1

Green Building Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Building Official

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$125K - $159K/yr

Enforce adopted building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility, green building ... Coordinate Building Division activities with Planning, Engineering, Fire, Police, Public Works, and ...

New

Enforce adopted building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility, green building ... Coordinate Building Division activities with Planning, Engineering, Fire, Police, Public Works, and ...

New

Building Inspector

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45 - $65/hr

... Green Building Codes. * Answer technical questions regarding inspection requirements and code ... Coordinate with plan reviewers, permitting staff, engineers, and project teams to resolve ...

Energy Engineer I

Torrance, CA · On-site +1

$60K - $70K/yr

Familiarity with energy benchmarking platforms, ESG reporting, or green building program KNOWLEDGE ... Partner Engineering & Science, Inc. is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are ...

Energy Engineer I

Torrance, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Familiarity with energy benchmarking platforms, ESG reporting, or green building program KNOWLEDGE ... Partner Engineering & Science, Inc. is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are ...

Plan Check Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$141K - $172K/yr

... regulations, green building code requirements, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical code ... Civil and/or Structural Engineering REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Please submit a complete job application ...

Plan Check Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$141K - $172K/yr

The ideal candidate for Plan Check Engineer with our Office of Building Safety will possess strong ... regulations, green building code requirements, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical code ...

Lighting Designer

El Cajon, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Ensure designs meet California Electrical Code, Building Code, Energy Code, Green Building Code ... Work with engineering teams, architects, and contractors to ensure design accuracy and ...

The Land and Engineering program processes various types of subdivision maps, development ... and green building. Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives ...

Building Services Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

$161K - $196K/yr

The Land and Engineering program processes various types of subdivision maps, development ... and green building. * Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Green Building Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$31

$51

How much do green building engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for green building engineer in California is $31.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a green building engineer?

Green Building Engineers are professionals who design, construct, and maintain buildings in ways that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. They focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, the use of sustainable materials, and improving indoor environmental quality. Their work often involves integrating renewable energy systems, optimizing building systems, and ensuring compliance with green building standards such as LEED or BREEAM. Green Building Engineers collaborate with architects, construction teams, and environmental consultants to create environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings. This role is essential in helping reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a green building engineer?

Green Building Engineers require expertise in sustainable design principles, energy modeling, and environmental regulations, often supported by a degree in engineering or environmental science and relevant certifications like LEED AP. Familiarity with building information modeling (BIM) software, energy analysis tools, and green building rating systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are soft skills that help drive project success and stakeholder engagement. These competencies ensure the delivery of environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and compliant building solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by green building engineers when integrating sustainable technologies into existing structures?

Green Building Engineers often encounter challenges when retrofitting sustainable technologies into older buildings, such as outdated infrastructure, limited space for new systems, and budget constraints. These professionals must carefully assess the building’s existing conditions, work closely with architects and facility managers, and develop innovative solutions that comply with sustainability standards while minimizing disruption to occupants. Collaboration and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles and ensuring the successful implementation of green upgrades.

What is the difference between Green Building Engineer vs Sustainable Design Engineer?

AspectGreen Building EngineerSustainable Design Engineer
CertificationsLEED AP, WELL APLEED AP, WELL AP
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, building projectsDesign studios, architectural firms
Industry UsageConstruction, real estate developmentArchitecture, urban planning

Green Building Engineers focus on implementing sustainable practices during construction and building operation, ensuring compliance with green standards. Sustainable Design Engineers primarily work on creating eco-friendly building concepts during the planning and design phases. While both roles emphasize sustainability and share certifications like LEED, Green Building Engineers are more involved in on-site implementation, whereas Sustainable Design Engineers concentrate on initial design strategies.

What are popular job titles related to Green Building Engineer jobs in California?

