Building Official Full Time

Under general direction from the Planning, Building and Development Director, the Building Official is responsible for managing the Building Division within the City government. The Building Official supervises and directs the operational and personnel activities related to compliance with building codes and rental housing regulations within the City and responds to related inquiries from the building community and general public. The Building Official must maintain the highest ethical standard and exercise considerable independent judgment in carrying out job responsibilities.

• Administers, interprets, and enforces adopted building codes and ordinances pertaining to the construction and remodeling of the built environment within the city.
• Administers the declaration of unsafe buildings or otherwise buildings not in compliance with applicable building code and rental housing regulations.
• Administers policies and procedures for the Building Division.
• Administers the Board of Appeals.
• Administers the plan review process to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and ordinances prior to permit issuance.
• Administers inspections to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and ordinances prior to permit issuance.
• Administers contractor licensing regulations.
• Administers maintenance of all records related to the Building Division.
• Assists the building community and general public regarding technical code inquiries.
• Assists in writing ordinances and policies related to building code and rental housing regulations.
• Prepares and enforces such rules and regulations as required by legislative authority for the proper exercise of the Building Divisions’ responsibilities.
• May represent the City during legal proceedings as a technical expert.
• Assists in the development of and monitors the budget for the Building Division.
• Supervises Building Inspectors and directs work of Planning Technician/Code Compliance Professional and Permit Technician/Administrative Assistant as it relates to the duties of the Building Division.
• Develops reports, prepares studies, and makes recommendations to the Planning, Building and Development Director.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree in a field related to building construction practices.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a building inspector within a governmental agency, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and abilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international, state, and local building codes, zoning ordinances, and construction regulations.
• Strong ability to interpret, apply, and enforce complex codes with consistency and accuracy.
• Solid understanding of modern construction methods, materials, and techniques.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage conflict and interact professionally in potentially adversarial situations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work of inspection staff.
• Ability to develop efficient departmental structure by establishing workflows, procedures, and performance standards, and train inspectors to ensure consistent, high-quality operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Proficient in computer systems, including permitting and plan review software.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid State of Iowa Driver’s License required.
• Must possess and maintain ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1), Commercial Building Inspector (B2), and Building Plans Examiner (B3) certifications.
• Experience in commercial plan review and inspection and knowledge in electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes.
• Candidates with additional ICC certifications are encouraged to apply.

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, rough and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Fine coordination is used when the incumbent is measuring designated areas for proper conformance. The position also requires dexterity and balance in the use of ladders and climbing up to roofs, walking on roofs, scaffolding, ceiling and floor joists and crawling under houses along with the necessity of near and far vision when comparing onsite construction conformance with the approved plans. The need to lift, push or move barriers weighing greater than 25 pounds when doing field inspection is required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb unusual heights on ladders, have close proximity to unguarded electrical power, noise and vibration producing tools/equipment as well as close proximity to moving vehicles and heavy equipment which may subject the employee to falling mechanical, electrical, traffic and other hazards.

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