Chief Building Official

maricopa; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 124,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work schedule

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

Maricopa County Planning and Development Department seeks an experienced Chief Building Official to manage plan review, inspections, and permit decisions. You will lead a team focused on public safety, code administration, and efficient service delivery.

The role oversees residential and commercial plan review, certificate of occupancy processes, and code interpretations while aligning with county codes and ordinances. A strategic leader comfortable with policy development is essential.

Qualifications

• Eight years of professional experience in urban planning, building plan review, inspections, building code administration, construction management, or a related field.
• Four years of supervisory or management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Manages professional, technical, managerial, and supervisory staff in plan review and inspections.
• Oversees plan review and inspection operations to ensure code compliance.
• Serves as Chief Building Official and lead technical authority for code administration and permit decisions.
• Develops, recommends, and implements building code amendments and division policies.
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, applicants, and property owners to resolve issues.
• Participates in budget preparation, staffing recommendations, and contract needs.

Skills

Urban planning

Building plan review

Inspections

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture

Job description

Posting Date 08/11/26

Application Deadline 08/20/26

Pay Range $123,500 - $189,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type: Unclassified

Department: Planning and Development

About the Position

The Chief Building Official manages the County's Plan Review and Inspections functions and serves as the lead authority for building code interpretation and administration. The position oversees residential and commercial plan review, inspection operations, certificate of occupancy processes, and related permit decisions to ensure consistent application of adopted codes and County ordinances. As a member of the department leadership team, the position develops policies, supports process improvements, resolves complex technical issues, and leads a team of professional and technical staff focused on public safety, service, accountability, and a safe built environment.

About Us

Maricopa County is growing. We want you to join the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department to help make the growth possible! With our wide range of services, from land-use planning to building inspections and permit review, we have positions that allow professionals in the planning, construction, engineering, and trade fields to shape the built environment's future. If you're interested in being a change-maker and behind-the-scenes expert in Maricopa County's growth, we have the career for you!

Proud To Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

We Require

• Eight years of professional experience in urban planning, building plan review, inspections, building code administration, construction management, or a related field, including four years of supervisory or management experience
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, or a related field
• A combination of post-secondary education and job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis

Other Requirements

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Chief Building Official (CBO) Certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

We Also Value

• Master's degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, public administration, construction management, or a related field.
• Current registration with the State of Arizona as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Four International Code Council or equivalent certifications, which may include building and fire categories.
• Experience managing building safety programs, code adoption or amendments, digital plan review, inspection programs, or permit process improvements.
• Experience working with elected officials, appointed boards or commissions, other agencies, and the development community.
• An ICC Building Official certification

Job Contributions

• Manages professional, technical, managerial, and supervisory staff in the Plan Review and Inspections functions, including work planning, assignments, training, performance, and service delivery
• Oversees plan review and inspection operations for proposed construction to ensure compliance with adopted building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, and related County codes and ordinances
• Serves as the Chief Building Official and lead technical authority for building code administration, complex code interpretations, permit decisions, and certificate of occupancy processes
• Develops, recommends, and implements building code amendments, division policies, standard operating procedures, and process improvements
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, applicants, property owners, and other stakeholders to resolve complex permitting, plan review, inspection, and construction issues
• Supports department goals, customer service expectations, strategic initiatives, performance measures, and program improvements for plan review and inspection services
• Participates in budget preparation and administration, including cost estimates, expenditure monitoring, staffing recommendations, and contract or consultant needs