Building Official

Rockingham County; Harrisonburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockingham County is seeking an experienced Building Official to enforce the Virginia State Building Code, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, and related regulations. The role requires a licensed professional engineer/architect background or equivalent building experience with responsible charge, as well as ICC certification within one year.

The ideal candidate will lead inspections teams across multiple locations, ensure timely permitting, and collaborate with regulatory agencies to uphold

Qualifications

• Analyzes complex issues, evaluates options, and implements effective solutions.
• Weighs risks, costs, and benefits to determine appropriate actions.
• Conducts inspections and reviews to assess compliance, quality, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Building Inspections operations, including supervision, training, and performance management of staff.
• Conduct and/or review inspections of residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.
• Perform plan review for residential and commercial projects to verify code compliance and support timely permitting and approvals.
• Provide clear code interpretations and technical guidance to contractors, design professionals, and the public.
• Direct and support code enforcement activities to ensure compliance with applicable building regulations.
• Coordinate with Fire Marshal's Office and other regulatory agencies on inspections and life safety matters.

Skills

Analyze issues

Risk assessment

Inspections & reviews

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Opportunities

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Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Experience Required: A minimum of 5 years of building experience as a licensed professional engineer or architect, building, fire, or trade inspector, contractor, housing inspector, or superintendent of building, fire, or trade construction or at least five years of building experience after obtaining a degree in architecture or engineering, with at least three years in responsible charge of work; Any combination of education and experience that would confer equivalent knowledge and ability shall be deemed to satisfy this requirement.
Minimum Education Requirements: High School Diploma
Direct Supervisor: Director of Community Development
Primary Work Location: Various locations
Physical requirements: This is 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.
Certification: ICC Certified Building Official in accordance with Virginia Certification Standards within one year of being appointed as acting or permanent Building Official.

Work Environment: The Department of Community Development fosters a culture grounded in customer service, teamwork, leadership, continuous learning, integrity, commitment, and inclusion. Employees at all levels are expected to collaborate effectively, serve the community’s needs, support sustainable services, and uphold the highest standards of integrity.

Job Summary: Enforces building, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, sanitary facilities, and ANSI A17.1 codes, along with all other applicable building regulations adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to make ethical, legally sound decisions while remaining responsive to applicant needs. They will communicate complex building code requirements clearly and enforce the Virginia State Building Code, considering practical solutions. Strong organizational skills, the ability to manage complex workloads and staff, and flexibility with changing priorities are essential, along with the ability to work effectively with individuals from all backgrounds in a professional manner.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead and oversee Building Inspections operations, including supervision, training, and performance management of staff
• Conduct and/or review inspections of residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other applicable regulations
• Perform plan review for residential and commercial projects to verify code compliance and support timely permitting and approvals
• Provide clear code interpretations and technical guidance to contractors, design professionals, and the public
• Direct and support code enforcement activities to ensure compliance with applicable building regulations
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Fire Marshal's Office and other regulatory agencies on inspections, enforcement, and life safety matters

Knowledge

• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and related construction standards
• General knowledge of sound engineering practice in respect to the design and construction of structures, the basic principles of fire prevention, the accepted requirements for means of egress and the installation of elevators and other service equipment necessary for the health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants and the public
• Hands on construction experience preferred but not required

Skills

• Analyze complex issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions
• Weigh risks, costs, and benefits to determine appropriate courses of action
• Conduct inspections and reviews to assess compliance, quality, and performance

Abilities

• Learn and effectively use the County's permitting and inspection tracking systems on a daily basis
• Maintain focus and accuracy when working on detailed tasks over extended periods
• Apply code requirements and general standards to specific field conditions and scenarios
• Lead and support a small team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment while fostering a positive, growth-oriented workplace
• Regular work attendance is required

Rockingham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer