Chief Building Official

Gfoat; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gfoat in Texas seeks a Chief Building Official to direct the Building Inspections program and ensure compliance with building codes and zoning rules. You will guide inspectors in interpreting plans and regulatory requirements, and represent the Planning & Development Department as needed.

Responsibilities include supervising inspectors, reviewing plans for compliance, coordinating inspections, and advising on code interpretations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of city building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans.
• Experience supervising professional and technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Building Inspections Division and supervises inspectors.
• Reviews building plans for compliance with codes and regulations.
• Oversees inspections to ensure conformity with approved plans and codes.
• Advises contractors and inspectors on code compliance solutions.
• Communicates policies to staff and the public.

Skills

Knowledge of Building Codes

Supervisory experience

Reading blueprints/plans

Communication skills

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Job description

The Chief Building Official is responsible for directing the Building Inspections program to ensure that all building and construction aspects comply with construction codes and building‑regulatory ordinances. The incumbent directs and advises Building Inspectors in the interpretation of structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical plans and zoning requirements and in the solution of construction or zoning problems. Work includes meeting with individuals and groups as a representative of the Planning & Development Department as appropriate. Duties are performed with considerable technical independence under the general direction of the Planning &Development Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and directs the Building Inspections Division through supervision of Building Inspectors, reviews the work of Building Inspectors for quality and uniformity of inspections.
• Conducts thorough reviews of building plans and blueprints to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.
• Oversees the inspection of buildings to ensure compliance with approved plans and applicable structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes and zoning ordinances.
• Advises inspectors, contractors and others of solutions to their more difficult code compliance problems.
• Communicates and explains departmental policies to subordinates and the public.
• Reviews and interprets codes and ordinances to recommend changes, additions, and procedure implementation.
• Responds to inquiries from employees, contractors, and the public regarding inspection problems and code requirements.
• Approves alternate methods or materials for code compliance.
• Conducts project meetings to ensure inspection coordination or to resolve problems relating to inspections and code interpretation.
• Attends Zoning and Board of Adjustments hearings.
• Ensures inspections are performed in accordance with approved plans and all disciplines.
• Conducts and/or participates in technical training sessions.
• Implements and assesses the effectiveness of risk management programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Manages email correspondence and responds promptly.
• Be available to answer and attend phone calls.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work.
• Performs after work hours as required (nights and weekends)

Additional Requirements:

This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles for City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED

• General direction is received by the Planning & Development Director.
• Exercises supervision over professional, technical and clerical personnel.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

City Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes and related laws, ordinances, and standards that relate to building construction.
Methods and materials used in structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems for building construction, including prefabricated construction components and new materials and design concepts.
Principles and practices of supervision.

Ability to:

Accurately read and comprehend construction plans.
Objectively interpret and consistently apply code requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies.
Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
Work cooperatively with other governmental entities, private interests, contractors, professional clientele such as engineers and architects, and the general public.
Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one- to-one or group setting.
Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
Observe or monitor people's behavior and compare data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
Use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts or other visual aids.
Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
Work safely without presenting a direct threat to the incumbent or others.

Education & Experience:

Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college institution; or three (3) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:

Building Official Certification required; or must be obtained within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
Valid Texas Driver's License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee must occasionally climb; bend or stoop repeatedly or continually, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, disagreeable elements, and moving vehicle traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVITY

This position is not classified as a safety-sensitive position.