Principal Construction Inspector

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 01/12/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/design-construction/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Campus Inspector, the Principal Construction Inspector serves as a high-level expert on fieldwork for the largest and most complex campus construction projects. The incumbent provides a leadership role for the team, mentoring lower-level inspectors and overseeing their work. The Principal Construction Inspector directly supervises subordinate inspectors and represents and fills in for the Campus Inspector when required. The Principal Construction Inspector acts as the lead field project manager, as delegated by the UC PM, and performs code compliance inspections at the highest level, in adherence with California Building Codes for plans and specifications specific to the project, and lends high-level expertise with highly complex projects to assist certified building officials with certificates of occupancy, substantial completion, and beneficial occupancy documents, performing quality assurance with the contractor's quality control team, and assisting the UC project manager (PM) with change order review, comments, and documentation as needed.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $125,000 - $135,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000365 (CONST INSP 4) - Grade 24

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

20% - Team Leadership

• Represents the Campus Inspector and the team in meetings, committees, and collaborative efforts with internal and
  external stakeholders.
• Fills in for the Campus Inspector when required.
• In coordination with the Campus Inspector, provides leadership and strategic direction to staff, aligning unit objectives with departmental and organizational goals.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and respect within the team.
• Encourages innovation and initiative by creating opportunities for staff input and problem-solving.
• Provides technical guidance and subject-matter expertise to staff performing specialized or complex tasks.
• Supports onboarding and training of new employees by explaining functional processes and expectations.

20% - Staff Supervision

• Reviews work of subordinate staff for technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established policies and best practices.
• Establishes clear priorities, communicates expectations, and ensures accountability and compliance with institutional policies, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Coordinates scheduling, workload distribution, and coverage to meet organizational needs.
• Provides ongoing supervision, guidance, and coaching to staff to enhance individual and team performance.
• *Conducts regular performance evaluations, setting measurable goals and development plans.
• Identifies training needs and coordinates professional development opportunities for staff.
• Recognizes and rewards high performance, fostering motivation and engagement.
• Addresses performance issues promptly and constructively, following HR and organizational procedures.

20% - Construction Inspection and Quality Assurance

• Leads activities around inspection of building construction for compliance with plans and specifications, applicable building codes, and quality installation practices in compliance with laws and regulations.
• Reads and interprets plans, maps, and specifications; prepares and provides daily or weekly progress reports.
• Maintains field inspection files, including testing logs, inspection reports, and construction progress photographs.
• Provides information for field and change orders.
• Confirms accuracy of as-built drawings, provides estimates and recommendations for progress payments, and participates in building commissioning, which includes conducting preliminary and final inspections before acceptance of completed projects.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable codes, plans, and specifications, campus standards, and acts in the capacity of deputy to the Director of Inspection Services and the campus, medical center, or other University Building Official.
• Drives a University vehicle to construction sites on and off-campus to monitor the project to ensure safety procedures are being followed in conformance with contract requirements.

20% - Construction Coordination and Support Services

• Leads construction work by providing liaison with project managers, campus clients, design professionals, contractors, and campus maintenance staff as appropriate.
• Coordinates and schedules construction affecting University utilities and operations.
• Reviews and advises on construction techniques and project schedule during project planning stages.
• Obtains and maintains comprehensive information on construction processes, trade practices, and building codes.
• Leads, coordinates, supports, and schedules inspections with stakeholders- including the State or Local Fire Marshall inspections with the contractor.
• Establishes which portions of the work must be inspected prior to being covered and which portions of the work will require an express request for inspection from the contractor. * Schedules construction-related utility shutdowns in conjunction with affected campus departments.
• Participates in meetings with the Campus Inspector, Project Manager, and Contractor to discuss project status, experiences, and best practices.

10% - Documentation

• Monitors construction progress of architectural, structural, MEP, and civil systems.
• Prepares daily electronic inspection, equipment, and manpower count documentation, videos, photos, and memos to document construction activities reports and weekly summaries of work performed.
• Reviews estimates of work progress and recommends approval of progress payments for contractors' work.
• Leads plan check and permit issuance. Reviews documents prior to issuance, such as beneficial occupancy, substantial completion, temporary certificates of occupancy, certificate of occupancy, etc.
• Leads with ADA code compliance. Reviews and inspects all building exterior access projects for compliance with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, state and local requirements, and acts in coordination with the Access Compliance Officer to confirm alignment with the expectations of that office as applicable.

• Lead and assist with joint CBO and DFM code compliance interpretation and collaborations.

10% - Administrative Services

• Performs a variety of tasks associated with the campus capital building program.
• Assists with Balcony bill SB 721 support.
• Provides plan review for all plans and specifications within the area of technical expertise for all projects, including meeting and discussing findings, and working towards resolution with appropriate design professionals as required.
• Functions as a SAP Coordinator and works with EH&S.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• International Code Council (ICC), Division of the State Architect (DSA) Certification in one or more construction disciplines (Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Plan Reviews etc.)
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Four (4) years of field-related experience in building construction as a journey-level carpenter, electrician, plumber, site utilities, or equivalent experience; with (2) years as an inspector or superintendent of major construction work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Construction field experience, including contract administration.
• Experience in the construction industry at the inspection level; thorough knowledge of construction principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes; Title 24 Energy and Accessibility Codes, including DSA regulations; Cal Green and SWPPS; including strong technical skills for the evaluation of building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, components and engineering issues.
• Ability to read and interpret construction contract documents, drawings, specifications, shop drawings, placement drawings, test reports, codes, and regulations pertaining to construction, construction safety, and hazardous materials, in particular, inspection and construction administration.
• Working knowledge of good building construction standards, materials, procedures, and practices required to manage a code compliance Section involved in inspection and enforcement activities for the construction, repair or alteration of new and existing residential and commercial structures, their additions, appendages, accessory structures and sites using applicable codes, Campus ordinances and laws.
• Working knowledge of Laws and regulations related to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.
  Skill to recognize proper construction techniques and to evaluate quality of workmanship. Ability to identify methods of improvement during construction and to recommend alternative approaches and solutions. Ability to problem-solve construction issues with contractor and project manager.
• Ability to work flexible hours; ability to work weekends and nights to handle curtailments (utility shutdowns and inspections) of construction
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment, take initiative; work effectively as a team member.
• Requires strong interpersonal and communications skills to communicate effectively with contractors, design professionals, and members of the campus community. Ability to demonstrate punctuality, maintain professional and courteous during all inspections and meetings.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Strong skills to organize work effectively to achieve timely progress on multiple simultaneous projects.
• Skill in writing construction progress and contract compliance reports. Ability to work with personal computers, tablets, technological devices; experience, knowledge and ability to work on and use electronic plan review, permitting and inspection software used by the University.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Division of State Architect Certified Access Compliance Specialist (CASp)
• Experience acting as a liaison with officials, administrators, design consultants, and governmental agencies.
• Experience in the inspection of institutional and commercial construction is desirable.
• Knowledge of UCOP policies, Facilities Manual, Campus Standards and federal, state and local codes as they pertain to Planning, Design and Construction on the UC Campus.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

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.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.