Assistant Building Official

York County; Yorktown (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

York County is seeking a Building Official to supervise the Building Safety Division, oversee permit issuance and inspections, and interpret the Virginia codes. You will guide staff, ensure compliance for commercial and residential projects, and interact with architects, contractors, and the public.

The role requires leadership, deep knowledge of the VUSBC, and the ability to coordinate with Fire Marshal and other agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or related field; 5–7 years of supervisory experience or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Virginia Certification as Building Official/Combination Building Plans Examiner/Amusement Device Inspector or ability to obtain within 12–36 months.
• Extensive knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and related codes.

Responsibilities

• Supervises division employees with permit issuance, building inspection, and plan review functions.
• Assists the Building Official with personnel actions, training, safety, and performance evaluations.
• Develops and implements department goals, policies, and procedures.
• Reads and interprets building plans to ensure code compliance for commercial and residential structures.
• Explains codes and regulations to architects, builders, contractors, and the public.
• Prepares correspondence and reports on code compliance for citizens and professionals.
• Coordinates with other agencies to enforce regulations and supports elevator and fire safety programs.
• Acts as Building Official in the absence of the Building Official.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Code interpretation

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/architecture/construction management

Tools

Plan review software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assists the Building Official in overseeing the functions of the Building Safety office. Assists in supervision and management of the activities of Building Safety Division personnel engaged in permit issuance and building inspections. Assists in supervising personnel engaged in inspection of building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical installations for quality of workmanship, materials, and safety precautions. Interprets, applies, and enforces rules and regulations relating to the construction of new buildings and the repair of existing buildings. Performs commercial and residential plan reviews to determine compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC).

This position is considered to be essential (County designation as ALPHA). In the event of an emergency/inclement weather conditions, the incumbent is expected to remain at the worksite or to report to the worksite in accordance with the department’s standard operating procedures, or as notified by a supervisor.

Job responsibilities may include any of the following, depending on the incumbent’s functional assignment. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of job functions, but a representative sample of the type and level of work that is expected in this position.

• Supervises division employees with permit issuance, building inspection, and plan review functions.
• Assists the Building Official by participating in the selection, placement, supervision, promotion, training, safety, appraisal, and discipline of Division staff.
• Participates in the development and implementation of department and division goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
• Reads and interprets building plans of commercial and residential buildings to determine compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Explains applicable codes, regulations, and policies to architects, builders, contractors, journeymen, permit applicants, the general public, and other employees.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence and reports concerning code compliance matters to private citizens, contractors, and architects.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of changes and trends in applicable building codes; formulates policy and implements procedural changes as necessary to ensure effective plan review activities.
• Researches new product information for compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Performs specific inspections of residential and commercial buildings to determine compliance with Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other applicable standards.
• Issues correction notices and stop work orders, if necessary, when violations exist.
• Responds to and investigates complaints regarding unpermitted construction or problem cases. Coordinates with Zoning Code, Enforcement, and other County divisions and agencies to facilitate related enforcement.
• Coordinates with the Fire Marshal's Office and other regulatory agencies performing plan review and inspections to ensure proper enforcement of applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with commercial building owners to ensure compliance with the York County Elevator Program.
• Serves as the Acting Building Official during any absence of the Building Official.
• Participates with Virginia Building Code Officials Association, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Virginia Fire Prevention Association, and Virginia Plumbing and Mechanical Inspectors Association to promote the profession of building safety and jointly support state positions on proposed code changes.
• Performs damage assessment inspections as needed.
• Prepares evidence and testifies in court on code violation cases, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or a related field and five (5) to seven (7) years of experience as a licensed professional engineer, architect, contractor, or superintendent of building construction, or as a building inspector with supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. At least three (3) years of experience in supervision of technical staff.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Virginia Certification as a Certified Building Official, Combination Building Plans Examiner, and Amusement Device Inspector, or have the ability to obtain all certifications within 12 months of the date of hire (36 months for Amusement Device).
• Considerable knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Considerable knowledge of the Family of International Code Council codes including the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.
• Considerable knowledge of construction principles, methods, and materials.
• Considerable knowledge of legal aspects of code administration.
• Considerable knowledge of complex principles & practices of construction plan review.
• Considerable knowledge of methods and techniques of building inspection.
• General knowledge of engineering, fire safety, and elevator installation practices.
• General knowledge of municipal codes, ordinances and administrative regulations, and of the principles and practices of plan review.
• Knowledge of rules and principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to building construction, rehabilitation, and alteration of structures.
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering and architectural drawings, plans, and specifications.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Ability to interpret and explain County building inspection policies and procedures.
• Ability to resolve building plan review and inspection related problems with staff and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to proficiently use and demonstrate competency with Microsoft Office software, County permit software, and various plan review software programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, representatives of business organizations, other employees, and the general public.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, printers, copiers, levels, measuring gauges, two-way radios, soil probes, carpentry tools, drafting instruments, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. This is both sedentary and agile work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. The ability to crawl up ladders, under buildings, and around a construction site.

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