Chief Building Official

Bluffton Chamber of Commerce; Bluffton (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A Town government agency in Bluffton, South Carolina is seeking a Chief Building Official. The successful candidate will administer and enforce building codes, supervise inspections, and manage staff. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of ten years' experience in building inspection. Candidates must possess strong knowledge of International Building Codes and state-specific laws, ensuring compliance in both residential and commercial inspections. The position offers a dynamic work environment with community engagement responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience as a building inspector or in general construction.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license and Building Official Certification.
• Ability to interpret building codes and develop public presentations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with building codes and town policies.
• Conduct inspections of residential and commercial properties.
• Supervise and manage division employees including inspectors.

Skills

Knowledge of International Building Codes

Strong communication skills

Technical guidance

Data analysis

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis; answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative, and technical work.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
• Conduct commercial plan reviews; communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
• Administer the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Supervise and manage division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
• Oversee inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for changes in the Town’s ordinances related to building inspection and permitting.
• Interpret building codes and regulations.
• Meet with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
• Receive and respond to public inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding office and Department programs and projects; attend neighborhood community meetings and events related to building safety programs and services.
• Attend training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
• Receive, review, and approve construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
• Ensure timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and various other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc.
• Interact and communicate with immediate supervisor, other Town employees, various outside professionals and agencies, and the general public.
• Direct and lead inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and ten (10) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licenses or Certifications: Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU’s as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official. Must have all 8 ICC Certifications to be fully certified in both Commercial and Residential Inspections, and the ability to obtain the Building Official Certification within 12 months of hire.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards; Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances; Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC); Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department; Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public; Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing; Skill in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for strict code compliance; Skill in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences; Ability to establish and maintain productive, professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public; Ability to maintain high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners; Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and knowledgeable team; Ability to assemble and analyze complex data, identify development trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for Town leadership; Ability to maintain professional composure and make decisive, accurate judgments during emergency situations or under high‑pressure deadlines; Ability to interpret the intent of the code in unique or complex construction scenarios to ensure safety while supporting municipal growth goals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Positions in this class perform medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 30 pounds frequently. Manual dexterity and mental acuity are essential for data analysis and code interpretation. Field duties require frequent climbing, crawling, crouching, and reaching. Candidates must have the visual and auditory acuity to inspect facilities, identify structural/electrical defects, and communicate safety standards effectively. Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites, office location with computer, telephone, and other related equipment). When working in the field, there is some exposure to a variety of weather conditions, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, or toxic agents. Job duties may require working on‑call after hours as scheduled in order to respond to emergencies.

The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town’s policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.