Building Commissioner

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Allen County Board of Commissioners seeks a Building Commissioner to lead the Building Department, oversee code interpretation, permit issuance, and budgeting, and liaise with officials and contractors. The role requires strong leadership and public engagement skills.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, training staff, and ensuring compliance with state and local codes while managing resources and driving departmental goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with eight years' construction experience.
• Valid driver’s license for county travel to sites.
• Commercial contractor license or equivalent (Allen County license preferred).
• Inspector certification within one year of employment.
• Solid knowledge of construction trades and building codes.

Responsibilities

• Supervise implementation and interpretation of building codes and project reviews.
• Monitor permits data, assess economic impact, and generate reports.
• Manage department budgeting and financial planning.
• Oversee permits and licenses for contractors.
• Conduct planning, training, and staff supervision.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Budgeting

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department: Building FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification/Level: Executive, PG-2 Date: 07/2023

Under the direction of the Allen County Board of Commissioners, the Building Commissioner is responsible for providing leadership, managing and operating the department, and effectively utilizing its assets and resources to accomplish the department's objectives. This position is Not Covered (at-will) as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Handbook.

Essential Functions

• Accountable for supervising the implementation of building codes, including interpreting them, reviewing projects, and ensuring compliance.
• Accountable for monitoring and documenting data pertaining to the quantity and categories of permits, as well as assessing their economic impact, and generating relevant reports as necessary.
• Manages the financial planning and budgeting processes within the department.
• Oversees the issuance of permits and licenses to contractors.
• Conducts strategic planning, program development, and training initiatives.
• Handles employee relations and provides supervision to staff members.
• Addresses complaints, attends association and neighborhood meetings, and addresses public inquiries regarding building codes.
• Engages with professional organizations, state and local building officials, and contractors.
• Responsisble for tracking data related to number and types of permits, economic impact and providing appropriate reports as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Completion of High School Diploma or GED, accompanied by a minimum of eight years of experience in the field of commercial or residential construction, such as roofing, siding, drywall, commercial concrete, or similar relevant experience
• Possession of a valid Driver's License for frequent travel in a county vehicle to various locations, including construction sites or other facilities
• Hold a valid Allen County Contractor's License or an equivalent license obtained from another jurisdiction, specifically as a commercial contractor
• Attain a valid Inspector Certification within the first year of employment
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction trades and familiarity with state and local building codes to ensure compliance with building requirements in Allen County
• Strong interpersonal skills to proficiently handle and resolve complaints and concerns raised by staff and contractors
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively address complaints and concerns raised by citizens
• Proficiency in budgeting and accounting principles to oversee the Department's budgets
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling the delivery of presentations and effective correspondence with elected officials, department heads, and the general public
• Ability to ensure adherence to Department policies and procedures
• Effective management skills, including the ability to provide training to others
• Proficiency in computer skills, specifically in utilizing Microsoft Office and other software relevant to the job requirements

Difficulty Of Work

The role of the Building Commissioner encompasses a multitude of variables and factors when overseeing the administration of building codes, including interpretation, project review, and enforcement. Sound judgment is essential when selecting the most suitable guidelines and developing appropriate solutions for building and contracting matters. Additionally, the Building Commissioner plays a crucial role in overseeing department financial planning and budgeting, requiring the exercise of judgment to ensure effective financial management.

Responsibility

The Building Commissioner undertakes a diverse set of responsibilities that necessitate careful consideration of numerous factors. These responsibilities encompass overseeing permit/licensing and inspection activities for contractors, as well as the administration of building codes, including interpretation, project review, and enforcement. Furthermore, exercising sound judgment is crucial when making decisions regarding departmental financial planning and budgeting, as it entails selecting the most appropriate guidelines.

Personal Work Relationships

The Building Commissioner regularly interacts with various individuals, including county employees, members of the general public, and contractors. This interaction takes place during activities such as addressing complaints, attending association and neighborhood meetings, and providing responses to code-related inquiries from the public.

Working Conditions

The Building Commissioner performs duties in both office and field settings, where they can expect regular exposure to a variety of weather conditions and physical hazards typically found in construction sites and inspection areas. The responsibilities of the Building Commissioner may involve tasks such as lifting objects weighing up to 50 lbs, reaching overhead, kneeling, climbing ladders, and frequently bending and walking on uneven surfaces.

Supervision

The Building Commissioner is tasked with the responsibility of supervising all activities within the Building Department. They collaborate closely with the Assistant Building Commissioner to ensure the department is managed with effectiveness and efficiency. This encompasses various duties, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, implementing corrective measures, and managing terminations when required.

Licensing

Valid Driver’s License to for frequent travel in a county vehicle to various locations, including construction sites or other facilities.

Valid Allen County Contractor’s License or equivalent from another jurisdiction as a commercial contractor.

Valid Inspector Certification within one year of employment.

Immediate Supervisor

Allen County Board of Commissioners

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.