Assistant Director – Development

The City of Pearland, TX is seeking to hire a full-time Assistant Director - Development & Regulatory Services to improve aspects of the day-to-day operations of our Community Development division. Are you service-oriented? Could you excel in a fast-paced environments? If so, you may be perfect for this position

The Assistant Director - Development & Regulatory Services earns a competitive salary of $100,000.00 to 120,000.00 based on experience and qualifications. Additionally, the city pays all premiums for our employees' dental, long-term disability protection, and life insurance plus the majority portion of the medical premium for employees and their dependents. We also offer a retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 employer match, life insurance, disability, access to the city's recreation fitness center, employee assistance program, educational assistance, 11 paid holidays and 2 designated paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and an active wellness program focusing on physical, mental, and financial health.

ABOUT THE CITY OF PEARLAND

Pearland is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas due to affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods, and superb quality of life. Ranked as one of the top ten safest cities in Texas, Pearland residents know their families are safe and secure in the community and surrounding areas.

A successful candidate will have close proximity to Houston, just a short 20-minute drive to downtown, allows residents to experience all the city has to offer including professional sports, world-class cultural amenities, and recreation.

Employees of the City of Pearland use multi-directional communication and cross-functional teams to promote a greater understanding of the organization by employees at all levels. We have created a culture of continuous learning that encourages and supports employee development and growth. Our work environment is one where innovation is not only supported but encouraged.

General Description

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Health Services divisions within the Community Development Department. This position functions as the City's Building Official, providing professional expertise on the interpretation, adoption, and enforcement of building, health, and life safety codes. The Assistant Director ensures development in the City of Pearland complies with adopted codes, promotes public health and safety, and supports high-quality, sustainable growth, maintenance, and redevelopment of existing properties. The role requires strong technical and administrative leadership, including management of the City's third-party inspection services contract, ensuring accountability, quality control, and responsiveness to departmental needs. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with other departments to streamline the development process and deliver consistent, customer-focused service from project initiation to completion.

Essential Functions

• Provides daily leadership and direction to the Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Health Services divisions.
• Serves as the City's Building Official, overseeing the consistent interpretation, application, and enforcement of adopted construction, life safety, and health codes.
• Oversees the City's third-party inspection services contract, including contractor performance management, workload coordination, compliance review, and budget monitoring to ensure efficiency and accountability.
• Coordinates the adoption and amendment of International Code Council (ICC) codes, collaborating with the Fire Marshal's Office, legal staff, and advisory boards to prepare ordinances and policy recommendations for City Council.
• Coordinates all functions of the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Prepares and presents City Council agenda items, resolutions, and staff reports related to code adoption, enforcement, fee adjustments, and development process improvements.
• Reviews and approves complex commercial and multi-family building plans for compliance with building, fire, and accessibility codes.
• Provides expert technical guidance to design professionals, developers, contractors, and residents regarding plan review requirements, permitting, and construction standards.
• Collaborates closely with the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention team to coordinate plan review and inspection processes related to fire safety systems, hazardous materials, and emergency access.
• Oversees enforcement and education initiatives within the Code Enforcement and Health Services divisions, ensuring equitable and consistent application of City Ordinances.
• Manages division budgets, monitors expenditures, and ensures proper use of departmental resources in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develops, updates, and implements policies, standard operating procedures, and service delivery improvements to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Leads and mentors staff, promotes professional development, and fosters a collaborative, high-performing work culture.
• Coordinates cross-departmental communication to improve alignment between regulatory and development functions.
• Participates in long-range and short-range planning discussions to ensure that building standards, health and safety regulations, and urban design principles contribute to sustainable community growth.
• Understands and supports the importance of Planning Division functions, including land use planning, urban design, landscaping, and connectivity that shape the built environment.
• Represents the department at public meetings, development forums, and public events.
• Serves as an essential employee during emergency operations, including leading post-disaster damage assessments and permitting coordination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, and Fire Codes, and related standards.
• Familiarity with Fire Code provisions and coordination with fire prevention and life safety systems.
• Ability to interpret technical codes, resolve conflicts, and provide clear direction under complex conditions.
• Strong working knowledge of public health regulations, food establishment permitting, and environmental health programs.
• Proven skill in performing and reviewing complex commercial plan reviews and inspections.
• Knowledge of contract management and performance oversight for third-party inspection or plan review services.
• Experience preparing City Council agenda items, ordinances, and reports.
• Strong budget development and fiscal management abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in supervising professional and technical staff, promoting accountability and innovation.
• Broad understanding of the development process, including zoning, infrastructure, site design, and land use planning.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field required. - Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal regulations, including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role. - Experience managing third-party contracts or consulting relationships preferred. - Municipal government experience strongly preferred.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License required. - Certified Building Official (CBO) by the International Code Council required, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment. - Additional ICC certifications (Plans Examiner, Building Inspector, Combination Inspector, or related) preferred.

Other Preferred Certifications and Affiliations

Registered Sanitarian (R.S.) license through the Texas Department of State Health Services preferred or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.

Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) or higher-level certification through CEAT or AACE preferred.

Familiarity with continuing education programs and training offered through NEHA, TEHA, AACE, CEAT, and TEEX.

Fire Code or Fire Inspector certification desirable.

Organizational Fit

This position plays a key leadership role in the City of Pearland's Community Development Department, ensuring that construction, inspection, code enforcement, and health operations maintain the highest professional and ethical standards. The Assistant Director promotes collaboration between regulatory, planning, and emergency services divisions to create a safe, attractive, and resilient built environment. The position embodies the City's People First culture, balancing technical excellence, customer service, and community impact.

---