Chief Building Official - Vail, CO

National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA); Vail (CO); On-site; USD 86,726 - 170,259; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Vail seeks an experienced Chief Building Official to lead its Building Safety & Inspection Services Division. This role oversees permitting, plan review, inspections and code administration while preserving Vail’s mountain character and ensuring public safety.

Reporting to the Director of Community Development, you will supervise inspectors and plans examiners, implement ICC code updates, and foster a customer-focused culture. Strong leadership and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or closely related field (or approved equivalent)
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in building code administration or related field
• Minimum four ICC certifications
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License (or ability to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Lead Building Safety & Inspection Services to oversee permitting, plan review, inspections and code administration.
• Supervise a team of inspectors and plans examiners; ensure high standards of public safety and customer service.
• Oversee implementation of future ICC code updates and ensure compliance across divisions.
• Translate complex code requirements into practical solutions for residents, contractors and engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Code enforcement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management

Job description

The Town of Vail, Colorado is seeking an experienced and collaborative Chief Building Official to lead its Building Safety & Inspection Services Division. This is an exceptional opportunity to oversee permitting, plan review, inspections, and code administration while helping preserve the architectural excellence and quality of life that make Vail one of the nation's most recognized mountain communities.

Reporting to the Director of Community Development, the Chief Building Official will provide technical leadership, supervise a team of inspectors and plans examiners, oversee implementation of future ICC code updates, and foster outstanding customer service while ensuring the highest standards of public safety.

The ideal candidate is an experienced municipal building official and collaborative leader with extensive expertise in building codes, permitting, inspections, and code administration. They possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to developing staff while fostering a positive, accountable, and customer-focused culture. This individual communicates effectively with residents, contractors, architects, engineers, elected officials, and community partners, translating complex code requirements into practical solutions. They exercise sound judgment, balance customer service with consistent enforcement of life-safety standards and thrive in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, public safety, and preserving Vail's distinctive mountain character.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a closely related field (or an approved equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in building code administration or a closely related field
• Minimum four International Code Council (ICC) certifications
• Valid Colorado Driver's License (or ability to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications

• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification
• ICC Building Inspector certification
• ICC Mechanical Inspector certification
• ICC Plumbing Inspector certification
• Certified Building Official (CBO)
• Extensive knowledge of construction practices, permitting systems, municipal building safety operations, and modern building codes

The salary range for this position is $86,726-$170,259 with an expected hiring range of $86,726- $141,882.50 DOE/DOQ.

Larry Gilley , Senior Vice President

[e-mail] | 325-660-4208