description by clicking the link below.
Principal Inspection Supervisor
*Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
A few reasons you might love this job:
  • You care about ensuring the safety and quality of the buildings in the City of Oakland.
  • You are passionate about helping property owners and contractors navigate requirements and complete projects successfully.
  • You are motivated to support the growth and development of the community.
  • You are detailed-oriented and interested in applying that strength to construction and trades.
  • You value working with a diverse team and serving a diverse community.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
  • You will navigate a balance of complex assignments and last minute requests.
  • You will need to communicate with fellow inspectors and stakeholders in a variety of complex and challenging circumstances.
  • You will be expected to assist the city in decreasing the time it takes to deliver service to our residents.
Competencies Required:
  • Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
  • Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
  • Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content. work steps, and final work products.
  • Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
  • Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
  • Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
  • Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations.
  • Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal.
  • Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
  • Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance.
  • Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter expertise to the job.
  • Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.

This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable:
Education:

High school diploma or equivalent. An Associate's of Arts Degree or certificate from an accredited community college in public administration or in a technical field related to land use or construction such as engineering, architecture, or construction management is highly desirable.
Experience:

Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience performing: building inspections of commercial, industrial, or residential buildings; application of Municipal Code enforcement related to zoning, building construction, permitting, or licensing administration; structural design; or plans examination, including one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a certification in at least one of the following areas is highly desirable:
  • International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building or Combination (Residential, Commercial, or Industrial) Inspector; a Plumbing, Mechanical, Property Maintenance and Housing, or Zoning Inspector; or a Plans Examiner.
  • International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) certification as Plumbing or Mechanical Code Inspector or Plumbing or Mechanical Code Plans Examiner.
  • International Alliance of the Electrical Industry (IAEI) certification as an Electrical Inspector.
  • California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) certification as a Code Enforcement Officer
  • Or equivalent certification to any listed above.


Successful incumbents in this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment.

Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process:The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the "minimum qualifications" listed for each position.

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.

Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.

In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.

For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be sent a writing exercise (weighted 100%), which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The tentative date that the writing exercise will be sent to you for completion is the week of July 20, 2026.

Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you're applying to a "restricted" posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What's in it for you?
  • Work/Life Balance: 40 hour work weeks
  • 15 paid holidays
  • Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
  • Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
  • Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
  • Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  • Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  • Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
  • Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
  • Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.

*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here:

Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.

Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at:


If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Cynthia Ng, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation

* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Current MOUs may be reviewed here:
01

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Responses to the supplemental questions may determine your application status. By answering "yes" to this question, I certify that I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental question responses.
  • Yes
  • No

02

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process. Are you a current full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland or Port of Oakland employee?
  • Yes
  • No

03

If you are a current City or Port of Oakland employee, what is your job title and employee ID number? If you are not a City or Port employee, type "N/A".
04

Have you previously been employed by the City of Oakland?
  • Yes
  • No

05

If you have previously been employed by the City of Oakland, please enter the dates and titles of the jobs you previously held at the City of Oakland below. If you have not been employed by the City of Oakland put "N/A".
06

Please list other names used while employed by the City of Oakland. If you have not been employed by the City of Oakland put "N/A".
07

Do you confirm that the address on your application matches your current residency?
  • Yes
  • No

08

If the address on your application does not match your current residential address, please enter your address and update it in your governmentjobs.com profile. If not applicable, type "N/A".
09

What is the highest degree or level of education that you have completed? If currently enrolled, list highest degree received.
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree
  • Other

10

How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have performing: building inspections of commercial, industrial, or residential buildings; application of Municipal Code enforcement related to zoning, building construction, permitting, or licensing administration; structural design; or plans examination?
  • I possess 9 or more years of experience as described
  • I possess 8 or more years, but less than 9 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 7 or more years, but less than 8 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 6 or more years, but less than 7 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 5 or more years, but less than 6 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 4 or more years, but less than 5 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 3 or more years, but less than 4 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 2 or more years, but less than 3 years, of experience as described
  • I possess 1 year, but less than 2 years, of experience as described
  • I possess less than 1 year of experience as described
  • I do not possess any experience as described

11

How many years of lead or supervisory experience do you have in your progressively responsible experience performing: building inspections of commercial, industrial, or residential buildings; application of Municipal Code enforcement related to zoning, building construction, permitting, or licensing administration; structural design; or plans examination?
  • I possess 4 or more years of lead or supervisory experience as described
  • I possess 3 years, but less than 4 years, of lead or supervisory experience as described
  • I possess 2 years, but less than 3 years, of lead or supervisory experience as described
  • I possess 1 year, but less than 2 years, of lead or supervisory experience as described
  • I possess less than 1 year of lead or experience as described
  • I do not possess any lead or supervisory experience as described

12

Please clearly and thoroughly state your progressively responsible experience performing: building inspections of commercial, industrial, or residential buildings; application of Municipal Code enforcement related to zoning, building construction, permitting, or licensing administration; structural design; or plans examination, including one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".Do not enter "See resume / application" as a response.
13

Acting assignments: If you have served in an Acting assignment that you would like considered as experience towards the minimum qualifications requirement, please list the Acting assignment(s) separately in the "Work experience" section of your application. For each Acting assignment, the description must include the Acting job title (use the word Acting as part of the job title), dates and hours served, and duties performed.I understand the above statement and will list any Acting assignments separately in the "Work experience" section of my application form.
  • Yes
  • No

14

This is a public contact position. Although no current vacancies require bilingual skills in a specific language, the eligible list generated from this announcement will be used to fill positions that may or may not require bilingual language skills. For positions in this classification not requiring bilingual language skills, names will be certified in rank order (in accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5.02).For positions in this classification requiring selective certification of bilingual language skills, names of eligible candidates certified to the hiring authority shall be the highest ranking candidates willing to accept employment and who possess the additional and special qualifications required (in accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5.03, Selective Certification). Such positions will require selective bilingual skills in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Please note, identified bilingual skills will be tested prior to a final offer of employment. Candidates must pass the bilingual skills test to be considered for selectively certified positions.Identify the language(s) for which you have bilingual conversational proficiency. If you do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, check the appropriate box.
  • Cantonese
  • Mandarin
  • Spanish
  • I do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, but I am still interested in the position.

15

Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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City of Oakland

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