Codes Administrator - City of Williamsport

City of Williamsport; Williamsport (Lycoming County); On-site; USD 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Pennsylvania is seeking a Codes Administrator to oversee building code compliance. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, issuing permits, and managing a team of enforcement personnel. This role requires a post-secondary degree in related fields and at least five years of experience in code enforcement or construction. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and experience working with various stakeholders. The position also includes preparing budgets and reports.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in code enforcement or construction.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise personnel.
• Current valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Enforce building codes and city ordinances.
• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
• Prepare departmental budget and reports.

Skills

Building code compliance

Verbal and written communication

Supervision

Mathematical ability

Problem-solving

Education

Post-secondary degree in construction, engineering, or architecture

Tools

Computer software for inspection

Job description

Job Title: Codes Administrator. Department: Codes. Reports To: Mayor of Williamsport, with co-supervision by the Chief of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire. Supervisory Responsibility: Office Manager, Codes Officers, Public Improvement Coordinator, and Zoning Officer. FLSA Status: Salaried/Exempt. Position Type: Full-time/Non-Union. Pay Rate: $58,000-$63,000, depending on experience.

The Bureau of Codes is responsible for inspections of rental properties, new businesses, new homes, building and construction inspections, electrical inspections (completed by a third-party contractor), all zoning ordinances, and property maintenance in the City of Williamsport. The Bureau of Codes also issues building, electrical, plumbing, event, and demolition permits.

The Codes Administrator is primarily responsible for providing building code administration in accordance with adopted building codes and city ordinances to ensure safe building construction and utilization throughout the City of Williamsport. Performs administrative, supervisory, and technical work related to building code compliance.

Essential Duties

• Enforce all of the International Codes and statewide building code, with primary focus on the International Property Maintenance Code, and Codified Ordinances of City of Williamsport.
• Perform all aspects relating to issuing and denying building permits and enforcing the building codes and all city ordinances.
• Review building plans, blueprints, and specifications to ensure that all code requirements conform to the building code.
• Assist with complicated inspections.
• Conduct inspections at construction sites to ensure compliance with all aspects of building codes, including ADA requirements.
• Issue Certificate of Occupancy permits after an inspection has successfully been approved.
• Investigate complaints pertaining to violations of any building code or city ordinance and issue citations to non‑compliance contractors and/or property owners.
• Answer any and all questions pertaining to building construction from property owners, contractors, developers, etc.
• Assist with questions pertaining to planning and zoning in the absence of the zoning official.
• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and supervise all code enforcement personnel, including reviewing daily reports, inspection reports, and preparing monthly reports on code renovations.
• Conduct training and other activities related to the management of field inspection personnel.
• Investigate complaints relative to alleged zoning, building, housing, and health code violations.
• Issue noise permits and abate nuisance complaints.
• Assess city properties to ensure appropriate snow and ice removal from sidewalks.
• Perform all duties as Deputy Health Officer in accordance with the city's health code. Investigate insect and rat infestation complaints.
• Prepare departmental budget.
• Maintain records of acts and decisions.
• Prepare periodic reports detailing complaints, outstanding violations, and activities of the code enforcement department.
• Attend various meetings and represent the municipality, as required.
• Recommend and participate in the development of new city ordinances, resolutions, and building codes.
• Keep abreast of changes in all building codes, policy changes, computer operations, equipment needs, and communicate these ideas to others.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mayor or the Fire Chief.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough working knowledge of the various city codes and zoning ordinances.
• Ability to prepare and present verbal and written reports clearly and concisely.
• Strong communication, reading, writing, and comprehension of the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise others.
• Integrity, thoroughness, initiative, good judgment, and the ability to exercise tact under difficult or unpleasant conditions.
• Ability to perform under moderate stress and in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, other government agencies, contractors, engineers, architects, property owners, renters, and the public.
• Proficiency with computer software and systems and familiarity with related office equipment.
• Strong mathematical background to handle required calculations, percentages, decimals, etc.
• Current valid Pennsylvania driver's license and personal vehicle for work-related use.

Education and Experience

• Post‑secondary degree, courses, or training completed in the field of building codes, engineering, architecture, and/or construction or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of experience working in code enforcement, construction, and/or other aspects of community development that prepare the individual for the responsibilities of this position.

Certifications & Licenses

• International Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
• Certified Building Inspector
• Commercial Building Inspector
• Commercial Plumbing Inspector
• Commercial Mechanical Inspector
• Building Plans Examiner
• Accessibility Inspector

Essential Functions

• Must be able to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time using a PC workstation.
• Must be able to lift up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level, and twist body periodically and frequently throughout the day.
• Must possess sight and hearing ability so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
• Ability to utilize hands for repetitive actions.
• Able to work in a constant state of alertness and safety.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to achieve essential functions of this position.

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, dust, noise, machinery, moving objects, and other vehicles while performing field work.
• May work on uneven or slippery surfaces.
• May intermittently perform field work while exposed to various types of weather, including extreme heat during summer months and cold temperatures during winter months.
• Physical work involved includes activities required for investigation and enforcement of code violations.