For Green Building Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Green Building Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Green Building Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Green Building Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,404 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Building Official

City of Los Banos, CA

Los Banos, CA • On-site

$125K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Salary : $125,364.00 - $159,996.00 Annually
Location : Los Banos, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 08-2026
Department: Community & Economic Development
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEFINITION
To plan, organize, manage, and direct the daily operations of the Building Division, including plan check, field inspection, permit issuance, and building code enforcement; serve as the designated Building Official pursuant to applicable laws and regulations responsible for enforcement of federal, state, and local building codes and standards; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Community and Economic Development Director.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Community and Economic Development Director. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
Detailed Work Activities
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
  • Plans, organizes, manages, and directs the daily operations of the Building Division, including plan check, field inspection, permit issuance, and building code enforcement.
  • Serve as the designated authority of Building Official as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including enforcement of Title 24 California Building Standards, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, and Green Building Codes.
  • Serve as the City's final administrative authority regarding interpretation and application of adopted building codes where authorized by law.
  • Develop and implement division goals, objectives, methods, policies, procedures, establish performance standards, and service delivery measures.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to permit processing, plan checks, inspections, and customer service.
  • Conduct and oversee inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, verify compliance with approved plans, building codes, accessibility requirements, energy standards, safety regulations, and related laws.
  • Enforce adopted building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility, green building, and related codes and regulations.
  • Review, interpret, and approve building permit applications, construction plans, specifications, calculations, and related documents in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and adopted codes.
  • Manage and coordinate contract plan review and inspection services.
  • Oversee and ensure consistency in plan review and inspection activities.
  • Issues and oversees the issuance of permits, certificates of occupancy, notices, stop-work orders, and other official building documents and instruments.
  • Interpret building codes, regulations, policies, and procedures for staff, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, property owners, and the public.
  • Review and approve alternate materials, methods of construction, and proposed code modification requests consistent with adopted codes.
  • Participate in development review teams, pre-application meetings, and interdepartmental project review processes.
  • Coordinate Building Division activities with Planning, Engineering, Fire, Police, Public Works, and outside regulatory agencies.
  • Oversee implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of electronic permitting, inspection, and records management systems.
  • Analyze permit activity, workload trends, and operational data and recommend service improvements.
  • Select, supervise, assign, train, develop, evaluate, and mentor assigned personnel in accordance with City policies.
  • Prepare and administer the Building Division budget, assist with forecasting, and monitor expenditures.
  • Stays abreast of development and construction trends to assist in forecasting building revenues for the operating budget; recommends changes in fee schedules based on forecasted building activity revenues and anticipated program costs
  • Investigate and resolve escalated conflicts regarding code interpretations, plan check corrections, or field inspection disputes between staff and architects, engineers, or developers.
  • Confers with owners, inspectors, and attorneys regarding difficult or complex code enforcement and compliance issues; coordinates with appropriate City Departments and outside agencies; and refers violations to the City Attorney's Office to initiate legal proceedings for compliance.
  • Stay informed regarding changes in building regulations, legislation, industry standards, trends, and emerging technologies.
  • Prepare technical reports, correspondence, staff reports, agenda items, presentations, resolutions, and policy recommendations for City management, boards, commissions, and the City Council; provide technical and administrative support to the Community and Economic Development Director
  • Represent the City before professional organizations, regulatory agencies, community groups, the public, and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in emergency preparedness, disaster response, post-disaster damage assessment, and recovery operations as assigned.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with City staff, elected officials, contractors, developers, business representatives, public agencies, and the public.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices, and administration of municipal building division operations.
  • International Codes and California Building Standards Codes (Title 24) as amended by the California Building Standards Commission.
  • Building construction methods, materials, systems, techniques, and safety practices.
  • Principles of structural design, engineering mathematics, and architectural plan review and inspection.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies related to building construction and code administration.
  • Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of Building Division programs, policies and operational needs.
  • Modern and complex principles and practices of building inspection and plans examining program development and administration. Principles of supervision, employee development, leadership, motivation, and performance management.
  • Principles and practices of program and budget development, resource management; performance measurement, and program evaluation methods.
  • Data collection, electronic permitting systems, digital records management systems, and plan review software.
  • Principles of customer service, conflict resolution, and public relations.
Skill to:
  • Review complex construction plans and specifications and make sound technical determinations
  • Analyze complex technical, operational, and regulatory issues and develop practical solutions.
  • Interpret, apply, and enforce complex building codes, regulations, and policies
  • Perform intensive research and analysis, interpret, summarize data in an effective and useful manner.
  • Utilize permitting, records management, and office software applications.
  • Organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, recommendations, and correspondence.
  • Operate modern office equipment, Application software related to communications.
Ability to:
  • Effectively direct, supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate staff.
  • Lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions within established authority.
  • Communicate technical and regulatory information clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Present recommendations and technical information to City management, commissions, the public, and the City Council.
  • Resolve conflicts and difficult situations using professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
  • Develop and implement operational procedures and service improvements.
  • Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, developers, consultants, contractors, employees, public agencies, and the public.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Training:
Equivalent to an associate's degree with major coursework in Construction Technology, Structural, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Architecture or related field.
Experience:
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, plan review, construction management, code enforcement, or building code administration, including. extensive knowledge of California Title 24 Building Standards, with at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License.
  • Possess Certification as a Building Official from the International Code Council (ICC).
  • Possess ICC Plans Examiner Certification, or ability to obtain within two years of employment.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Technology or Management, Architecture, Engineering, Building Inspection Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • ICC Combination Inspector Certification.
  • ICC Certified Building Official Master Code Professional designation.
  • Certified Access Specialist (CAS) certification.
  • Experience managing building services within a municipal or public-sector environment.
  • Experience implementing electronic permitting or digital plan review systems.

