Part time Assistant Building Official Job Description

Stonington; Stonington (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Stonington is seeking a Part-Time Assistant Building Official to assist in administering and enforcing building codes, fire and health regulations, including inspections and plan reviews. The role requires independent judgment and the ability to interpret state codes and town ordinances.

The position involves issuing permits and occupancy certificates, coordinating with town departments, and providing technical guidance to architects and contractors.

Qualifications

• Graduation from college with major in civil/structural eng, architecture, construction science or related field.
• Six years of increasingly responsible construction experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge of state and national building codes and land use regulations.
• Ability to interpret complex plans, specifications and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Assist Building Official in management of new construction, alterations, and repairs per codes.
• Interpret provisions for architects, engineers, and the public; approve permits and certificates.
• Provide technical consultation to Town Boards; inspect work to ensure code compliance.
• Attend trainings and participate in professional organizations for updated codes.
• Investigate complaints and halt violations as needed.

Skills

Code interpretation

Permit review

Inspection procedures

Communication skills

Administrative judgment

Education

Civil/Structural Eng or related degree

Six years construction experience

Job description

April 2026

PART-TIME ASSISTANT BUILDING OFFICIAL

NATURE OF WORK: This is highly responsible position, involving complex, technical work in assisting the Building Official in administering and enforcing building and related codes. Work involves responsibility for planning, coordinating, and performing a comprehensive building advisory, inspection, and enforcement program which requires thorough knowledge of the State Building Codes and Statutes, town building ordinances, and regulations related to fire, safety and health including inspections of well systems. The position requires independent judgment and initiative.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Building Official, Assistant Building Official and general guidance of the Director of Land Use & Development and in accordance with prevailing codes, ordinances, policies, laws, rules, and regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists the Building Official in the management of all matters concerning new construction, and alterations, additions, and repairs to existing structures and buildings, including demolition and removals, and controls over use and occupancy.
• Confers with and interprets code provisions to architects, engineers, contractors, and members of the public. As part of process, attempts to resolve design, site, and construction differences. Approves permits. Issues certificates of use and occupancy.
• Participates in preliminary reviews and consultations with other town departments. Provides technical consultation and assistance to Town Boards and Commissions as assigned.
• Inspects construction work in progress to assure conformity with codes and regulations. Evaluates the results of various tests, such as soils and materials tests, to assure compliance with standards.
• Attends training programs, reads technical reports to keep informed on changes in codes and applicable laws and regulations. Participates in professional organizations to exchange technical and operational information.
• Investigates and resolves complaints. Takes necessary actions to halt violations.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Performs related work as required.

April 2026

• Promotes safe work practices.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with State and Federal officials, Town Officials, public officials, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners and their representatives, other departments and agencies, employees, and the general public.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Education, Experience & Training: The education, experience and training required would generally be acquired with Graduation from a college or university with major course work in civil or structural engineering, architecture, construction science, or related field; six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in the construction trades; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities. Knowledge, Skills & Ability:

• Thorough knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and general construction codes used in Connecticut. Thorough knowledge of building construction materials, and methods and stages of construction when possible violations and defects may be observed most advantageously, and corrected.
• Knowledge of engineering as applied to the design of reinforced concrete, steel, and similar structures.
• Skill in applying knowledge of State and national uniform building codes, and land use regulations.
• Ability to enforce regulations with firmness and tact. Ability to analyze and recommend possible changes in codes and ordinances, and to apply regulations uniformly.
• Ability to read and interpret complex plans, specifications, and blueprints.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both technical and lay audiences; the ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner, as well as the ability to follow oral and written instructions.

April 2026

• Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical order is required. Information provided orally must be accurately recorded.
• Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, colors, codes and/or symbols. Ability to use measuring equipment, tape measures, levels, laser levels, including electrical testing equipment. Ability to maintain accurate records and general reports. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and perform work independently; ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and the ability to make decisions and act quickly.
• An ability to work harmoniously, cooperatively and courteously with others at all times. Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations and an ability to adapt to varying work situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must hold a driver's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle. The employee is frequently required to speak; hear; sit; stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. Physical stamina and endurance is required. The employee must have the ability to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works predominantly in an office setting. Outdoor work is frequently required during the inspection of construction sites, various land use developments, and some emergency situations. When working outside, the employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, rain, snow, or airborne particles, any of which may cause marked bodily discomfort. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office, and moderate to loud in the field. The employee may work near moving mechanical parts, in precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee must have the ability to maintain his/her composure with the public and coworkers in everyday, stressful and emergency situations.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

April 2026

Possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Certification by the State of Connecticut as an Assistant Building Official in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 29-261 and 29-262 preferred; if not currently certified, must obtain certification within 6 months of hire date. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.