Chief Building Official - Vail, CO

Strategic Government Resources; Vail (CO); On-site; USD 87,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Vail seeks an experienced Chief Building Official to lead the Building Safety & Inspection Services Division in Vail, Colorado. This role oversees permitting, plan review, inspections, and code administration to preserve the town’s mountain character and public safety.

Reporting to the Director of Community Development, the CBO will supervise inspectors, implement ICC code updates, and promote outstanding customer service while guiding staff development and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in building code administration.
• Minimum four ICC certifications required.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Building Safety & Inspection Services Division and oversee permitting, plan review, and inspections.
• Provide technical leadership, supervise inspectors and plans examiners, and ensure code administration aligns with updates.
• Foster a customer-focused culture while maintaining high public safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a closely related field

Minimum five years of progressive experience in building code administration

Minimum four ICC certifications

Valid Colorado Driver's License

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 (5) 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.