Building Inspection - Building Official

Safetycityabilene; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Safetycityabilene is seeking a Building Official to manage operations of the Building Inspections division. This role involves supervising inspectors, ensuring compliance with building codes, and handling community inquiries.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of four years of supervisory experience in building inspections and strong communication skills.

The position offers a chance to lead a vital city service and work collaboratively within the community.

Qualifications

• Four years of supervisory experience in building inspections.
• Knowledge of compliance with building codes and regulations.
• Experience in developing and implementing division goals.

Responsibilities

• Supervise building inspectors and ensure code compliance.
• Coordinate inspections for residential and commercial projects.
• Develop and manage the budget for the Building Inspections division.

Skills

Leadership and Management

Building Codes Compliance

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in relevant field

Tools

Building Inspection Software

Safety Equipment

Job description

City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, Abilene, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general direction of the Planning & Development Services Director, this position manages day-to-day operations of the Building Inspections division of Planning and Development Services with integrity and professionalism. The Building Official supervises building inspectors, ensures compliance with the City’s adopted building codes, and investigates/mediates code and complaint issues with developers, contractors, and the public. This position also provides support to Boards and Commissions as needed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises direct supervision over Building Inspections activities and personnel.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Coordinate staffing and operational activities for commercial, residential, and commercial plan reviews and inspections.
• Work closely with administrative staff to coordinate and maintain accurate records of inspections and plan reviews.
• Develop, manage, and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. Establish departmental and City policies, services, and staffing levels while allocating appropriate resources.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate building inspections personnel.
• Provide and/or coordinate staff training.
• Develop corrective action plans with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Confer with architects, engineers, builders, contractors, various agencies, and the public regarding matters related to the Building Inspections division.
• Develop and manage the budget for the Building Inspections division, including projections for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approval of divisional expenditures; and implementation of adjustments as needed.
• Provide complex technical and managerial support to the Director of Planning and Development Services.
• Coordinate staff activities directed towards those boards that receive staff support from this division; develop and review staff reports related to building inspections division activities; present reports to boards, committees, and City Council.
• Participate with and attend professional group meetings; remain abreast of new trends, innovations, and legislation within the field of building inspections.
• Operate a personal and/or City vehicle to and from work sites, meetings, and activities.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES

• Direct special projects and research assigned.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of comprehensive building inspections programs.
• Organizational and management practices applicable to the analysis and evaluation of program, policies, and operational needs.
• Complex principles and practices of building inspections program development and management.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Research methods and sources of information related to the area of building inspections.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skill to:

• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel, delegate authority and responsibility.
• Provide management and professional leadership and direction for the building inspections division.

Ability to:

• Identify and respond to community and board issues, concerns, and needs.
• Identify, coordinate, and resolve those items of interest within this division, while gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Develop, implement, and manage the goals, objectives, and procedures necessary to provide effective and efficient building inspections services; prepare and manage budget; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including people both internally and externally.
• Perform onsite building inspections for safety, code, and ordinance compliance with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspections including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility is required.

Education/Training:

High school diploma or GED is required.

A bachelor’s degree or an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in areas relative to the area of building inspections is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

For consideration, the applicant shall possess at least two (2) of the following six (6) certifications and will be required to obtain additional certifications as part of the position’s performance expectations.

• Texas State Licensed Plumbing Inspector
• ICC Electrical Inspector
• ICC Mechanical Inspector

Note

Certified Building Official (CBO) – First priority certification (if not currently certified) shall be obtained within eighteen (18) months of employment is required.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, confining workspace, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
• With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes

The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task: