Building Safety Officer

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Portsmouth is seeking an experienced Building Safety Officer to join their team. The role involves ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety Act 2021, providing expert advice on building safety for both social and private sector housing. Candidates should have a relevant degree, experience in high-rise projects, and excellent communication skills. This position requires the ability to work independently while managing multiple projects effectively.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in a relevant field and working towards full IFE member status.
• Experience with building safety legislation and fire safety.
• Excellent communication skills with resident groups.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Building Safety Manager with building safety compliance.
• Provide advice to other areas of the council regarding building safety.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality reports on building compliance.

Skills

Building surveying knowledge

Fire safety knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

AutoCAD proficiency

Education

Degree in building surveying, fire safety, or a related subject

Level 4 diploma in fire safety

Level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Project

AutoCAD

Job description

We are seeking individuals to work as part of the Building Safety Team within Capital Projects at Portsmouth City Council. The Building Safety Team is responsible for cooperating with the Principal Accountable Person and Responsible Person's in relation to whole building safety and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021 and other legislation.

The officer will assist the HRA Building Safety Manager regarding building safety including structural safety and fire safety on the Council's housing stock and commercial properties as well as the buildings that private sector housing regulate. To provide advice to other areas of the council on building safety including social housing, private sector housing and other directorates on both housing and commercial assets.


Skills:

1. Have a degree qualification in a relevant building surveying, fire safety or construction related subject and either hold or be working towards full IFE member status. Where candidate doesn't currently hold member status, they are to demonstrate significant practical experience. Where candidates are not full members then assistance will be given to obtain membership.

2. Have a level 4 diploma in fire safety.

3. Have or be willing to work towards a level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management.

4. Have good knowledge of building design, building construction technology and fire safety.

5. Have demonstrable experience of working on high-rise buildings.

6. Have excellent working knowledge and understanding of building related legislation and its application. Specifically, the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act, building regulations, fire safety, the Housing Act including the HHSRS and the Social Housing Act including Consumer Standards.

7. Have good knowledge, experience and be able to apply construction related health & safety legislation, specifically, the CDM Regulations 2015 and asbestos at work regulations.

8. Have experience of preparing and delivering high quality, written and verbal reports as well as the ability to write, disseminate and assess detailed technical reports and advise on the findings.

9. Experience of managing and leading complex construction projects ideally in buildings which are considered high risk with multiple external consultants from feasibility, procurement, contract administration until practical completion.

10. Have knowledge of contracts, contract law and guidance including their application and administration. Specifically, to include a range of contracts within the JCT and NEC contract suites.

11. Have relevant experience of using all Microsoft packages; in particular be able to demonstrate practical IT skills using MS Excel spreadsheets to analyse data and MS Project to assist planning projects and deliver of works as well as the ability to use various software packages as part of undertaking the role.

12. Have a working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar drawing packages to produce and be able to interpret and comment on complex drawings to ensure design proposals meet the customer brief.

13. Be an excellent communicator and assertive as necessary ensuring excellent working relationships are maintained. Be able to engage with resident groups regarding building safety and investigate complaints.

14. Be able to interrogate, analyse and evaluate stock data, project information and repair details providing updates to government agencies as required. Be able to manage the Building Projects Database, ensuring consistency and quality of recording of information.

15. Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritise work to ensure that deadlines are met.

16. Have a full driving licence and provide a car for work, as you will be visiting sites across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas so will need to travel effectively between them.