Building Commissioner

Brooklinema; Brookline (MA); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Brookline seeks a Building Commissioner to lead the Town’s building operations in a dynamic municipal environment. This role oversees Code Enforcement/Inspectional Services, Public Buildings, and Capital Projects, with responsibility for construction, renovation, and facilities management for Town and School buildings.

The ideal candidate will bring expert knowledge of building construction, fire prevention, accessibility, procurement, and sustainability practices, and will

Qualifications

• Supervisory experience overseeing administrative operations and staff.
• Ability to read and interpret complex building plans and codes.
• Strong budgeting and reporting skills for departmental budgets.

Responsibilities

• Manage Building Department operations including building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and zoning enforcement.
• Administer maintenance and repair of Town and School buildings.
• Collaborate on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and procurement initiatives.
• Oversee reporting to state/local stakeholders on emissions and compliance inventories.
• Supervise staff, hiring, performance evaluations, and records.
• Review building plans for compliance with Massachusetts State Building Code and local bylaws.
• Lead enforcement actions and coordinate with Town Counsel.
• Prepare and defend departmental budgets before Town boards.
• Maintain records and optimize permitting processes for access and efficiency.
• Coordinate activities with Fire, Public Works, Schools, Assessors, and ZBA.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Reading and interpreting plans

Budgeting and financial oversight

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in building construction or design

Ten years of experience in building construction/design supervision

Job description

Location: 333 Washington Street
Brookline, MA, 02445

The Town of Brookline seeks a Building Commissioner to lead the Town’s building operations in a dynamic, fast-paced municipal environment. This role oversees Code Enforcement/Inspectional Services, Public Buildings, and Capital Projects, which includes construction, renovation, building and zoning code enforcement, and facilities construction and maintenance for Town and School buildings. The Town is seeking a strong, forward-thinking leader who can evaluate and improve on the current organizational structure and operations while ensuring high standards of safety, compliance, and service delivery.

The ideal candidate will bring expert knowledge of building construction, fire prevention, accessibility, procurement, and sustainability practices. The Town is seeking a leader with strong planning and organizational skills, excellent judgment in technical and regulatory matters, and the ability to guide departmental operations within a complex municipal environment. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, manage personnel in a collaborative setting, and navigate multifaceted projects requiring coordination across multiple Town departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct Building Department operations, including building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and zoning enforcement, as well as Town construction and renovation projects.
• Administer maintenance and repair of all Town and School buildings.
• Collaborate closely with the Sustainability & Natural Resources Division and other departments on energy efficiency, environmental hazard mitigation, fossil-fuel-free initiatives, stormwater and water management, and sustainable materials practices.
• Oversee departmental reporting to state and local stakeholders, including emissions and compliance inventories.
• Supervise a team of full-time employees, managing staffing levels, assignments, scheduling, hiring, performance evaluations, and personnel records.
• Review and approve building plans for compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code, local zoning bylaws, accessibility regulations, the ADA, and related statutes.
• Lead enforcement actions, including investigations, cease-and-desist orders, and coordination with Town Counsel.
• Serve as Secretary to the Building Commission and assist in oversight of building activities across the Town.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget; present and defend budgets before Town boards and Town Meeting; authorize expenditures and oversee payroll and billing.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of departmental records and computerized systems; regularly evaluate electronic records management and permitting processes to reduce barriers to access .
• Coordinate activities with Town departments, including Fire, Public Works, Schools, Assessors, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in building construction or design, or ten years of experience in building construction or design supervision, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Demonstrated supervisory experience, including responsibility for administrative operations and financial oversight, is highly desirable. Candidates must be able to read and interpret complex plans, enforce regulations impartially, prepare budgets and reports, communicate effectively, and maintain strong working relationships with applicants, contractors, and Town staff

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (Unrestricted)
• State Certification as Inspector of Buildings or Building Commissioner
• Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO)
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License

Salary Range and Benefits

Starting annual salary range: $165,756 – $173,327 depending on experience. The Town offers an excellent benefits package, including participation in the state sponsored defined benefit pension plan, strong health insurance coverage and a 457 deferred compensation plan as well as generous paid vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays; and access to professional development opportunities.

The Town of Brookline is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to maintaining a diverse workforce.