Chief Building Official

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis;

answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative, and technical work.

• Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
• Conduct commercial plan reviews; communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
• Administer the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Supervise and manage division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
• Oversee inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for changes in the Town’s ordinances related to building inspection and permitting.
• Interpret building codes and regulations.
• Meet with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
• Receive and respond to public inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding office and Department programs and projects; attend neighborhood community meetings and events related to building safety programs and services.
• Attend training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
• Receive, review, and approve construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
• Ensure timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and various other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc.
• Interact and communicate with immediate supervisor, other Town employees, various outside professionals and agencies, and the general public.
• Direct and lead inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and ten (10) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licenses or
  
  Certifications:
  
  Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU’s as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official. Must have all 8 ICC Certifications to be fully certified in both Commercial and Residential Inspections, and the ability to obtain the Building Official Certification within 12 months of hire.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards;
  Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances;
  Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC);
  Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department;
  Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public;
  Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing;
  Skill in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for strict code compliance;
  Skill in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences;
  Ability to establish and maintain productive, professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public;
  Ability to maintain high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners;
  Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and…