Assistant Building Commissioner; Exempt

Job Summary

The Assistant Building Commissioner is responsible for enforcing compliance with City codes and ordinances pertaining to all new construction and existing housing, including electrical systems, plumbing and mechanical systems, and occupancy to ensure the safety of the built environment, when the Building Commissioner is unavailable. Coordinates with representatives from the development and construction industry to ensure a fair and reasonable construction review process;

handles citizen complaints;
Interprets building codes and issues permits for building construction and demolition, inspects building construction, including the most complex and time‑sensitive commercial building projects for compliance with applicable codes, as needed. Reviews plans for compliance with building codes and zoning ordinances, as needed.

The Assistant Building Commissioner reports to the Director of Health, Housing and Building and works closely with the Building Commissioner. The Assistant Building Commissioner provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Health, Housing and Building. Work requires considerable judgment and interpretation on Building codes and city ordinances.

• Assists in coordination of the day‑to‑day activity of both the Inspection and Code Compliance within the city.
• Inspects new and existing construction in residences, businesses, and other buildings for conformance with safety standards, laws, and codes; orders corrective action and conducts follow up inspections, when the Building Commissioner is unavailable.
• Determines whether work requires permits.
• Investigates complaints regarding construction done without permits and zoning violations through both observation and speaking with the public.
• Reviews building plans for compliance with state, national and municipal building construction codes;
  City zoning ordinances, and pertinent laws, and advises relevant parties regarding compliance needs when the Building Commissioner is unavailable.

• Coordinates and assists in inspections with other Community Development and City inspectors.
• Confers with and attends meetings with building owners, architects, engineers, developers, and contractors concerning code interpretations, violations, construction mitigation plans, complex technical issues, and inspection and permit requirements, as needed.
• Determines when structures are unsafe, unfit for human occupancy or unlawful, and ensures the property is placarded appropriately, as needed.
• May require a property to be boarded, demolished, or have the utilities disconnected when a structure is determined to be deteriorated, dilapidated, unsafe or beyond repair.
• Answers inquiries from the public on building code and permit requirements when the Building Commissioner is unavailable.
• Assists staff in preparing cases for court; appears in court as required, or if court ordered compliance and fines are necessary.
• Reviews established procedures and policies for the Division and recommends and requests changes to the Director.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Assists with Mobile Home Park Inspections.

Organize and prioritize workload for self and subordinates, including ensuring subordinates understand their duties and delegated tasks.

Learn and use new software programs, such as permitting software and geographic information systems.

Read and understand building plans and specifications.

Prepare technical reports and present recommendations orally and in writing.

Detect possible defects and faults at stages in building construction where these are most readily ascertained and remedied.

Deal effectively with the public, contractors, architects, engineers, other City personnel, and government agencies regarding enforcement of building construction codes and ordinances.

Analyze alternative means of compliance presented by relevant parties.

Act as a liaison between diverse interests in difficult situations.

Monitor subordinate productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching.

Work with confidential information.

Execute job responsibilities in a timely manner according to department policy.

Safely operate City vehicles and equipment.

Licenses, Certifications and Memberships Required - all certifications and licenses are required to be current and maintained.

Work requires the ability to write memorandums, letters, reports, correction notices, standard operating procedures, notices to comply, agendas, meeting notes, and emails.

Competency in department used computer programs.

Must have regular attendance (business necessity).

Graduation from a general or technical high school or equivalent.

Possess valid driver’s license.

Successful completion of background and drug testing.