Listing Summary

Job Title: Building Official 

Reports to: Assistant City Manager – Public Works
Department: Public Works
Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flexible scheduling is available. May be required to work occasional weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergency call-ins.
Salary Range: $71,365 – 116,938 Annually DOQ (Exempt)

 

Purpose of Work:

The purpose of this position is to engage in and support the mission of the Decatur Public Works Department through strategic planning, creative problem solving, decision-making, and responsible stewardship of City resources. This position will plan, manage, and oversee development work and the permitting process across the City and be responsible for shaping, supervising, administering, interpreting and enforcing City codes and ordinances including the building code, plumbing code, heating and air conditioning code, zoning ordinance, and care of premises ordinance. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have a passion for architecture and innovative urban design with the ability to provide policy guidance, alternatives to improve projects and contribute to programs aimed at raising the community’s awareness of, interest in, and support of excellence as defined in the City’s Strategic Plan, Clean Energy Plan, Storm Water Master Plan and ongoing Downtown Master Plan. 

 

Specific Job Duties:

• Collaborative, self-starter with a growth mindset and the ability to supervise, inspect and evaluate work designed and implemented by contractors, engineers, and architects on City, utility, and private construction projects; ensure that work meets goal, plans and specifications and complies with local, state and federal requirements; communicates with contractors regarding construction problems; makes amendments to construction plans and specifications when necessary; issues direction and warnings as needed.
• Manages Public Works’ Work Plan projects to meet schedule and budget requirements and proactively communicates questions, concerns and project status updates in cooperation with a synergistic, fun team.
• Teaches and trains staff and customers on building codes, architectural principals, and urban design concepts.
• Provides architectural field observations on planning concepts and developments. 
• Assists in the administration of City ordinances, codes, standards and best practices relating to plan review and urban planning.
• Compiles and prepares various memoranda, reports, and records; composes letters and other correspondence as needed.
• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities including enforcement, interpretation, and implementation of the County's building codes, customer service at the permitting office, application intake, plan review, issuance of building permits, building inspections, and code enforcement.
• Reviews building plans and conduct inspections.
• Discusses and/or meets with applicants and residents about development proposals. 
• Discusses building code requirements with staff, applicants, and the general public.  Topics may include structural design criteria, fire and life safety, sanitation in plumbing, cooling and heating in HVAC design, gas pipe and equipment installation standards, accessibility requirements, energy conservation, water conservation, electrical wiring. 
• Propose building code revisions and review code revision proposals by others.
• Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures and works with the Team in support of customer service.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for building inspection staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Performs related duties as is needed to support the Team.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or related field from an accredited college or university. 
• Possess a Certified Building Official (CBO) certification or have the ability to obtain the certification within two years. 
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Class C) with a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR).  
• A working knowledge of the following subject matter:

a)         Structural design criteria,

b)         Fire and life safety in architectural design,

c)         Sanitation standards in plumbing design,

d)         Building materials and construction methods and practices including current best practices in high performance (green) building methods and ordinances,

e)         City codes and ordinances including a basic understanding of zoning,

f)          Cooling and heating standards in HVAC design,

g)         Gas pipe and equipment installation standards,

h)         Accessibility standards,

i)          Energy conservation for architectural design including high performance green innovations, and 

j)          Electrical wiring standards.

• Possess a working understanding of ethical standards for local government and building department administration.
• Possess a moderate to superior ability to use permit software and other computer applications.  
• Ability to interpret and enforce codes and ordinances that apply to building construction activities in the city and ensures that those codes and ordinances are administered effectively, consistently, and fairly. 
• Ability to inspect and or supervise inspections of structural, plumbing, and mechanical aspects of commercial and residential construction projects; inspects or supervises inspection of all types of existing buildings for building and life safety code compliance; and notifies property owners of building and housing code violations.
• Ability to review development and construction plans for compliance with city codes and authorizes the issuance of building permits for plans which are in compliance.
• Ability to issue citations, stop-work orders, and warnings when violations are not corrected.  Prepares documentary evidence and testimony to prosecute property owners in court when necessary.
• Ability to assist the code compliance officer for matters that pertain to structural code compliance deficiencies as delegated by the director. 
• Ability to review business license applications and issue business licenses. 
• Ability to authorize the issuance of certificates of occupancy for buildings which have been constructed in accordance with all appropriate city codes and ordinances.

 

Core Qualifications

• Ability to prepare regular reports on the activities of the building section of the division including permits and violations, maintains hard copy files, and maintains electronic files on inspection related activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, developers, county agencies, businesses, city officials, employees, and the public.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment where administrative staff, building professionals, engineers, inspectors, planners, and arborist work.
• Demonstrate the ability to strong human relations skills, conflict management, and proven staff management experience.  
• Ability to deal with constant interruptions, noise, and meet with others on a regular basis.
• Possess the ability and willingness to report to work on a last-minute basis and or during off-hours – as needed - to address emergencies related to the work of the building official. 

 

Physical Requirements

• Have the ability to lift and carry heavy objects (10-50 lbs.), sit, bend, squat and twist on a daily basis.
• Must be able to physically operate city vehicle.

 

Other information

This job description includes the major duties and responsibilities of the job and is not to be construed as all-inclusive. The duties listed here 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 is a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.