Building Official

Austin Community College; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A public institution serving the community in Minneapolis seeks a Designated Building Official responsible for enforcing building codes and overseeing construction inspection services. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in code enforcement and significant management expertise. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree and relevant licenses. Flexible work arrangements are possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of experience in construction code enforcement or building design.
• At least three years of progressively responsible management experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer and enforce building codes and ordinances.
• Direct the activities of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical sections.
• Respond to queries from public and city officials timely.
• Lead code development processes and train staff.

Skills

Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles

Knowledge of Minnesota State Building Code

Ability to interpret technical language

Ability to document approvals

Ability to make difficult decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business Management or equivalent

Job description

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Function as the City's Designated Building Official responsible for administering and enforcing building codes and ordinances and directing the activities of the building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and Truth‑In‑Sale of Housing sections to ensure efficient, cost effective construction inspection services.

Work Location

This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

*A Cover Letter is required and your application will be considered incomplete if one is not attached.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Improve citywide construction services by coordinating with department or agencies outside of Inspections and re‑engineering the overall process to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Assist the Director in the development and implementation of the Divisional Business Plan to ensure successful re‑engineering efforts.
• Respond to queries, requests and complaints from the Mayor, Council members, other City staff and the public in a timely manner.
• Interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, elevator and zoning code requirements for staff, consulting engineers, architects and contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency of code enforcement.
• Represent the City in negotiations with owners, developers, attorneys and design professionals requesting approval for alternate materials, methods of construction and code equivalencies to ensure that agreed modifications include an acceptable level of life safety and health.
• Lead the division's code development process to ensure the adoption of reasonable codes.
• Recruit, train, conduct relevant performance reviews and create employee development plans to improve staff capacity and assure quality construction services.
• Prepare documentation and testify at Council committee meetings to obtain approvals for budget, personnel and ordinance modifications to ensure adequate resources and authority.
• Responsibility for the Remote Inspector Program, which provides Inspectors with automated field devices for access to land information, permits, inspections and requests for service.
• Responsible for Residential Combination Inspectors that provide multiple inspections for structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing in one and two family dwellings.
• Responsible for the Un‑permitted Work Initiative, which will identify residential properties that have had construction or home improvement work done without proper permits or inspections and educate property owners on the importance of the initiative.
• Serve as the City's Building Official as required by state law to administer and enforce all building codes to protect the health safety and welfare of the public in the built environment.
• Rule on formal appeals by architects, engineers, contractors and citizens to assure due process and ensure accuracy and consistency of code enforcement.
• Provide final interpretations of architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, elevator and zoning code requirements for division staff, consulting engineers, architects and contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency of code enforcement.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business Management or equivalent (Various combinations of training and experience can qualify a person for the work).

Minimum Experience

Eight years of experience in construction code enforcement or building design and/or construction which have included a minimum of three years of progressively responsible management experience.

Licenses/Certifications

State of Minnesota Building Official
International Code Council Certification for inspector or plan review
Valid driver's license

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire one month after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of architecture and engineering principles and practices in construction and building design, including building and mechanical codes and ordinances.
• Extensive knowledge of zoning and building ordinances and principles and practices that apply to their enforcement.
• Extensive knowledge of Minnesota State Building Code and related statutes.
• Considerable knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to make difficult decisions regarding acceptance of alternative construction techniques, materials and code equivalencies.
• Ability to clearly document in writing any discussions and approvals that deviate from customary practice.
• Ability to interpret and explain code requirements clearly in technical and non‑technical language.
• Ability to review and analyze project implementation proposals from a policy, financial and technical perspective and present recommendations.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose—serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affimative Action employer.