Building Official - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

burienwa; Burien (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Burien is seeking an experienced Building Official to lead the Building Division within the Community Development Department. You will oversee permitting, inspections, and enforcement, ensuring code compliance for a growing city.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in building inspection or related fields and 5+ years in supervision, with active ICC certifications and a WA driver's license. You will drive public safety, collaboration, and community service in Burien.

Qualifications

• Must lead a team of inspectors, reviewers, and permit staff with strong people skills.
• Extensive knowledge of building inspections, plan review, permitting, and code enforcement.
• Experience in budgeting, contracts, and process improvements.
• Proven ability to collaborate with residents, contractors, and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of inspectors, reviewers, permit technicians, and code compliance staff.
• Oversee building permit review, inspections, and code enforcement activities.
• Manage division operations, budgets, contracts, and process improvements.
• Coordinate code updates, policy development, and regulatory compliance.
• Build relationships with residents, contractors, businesses, and partners.
• Present technical information and recommendations to City leadership and community groups.
• Support efficient permitting processes that promote safe development and economic growth.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Public service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

ICC Certification: Combination Inspector/Plans Examiner/Building Official

Job description

The City of Burien is seeking an experienced and collaborative Building Official to lead our Building Division within the Community Development Department. This leadership role oversees permitting, inspections, code compliance, and rental housing programs while ensuring consistent enforcement of building and safety codes.

What You'll Do

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of inspectors, reviewers, permit technicians, and code compliance staff
• Oversee building permit review, inspections, and code enforcement activities
• Manage division operations, budgets, contracts, and process improvements
• Coordinate code updates, policy development, and regulatory compliance
• Build strong relationships with residents, contractors, businesses, and partner agencies
• Present technical information and recommendations to City leadership and community groups
• Support efficient permitting processes that promote safe development and economic growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, AND
• 7+ years of experience in building inspection, plan review, permitting, code enforcement, or construction administration, AND
• 5+ years of supervisory or management experience.

Required

• Strong knowledge of International Building Codes and Washington State regulations
• ICC certification as a Combination Inspector, Plans Examiner, or Building Official required
• Ability to obtain ICC Building Official Certification within one year of hire
• Valid Washington State driver's license

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a knowledgeable and service-oriented leader with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a passion for public service. The ideal candidate excels at team development, problem-solving, and delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Burien?

The City of Burien values innovation, collaboration, and community-focused service. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the safety, growth, and development of a vibrant and diverse city.

Notices

• The City of Burien believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• The City of Burien is an Equal Opportunity Employer and assures equal employment practices regardless of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, State or Federal law.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and related experience. Highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in interviews. Candidates may be asked to respond to supplemental questions in writing and to supply illustrative examples of work. A test may also be administered to assess relevant skills. Additional references may be requested of finalists.
• If you need special accommodation in the application or examination process, please contact Human Resources at [phone].
• The City of Burien has a no smoking policy in all City facilities and all City vehicles.