Chief Building​/Construct Inspector

CHIEF BUILDING/CONSTRUCT INSPECTOR

Job Number: 416548

Location: 2045 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60612

Shift: Monday‑Friday, 7:00 am‑3:30 pm (may vary due to operational needs)

Must be willing and able to climb ladders and stairs, enter and work in buildings that are in an extreme state of disrepair, in all weather conditions and neighborhoods throughout the City.

• Under direction, manage a work unit responsible for directing and coordinating inspections of buildings exhibiting structural instability, severe deterioration, fire damage, or other hazardous conditions that may warrant emergency demolition or enforcement action.
• Oversee the assessment of structural integrity and life‑safety risks to determine when conditions constitute an actual and imminent danger to the public or first responders.
• Ensure all findings, determinations, and actions are consistent with the Chicago Construction Codes and applicable enforcement authority.
• Supervise a team of 12 Building Construction Inspectors responsible for conducting inspections of vacant and distressed properties damaged by fire, deterioration, unpermitted work, or exhibiting structural failure that poses an imminent hazard.
• Establish priorities and direct the scheduling and assignment of inspections, including pre‑demolition and post‑demolition inspections for complex demolition projects; court‑ordered inspections and re‑inspections; 311 service requests; and emergency response inspections.
• Coordinate and conduct meetings with staff, contractors, and stakeholders on large and complex demolition projects to ensure full compliance with applicable code requirements and safety protocols.
• Evaluate inspection complexity and align staff expertise accordingly to ensure effective resource allocation and operational efficiency.
• Manage the Department’s emergency demolition operations involving buildings or structures that present an actual and imminent danger to public safety.
• Administer the emergency procurement process for demolition services on a 24‑hour, 7‑day basis, including solicitation of bids via phone, fax, or email, pursuant to the Commissioner’s authority under Section 14A‑3‑31.1 of the Chicago Construction Codes.
• Additional duties may be required.

• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered building trade apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, plus four (4) years of journey‑level experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
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• Eight (8) years of journey‑level experience in skilled building construction or building inspection work experience, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
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• Successful completion of an industry or company‑sponsored apprenticeship training program in building trade and have journeyman status, plus six (6) years of journey‑level experience in skilled building construction or building inspections work, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
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• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in Construction Management or Building Inspections, plus six (6) years of experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
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• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s in Architecture, Construction Management, or Construction‑related Engineering, plus four (4) years of work experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
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• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in Architecture, Construction Management, or Construction‑related Engineering, plus three (3) years of work experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
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