Building Official

Albemarle County; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Albemarle County seeks a Building Official to lead the Building Inspections Division within the Community Development Department. This role administers and enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and related local requirements across residential, commercial, and complex development projects.

The Building Official oversees permitting, plan review, inspections, and certificates of occupancy, while guiding staff through mentoring and performance management.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in building code administration, inspections, plan review, construction management, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• At least three years of supervisory, management, or lead-worker experience.
• Candidates must interpret and apply complex codes and regulations and work with multiple stakeholders.
• Virginia Certified Building Official certification or the ability to obtain within one year, and a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Building Inspections Division within the Community Development Department.
• Administer and enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code across diverse projects.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance management for staff.
• Collaborate with applicants, contractors, design professionals, and County leadership to ensure safe, compliant development.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Code interpretation

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Engineering / Architecture / Building Sciences / Public Administration

Tools

Permitting software

Inspection technology

Job description

The Position

Albemarle County is seeking a Building Official to lead the Building Inspections Division within the Community Development Department. This position serves as the County's designated code official and is responsible for administering and enforcing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and related local requirements across a high volume of residential, commercial, and increasingly complex development activity.

The Building Official oversees permitting, plan review, inspections, certificates of occupancy, code interpretations, and related compliance actions, while providing day-to-day leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance management for division staff. The role also works closely with applicants, contractors, design professionals, front-line permit staff, partner departments, and County leadership to support safe, compliant, efficient, and well-documented development while delivering a high standard of public service.

This leader will step into a division navigating high workload, staffing transitions, and ongoing process and technology improvements. Success will require strong technical credibility and a visible, approachable leadership style. The ideal candidate will build trust, clarify roles and expectations, strengthen accountability without micromanaging, mentor staff, and drive practical operational improvements in a fast-paced, growing community.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, building sciences, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Candidates should bring at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in building code administration, inspections, plan review, construction management, architecture, engineering, or a closely related field, including at least three years of supervisory, management, or lead-worker experience.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply complex codes and regulations, lead and develop technical staff, improve operating procedures, and work effectively with multiple stakeholders. Experience in plan review, field inspections, construction, multifamily or other complex structures, customer service, and permitting or inspection technology will be valuable. Certification as a Virginia Certified Building Official, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of appointment, is required. A valid driver's license is required, and the selected candidate must be able to travel throughout the County and conduct site visits as needed.