Chief Building Official: (Full-Time)

The deadline to apply for this position is January 6, 2025 at 10 AM CST.

$65,203 - $94,544 DOQ

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Building Official manages and coordinates activities of the Building Inspection Division.  Supervises and provides technical guidance to Building Inspectors and the Permit Technician.  Schedules, monitors and supports inspection workload.  Must be highly familiar with building construction systems including structural, mechanical, plumbing, gas, electrical and fire protection.  Responsible for final decisions regarding plan review.  Ensures the Building Division provides exceptional customer service to the public regarding building division functions. Responsible for overseeing code enforcement duties related to construction activities. This position serves as the ADA Coordinator II for the City.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Meets with builders, developers, property owners and citizens regarding building regulations and requirements for proposed construction projects. Provides information, answers inquiries and prepares written hand-out material.  Communicates in person and over the telephone regarding the resolution of problems related to permitting of inspection activities.
• Provides exceptional customer service to the public regarding building division activities and functions.
• Serves as the chief plan review officer for the division. Reviews construction plans and specification for compliance with applicable building codes – international (building, plumbing, gas mechanical and fire prevention codes), (one and two family dwelling codes), NEC (electrical and life safety codes) and ADA/TAS (Texas Accessibility Standards).  Makes final decision regarding matters of code interpretation.  Reviews needed plan revisions with applicants and ensures that plans are revised prior to issuance of permits.
• Supervises building inspection and permit intake staff. Coordinates the scheduling of inspection activities and assigns duties to staff. 
• Conducts inspections.
• Provides staff support for construction aspects to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Prepares staff report, advises Boards regarding technical matters, and coordinates with applicants seeking to be placed on the Board’s agenda.
• Administers the Sign Ordinance and provides staff support to Design Standards Review Task Force, prepares staff report, advises Task Force regarding technical matters, and coordinates with applicants seeking to be placed on the Board’s agenda.
• Responsible for the enforcement of the Substandard Structure ordinance, advising Board on technical matters, issuing warnings, posting notices, preparing letter notifications, and presenting staff report.
• Ensures contractor licensing including both local licensing and state licensing requirements.
• Researches problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance. Resolves complex and sensitive building and customer service issues.
• Coordinates interdepartmental plan review process.
• Working with City Administration, develops and administers an online permitting module.
• Analyzes and provides reporting on Building Inspection Division metrics.
• Attends court proceedings as required.
• Member of Leadership Team; advises on building related issues, consults on city-wide decision making and assists on other leadership activities.

ADA Coordinator II.

• Works closely with the ADA Coordinator I for the City to develop and post an ADA accessibility policy.
• Works closely with the ADA Coordinator I for the City to complete an annual self-evaluation of all public facilities and applicable programs serving as the technical, facility and physical requirement expert.
• Works with the ADA Coordinator I to develop a transition plan, if applicable.
• Works closely with the ADA Coordinator I to develop a complaints and public input/request Procedure.
• Works closely with the ADA Coordinator I to review and monitor compliance.
• Reviews the physical ADA accessibility issues related to city programs and facilities.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides support for Planning Department related to fielding and answering zoning and subdivision questions.
• Alternate (Secondary) Flood Plain Administrator to provide backup to Public Works Director.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FISCAL BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for adhering to all City of South Padre Island Purchasing Policies while performing purchasing tasks.
• Prepares and manages budget for Building Inspection Division.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with coursework in architecture, engineering, construction, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Seven (7) years of related work experience in building contractor or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, equivalency to be determined by the City.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Must have Plumbing Inspector’s License (or able to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Certification by the Council of American Building Officials (CABO), Master Electrician License or Certification as an Electrical Inspector is preferred.
• Licensed as a Code Enforcement Officer or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• A valid state driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

• Bilingual: Spanish and English preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively handle stressful situations in a calm, tactful manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with sensitive matters appropriately.
• Knowledge of state and local laws regarding licensing requirements for architects and engineers.
• Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of building related codes, including residential and commercial building construction, International Building, Residential, Energy, Plumbing, National Electric Code, and City of SPI Ordinances.
• Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local rules and regulations.
• Ability to develop, plan and monitor programs requiring accurate and efficient handling of details.
• Knowledge and the ability to interpret the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, printer, copier, telephone, two-way radio, calculator, measuring devices, small tools, meters, gauges, ladder, vehicle.

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.  Work is performed mostly in office settings.  Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field. While performing outdoor work employee may be exposed to dusty conditions.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and precipitation; unsound structures; and construction hazards such as debris, dust and fumes. Work is performed in an air-conditioned office setting and outdoors.  While performing the duties of this job the employee often works in outside weather conditions. Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites.   The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places, and is often exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.