Chief Building Inspector

City of Saint Marys, Georgia; St. Marys (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Saint Marys, Georgia is seeking a Chief Building Official to coordinate building inspections, plan reviews, and code administration to ensure compliance with local ordinances and Georgia standards.

As the head of the Building Codes Division, you will supervise staff, supervise inspections across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, and drive process improvements for faster, customer-focused development reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three to five years of related experience required.
• Ability to obtain Georgia Soil and Water Level IB and Level II certifications.
• Valid state driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Administers and enforces city and state codes governing construction and occupancy.
• Directs the Building Codes Division and supervises personnel.
• Coordinates and performs inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• Supports plan review, permitting, and code enforcement.
• Provides technical expertise in building code administration and permitting software.
• Leads process improvements to streamline plan review and customer service.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Construction Management, Engineering or related field

Georgia Soil and Water Level IB (Certified Inspector) and Level II (Certified Plan Reviewer) certifications

Valid state driver's license

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Coordinates and performs building inspections, plan reviews, code administration, and related supervisory functions to ensure compliance with applicable City of St. Marys ordinances and State of Georgia building standards. Serves as the City's Chief Building Official and supports safe, efficient, customer-focused development and redevelopment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serves as the City's Chief Building Official and administers and enforces City of St. Marys and State of Georgia codes governing the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures.
2. Directs the Building Codes Division and supervises assigned personnel, providing operational oversight and supporting effective team performance.
3. Coordinates and performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other structures during and after construction, including new single-family construction, commercial construction, and demolition inspections.
4. Conducts and supports plan review, permitting, inspections, and code enforcement to ensure construction complies with adopted codes, ordinances, and building standards.
5. Provides technical expertise in building code administration, permitting, plan review, inspections, Georgia Building Standards, permitting software, and regulatory compliance.
6. Supports permitting system enhancements and process improvements that streamline plan review, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen customer service.
7. Works collaboratively across departments and with contractors, property owners, community stakeholders, and the public to resolve issues, exchange information, and support responsible growth and redevelopment.
8. Supports adaptive reuse, redevelopment, and other complex urban development projects while maintaining high standards for safety, sustainability, and quality development.
9. Balances regulatory compliance with customer-focused service and communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding code, permitting, inspection, and development matters.
10. Applies strategic thinking and project management skills to support continuous improvement, organizational goals, and the City's long-term development objectives.
11. Performs related administrative, supervisory, and technical duties as required

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Work is assigned in terms of general instructions. Completed work is reviewed for compliance with established procedures and for the appropriateness of final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the IRC, IBC, IPC, NEC, IMC, IECC, and ISPSC, as well as City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in their application.

COMPLEXITY AND SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied building inspection and plan review duties. Field conditions and inclement weather contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of the position is to perform building inspections and plan reviews. Successful performance helps ensure construction complies with adopted codes and ordinances.

CONTACTS

• Contacts typically include co-workers, other City personnel, contractors, property owners, community stakeholders, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are generally for providing services, exchanging information, explaining or resolving matters, and addressing problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• Work is frequently performed outdoors and may occasionally occur in cold or inclement weather. The position requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Provides direct supervision to assigned personnel within the division, department, or unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required.
• Three to five years of related experience required; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Ability to obtain Georgia Soil and Water Level IB (Certified Inspector) and Level II (Certified Plan Reviewer) certifications.
• Possession of a valid state driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.