Building Official

POSITION SUMMARY: The Building Director, Building Official, or Building Official in Training serves within Community Development (CD) - and generally acts as the City's key representative for building matters. At its highest level, the position oversees the administration and enforcement of the structural, mechanical, plumbing, and specialty codes, including fire and life safety. The individual hired works with and advises numerous internal and external stakeholders, the Planning Director, department staff, and Department Heads as needed.

This description covers the most significant essential and auxiliary duties performed but does not include occasional work that may be similar, related to, or logically assigned to the position.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Building Official
Department: Comm. Development
Pay Grade Level: Varies (G45 - E51)
Pay Type: Salary
Job Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt / Non-Exempt
Supervision: CD Director
Represented: SEA or Non-Rep.
Work Schedule: Works five (5) days a week, generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to the nature of the position, hours may be subject to variability that includes evening and weekend work. Attending City Council meetings and other meetings outside regular business hours is also required occasionally.

POSITION SUMMARY The Building Director, Building Official, or Building Official in Training serves within Community Development (CD) - and generally acts as the City's key representative for building matters. At its highest level, the position oversees the administration and enforcement of the structural, mechanical, plumbing, and specialty codes, including fire and life safety. The individual hired works with and advises numerous internal and external stakeholders, the Planning Director, department staff, and Department Heads as needed.

This description covers the most significant essential and auxiliary duties performed but does not include occasional work that may be similar, related to, or logically assigned to the position.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Though duties may vary significantly with the various events and needs of the office schedule, general responsibilities are as follows:

• Plan and supervise the city's building inspection program, including permit issuance, plan review, and code enforcement:
  • Coordinate plan review and inspections.
  • Coordinate permit issuance and assessments to facilitate compliance with other related codes (e.g., zoning, substandard, and dangerous building code ordinances).
  • Perform plumbing, mechanical, and structural inspections within their State of Oregon-issued certifications (residential and commercial).
  • Depending on the level of accreditation and background, the individual hired may serve as Building Official.
• Review building construction plans and the related submittals for compliance with applicable codes:
  • Lists and notes corrections, as necessary.
  • Writes letters noting deficiencies found during the review process. Coordinates planning, fire, and public works requirements within plan review letters.
  • Assists the public and design professionals with the application process and helps provide knowledge of the minimum requirements for submittals.
  • Provide code interpretations.
  • Assist with difficult or complex plan review or inspection issues.
  • Make decisions and provide policy direction to staff in applying and administrating structural, mechanical, and plumbing codes.

• Meet with contractors and the public to discuss code interpretation issues, resolve conflicts or disputes related to code application, and provide technical assistance and advice on code compliance:
  • Perform on-site inspections of buildings and construction projects for compliance with the State's building codes.
  • Reviews alternate methods of construction to meet the intent of the building codes.
  • Investigate complaints and write code compliance letters.
• Initiates investigation of alleged building code violations:
  • Post correction notices and stop work orders.
  • Document code violations; recommend appropriate legal or other remedial actions.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ideal Requirements:
• 4-years' experience serving as an inspector.
• Oregon A-level structural and residential inspector certifications.
• Oregon A-level mechanical and residential inspector certifications.
• Oregon residential plumbing inspector certification.
• Manufactured dwelling inspector certification.
• Ability to obtain the State of Oregon building official certificate within 1-year.
• Minimum of two to five (2-5) years' experience in a municipal or county environment, preferably in a building, planning department, or community development sector.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Oregon driver's license within thirty (30) days from the hire date. Must have a safe driving record.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial construction industry; construction methods; Oregon Specialty Codes (structural, mechanical, plumbing, manufactured dwelling, and fire codes and their applicable administrative rules.
• Current trends and developments in the building construction industry.
• Ability to research, compile information, conduct analyses, and compose comprehensive and detailed administrative reports and letters.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing complex ideas and information to various audiences in a clear, understandable, compelling, and professional manner, including public speaking and planning, facilitating and leading public meetings.
• Desirable Requirements:
• Associate degree in Building Inspection Technology or related field.
• A-level plumbing inspection certification.
• Building Official certification.
• Fire Inspector certification
• Minimum of four (4) years of public sector management or supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to lead a project team and manage projects from concept to product delivery.
• Skill or ability to:
• Read, interpret, and apply construction codes and related regulations.
• Convey information, ideas, and facts orally and in writing to supervisors, colleagues, and individuals using language and format the audience will best understand.
• Utilize computers and other technology to communicate in written and verbal forms (e.g., word processing, texts, emails, spreadsheets, department-specific software).
• Effectively relate well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the county. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and maintaining constructive working relationships.
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Show up to work on time and follow instructions, policies, and procedures. Meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Considerable skill in applying computerized and non-computerized analytical methods and techniques utilizing information and data.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive, harmonious relationships with community groups, officials, other City departments, and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Generally, the incumbent works within a standard office environment and conducts site inspections in various settings with variable noise levels. Significant contact with the public includes but is not limited to employee interaction with property owners, prospective purchasers, realtors, contractors, business owners, developers, engineers, city staff, commissions, council, and other state and county agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Good vision and hearing. Candidates must be able to follow oral and written instructions and maintain accuracy within time deadlines.
• Position requires sitting (with breaks), standing, bending, lifting, stooping, walking, climbing stairs & ladders occasionally, and driving an automobile.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to read, stand, sit, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls.
• The position requires mobility.
• Duties involve regularly moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds, such as files, books, office equipment, etc.
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required during the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, typewriter, calculator, and other standard office equipment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Depending on the experience and training required, the position will be classified at Range 45 (non-exempt) or as high as Range 51 (exempt). Regardless of range (DEQ), the position includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other fringe benefits.

Applicants should submit a complete job application, cover letter, and resume to be considered.

The statements contained herein reflect typical details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Individuals must be able to perform the job's essential functions in all areas of the city, and outside the city in an emergency, in the absence of a supervisor and without assistance, or until help can respond to the location.

Last Updated: 09/13/2023