Supplemental Information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Physical Requirements:
On a continuous basis, sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, crouch, crawl, climb, kneel, or twist to work in a standard office setting, to conduct inspections, or reach equipment or when in the field; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation to operate a keyboard, office equipment, to speak, write, see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Mental strength and resilience to manage emotions to navigate challenges, stressors, and pressure associated with the work. Ability to travel to various municipal sites or emergency scenes.
Working Environment
While the primary workspace is a climate-controlled office, the incumbent frequently operates in the field at outdoor settings, construction zones, requiring a high degree of adaptability to outdoor elements, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, and inclement weather. The position entails working in situations that may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock or mechanical hazards. The work requires a flexible schedule that may include frequent evenings, weekends, and holiday hours, and be available on an on-call basis.
The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
a) Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
b) Health Insurance: The City pays approved CalPERS health insurance premiums through CalPERS for employee only and partial dependent costs
c) Dental and Vision Insurance: The City pays approved dental and vision insurance premiums for employee and a portion of dependent coverage
d) Life Insurance: The City provides $50,000 in life insurance coverage for the employee, with optional buy-up coverage available
e) Vacation Leave: Beginning on the date of hire, employees accrue 6.67 hours per full calendar month (equivalent to 80 hours annually) during the first five (5) years of service. Employees with five (5) to fifteen (15) years of service accrue 10 hours per full calendar month (120 hours annually). Employees with more than fifteen (15) years of service accrue 13.36 hours per full calendar month (160 hours annually)
f) Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of one (1) day per month with no maximum accumulation
g) Deferred Compensation: Optional participation in plans offered through Mission Square, Nationwide, or Empower
For a complete listing of benefits, please refer to theapplicable to this position.
01
Are you at least eighteen (18) years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you completed the twelfth grade or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a valid California Class C drivers license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have an Associates Degree, or equivalent, with major coursework in Construction Technology, Structural, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Architecture or related field?
  • Yes

05
Do you have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, plan review, construction management, code enforcement, or building code administration, including. extensive knowledge of California Title 24 Building Standards, with at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you possess a Certification as a Building Official from the International Code Council (ICC)?
  • Yes
  • No