Building Official - Austin Development Services

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Building Official to organize and oversee building plan reviews, inspections, and related permit activities. You will lead staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with applicable codes for residential and commercial projects.

Ideal candidates bring deep knowledge of building and fire codes, strong leadership, and the ability to liaise with city management and external partners while driving continuous improvement in service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture or related field with 10 years’ work in design, construction or plan review.
• Two years of lead or supervisory responsibilities required; additional experience may substitute education.
• Must understand national consensus codes and local code adoption processes.

Responsibilities

• Direct plan reviews, inspections, and staff in plan review and inspection divisions.
• Coordinate with other city departments and external agencies; manage budgets and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and city codes; prepare technical reports and provide guidance.
• Interact with design professionals, contractors, and the public; resolve disputes and review appeals.

Skills

Code interpretation

Plan review

Inspections

Staff leadership

Budget planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning/Architecture/Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD software

Job description

About This Position

Job Description: Building Official Purpose: Under nominal direction this position organizes, develops, and manages all building plan reviews and building inspections for the City of Austin. Also responsible for the building permit plan review personnel, completion of inspections, issuance of certificates of occupancy and occupant load cards by inspection personnel.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Directs the programs/projects/activities of plan reviews, inspections, service center divisions, and designates projects for specific inspections. Coordinates the preparation of and monitors compliance with division budgets, performs economic forecasting and contract monitoring, sets division policy in alignment with department goals and evaluates short- and long-term planning. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and city codes, ordinances and regulations and directs staff and guides development of code amendment language for ordinances adopting related codes. Enforces quality assurance/quality control initiatives and evaluates program operations for effectiveness and efficiency to include workforce utilization. Serves as member of and/or coordinates with various boards, commissions, etc. Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens, city management, and contractors. Serves as an ex-officio member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. Reviews customer appeals related to plan review or inspection decisions for complex code issues relating to residential zoning, building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy codes. Coordinates efforts of the development services division plan review and inspection personnel: Health and Human Services, Austin Fire Department, Austin Water Utility (including Industrial Waste), and Development Services Department Building Inspections. Provides dispute resolution for staff relating to internal and external clients of commercial and residential plan reviews and inspections. Provides assistance and information in the issuance of certificates of occupancy. Meets and consults with design professionals relating to the construction of new buildings in Austin, Texas. Track plan review and inspection history of buildings and provides review of and/or prepares technical reports. Conducts needs assessment studies. Research and resolve customer issues and serves as a city liaison for questions from the City Manager and questions from Council. Serves as a City of Austin liaison with consensus construction code development organizations such as the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

Responsible for the full range of supervisory and management activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices. Knowledge of Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering. Knowledge of construction practices. Knowledge of various phases of plan review and inspection processes. Knowledge of and experience in national consensus code development processes and in the development of local code adoption ordinances. Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations. Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation. Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles. Skill in reading and interpreting complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications, including shop drawings. Skill in communicating code requirements orally and in writing to city plan review and inspections staff, architects, contractors, developers and the general public Skill in data analysis and problem solving. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other employees, customers and the public. Skill in performing complex analyses including skill in interpreting code provisions in order to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes, including the analysis of alternate methods of compliance or performance-based designs. Skill in performing mathematical calculations. Skill in planning, organizing and maintaining records. Skill in common computer software programs, including productivity software, computer aided design software, and data entry for databases. Ability to communicate with and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel. Ability to recognize building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture or other fields related to design or construction, plus ten (10) years of work experience related to design, construction, or plan review. Experience includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory responsibilities. One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required

Valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire. Must possess certification by International Code Council (ICC) or other recognized authority as a Certified Building Official.

Notes to Candidate

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.

Location

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752

Days and Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Monday - Friday. *Hours may vary depending upon business needs. This position is on-site.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a decisive, seasoned technical expert with the leadership skills, sound judgment, and strategic perspective necessary to serve effectively as a senior City leader. They bring deep, comprehensive knowledge of building codes, plan review, and inspection practices, along with the political acumen needed to navigate Austin’s dynamic development landscape.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Leadership & Organizational Vision – Skilled in aligning technical services with long-term City goals, balancing daily operational demands with big picture planning, and driving organizational improvements that advance Austin’s broader vision of sustainable and community-centered development.
• Political Acumen & Stakeholder Engagement – Proven ability to build and Austin collaborative partnerships with internal departments, community stakeholders, utilities, public safety agencies, planning and development representatives, neighborhood organizations, and elected leadership, while exercising political acumen to negotiate solutions, resolve disputes, and promote transparency and trust.
• Adaptive Management & Sound Decision-Making – Experienced in leading at multiple levels, shifting fluidly between strategic direction and detailed oversight, and exercising strong professional judgment in complex situations, often with incomplete information, to achieve outcomes that balance process and results.
• Customer Service & Process Improvement – Demonstrates a strong commitment to responsiveness and efficiency in plan review and inspection services, emphasizing collaboration with internal and external partners, effective dispute resolution, and continuous improvement. Focused on enhancing the overall customer experience for the development community, residents, and other stakeholders, while fostering constructive relationships and ensuring outcomes that best serve the community.
• Effective Communicator – Demonstrates cultural awareness and a commitment to inclusion, with the ability to engage diverse communities and stakeholders, build trust-based relationships, and communicate with clarity and impact.

Regarding Your Application

A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. This position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI). A first review of candidates will occur on November 16, 2026. Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.

Financial Disclosure Requirement

This position is subject to the City of Austin’s financial disclosure requirements. Under City Code Chapter 2-7, Article 5, individuals serving in designated positions are required to file public statements of financial information with the City Clerk.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.