Inspector of Buildings / Zoning Enforcement Officer

Weston Conservation Department; Weston (MA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Weston seeks a Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement Officer to lead the Building Division of the Land Use Department. This role enforces Massachusetts Building/Electrical Codes and local zoning bylaws, oversees budgets and staff, and coordinates with multiple boards and the Town Planner.

Required are state certifications as Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner, a MA Construction Supervisor license within two years, and 7–10 years of construction supervision experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction, architecture or similar discipline and advanced technical training; seven to ten years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design, and zoning interpretation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• State certification as an Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner; State certification as a Sealer of Weights and Measures; valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license; mandatory continuing educational requirements for licensure.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the daily operation of the Building and zoning division and related programs.
• Manages the annual operating budget for the building/zoning division.
• Inspects construction and enforces/interprets state and local codes and zoning bylaws.
• Coordinates with Town Planner and boards to improve development processes and coordination.
• Supervises inspectors and permitting staff, reviews plans, and issues permits.
• Maintains compliance with licensure requirements and prepares reports.

Skills

Code enforcement

Building code interpretation

Zoning interpretation

Supervisory leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction/architecture or related

Advanced technical training

Job description

Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement Officer

Town of Weston, MA

The town of Weston (pop. 11,500) is seeking applications for the position of Inspector of Buildings /Zoning Enforcement Officer. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the Building Division of the Land Use Department, including personnel, budget, permitting, inspection programs and code enforcement; all other related work, as required. The position reports to the Town Planner/Land Use Coordinator and is responsible for the inspection of all construction as well as the enforcement and interpretation of the Massachusetts Building and Electrical Codes, local zoning bylaws and regulations, and other applicable codes relating to building construction and design.

Minimum qualifications: State Certification as an Inspector of Buildings or Building Commissioner is required. Must possess or be able to obtain a state Construction Supervisor license within two years of appointment. Seven to ten years experience as a construction supervisor.

Hiring range is $110,522 – $132,626 depending upon qualifications. FY27 max salary/pay grade range $154,731.

The Town of Weston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, genetics, sexual orientation, active military status or disability.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Establishes operating goals, objectives and procedures for the Building and zoning division. Assesses performance in relation to planned achievements; makes corrective actions, or conducts research and provides recommendations to the Land Use Coordinator on how to improve efficiency and services offered by the division.

Develops, manages, and monitors the annual operating budget for the building/zoning division of the Land Use Department.

Serves as the Inspector of Buildings, Zoning Enforcement Officer and Sealer of Weights and Measures. Responsible for the inspection of all construction as well as the enforcement and interpretation of the Massachusetts Building and Electrical codes, local zoning bylaws and regulations and other applicable codes relating to building construction, design and zoning.

Works with the Town Planner/Land Use Coordinator to identify opportunities for improvement of the development process in order to improve coordination between Land Use Department.

Assigns projects, reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures, meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Coordinates workflow of division staff.

Coordinates with the Town Planner, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, and Historical Commission in administering pertinent regulations.

Assists the public in interpreting the State Building Code, Town zoning bylaws and other pertinent rules and regulations.

Answers questions and explains policies, practices and requirements to homeowners, contractors and others; supervises and oversees the work of building/trades inspectors, zoning and permitting personnel.

Conducts inspections; performs follow-up activities, such as sending correspondence regarding violations and making court appearances; consults with Town Counsel relative to legal issues when authorized.

Examines and approves plans and specifications; inspects work for which a permit has been issued, including the determination of acceptability of proposed methods and materials to be used; reviews all construction methods and techniques, safety procedures and building material test results; reviews all construction as it progresses to verify code compliance; issues required permits.

Oversees the annual inspections of all public buildings and places of assembly for compliance with applicable standards; prepares related reports and orders.

Performs a variety of administrative functions, such as attending meetings, hearings, workshops and seminars; prepares monthly and annual reports.

Assesses division employees’ performance in relation to planned achievements; makes corrective actions, or conducts research and provides recommendations to the Town Planner/Land Use Coordinator on how to improve efficiency and services offered by the division.

Maintains mandatory educational requirements for certifications.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Performs all other duties as required.

Supervises two to five (2 – 5) full-time equivalent employees. Supervisory activities include: establishing work procedures and performance standards; providing ongoing professional development and performance feedback, including conducting formal performance reviews; and assisting in the hiring and orientation of new employees all in accordance with Town policies.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in construction, architecture or similar discipline and advanced technical training; seven to ten years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design, and zoning interpretation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

• State certification as an Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner
• State certification as a Sealer of Weights and Measures
• Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license
• Maintain mandatory continuing educational requirements for continued licensure

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Thorough working knowledge of:

• materials, methods and equipment involved in building construction, state building code, electrical code, local zoning by‑laws, other applicable state statutes, rules and regulations and field inspection practices;
• accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe egress;
• zoning and other land use laws and by‑laws, including wetlands regulations;
• subdivision rules and regulations; and
• pen meeting and procurement laws.
• Town personnel and other policies and ability to accurately administer.

Ability To

• work independently;
• read and interpret technical information, architectural and engineering documents, including civil, traffic and landscaping specifications, site plans, and other drawings;
• read and interpret Massachusetts General Laws and regulations;
• enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially;
• anticipate and analyze problems, prepare reports, and formulate recommendations;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with local officials, members of the building community, consultants, engineers, and the general public; and
• mediate situations and explain by‑laws, codes, and regulations.

Written and oral communication skills; oral presentation skills. Excellent organizational skills. Supervisory skills. Knowledge of, and ability to accurately administer, Town personnel policies. Proficiency in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, finance, GIS and permit tracking software.

Tools or Equipment Used

Personal computer and general office equipment (e.g., telephone, copier, facsimile); non‑motorized tools and equipment (e.g., hand tools, ladder, tape measure); equipment associated with weights and measures tests at gas pumps and scales.

Physical Requirements

Work performed in the office requires minimal physical effort. Moderate physical effort is demanded in making inspections. While conducting field inspections, the employee is required to speak, hear, sit, stand, walk, use hands to operate equipment, climb or balance, reach with hands and arms, kneel, bend, stoop, crouch or crawl, and drive a motor vehicle. Agility is necessary to access all areas of construction sites. The employee may occasionally required to lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include color vision and the ability to read routine and complex documents for general understanding and analysis, analyze maps and blueprints, and assess work sites.

Work Environment

Some work is performed under typical office conditions; some work is performed in the field, with exposure to variable weather conditions, loud noise and the hazards associated with construction sites. The workload fluctuates according to construction activity. The employee may respond to emergency situations.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.