Chief Building​/Construct Inspector- Construction

CHIEF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

Department of Buildings - Bureau of New Construction (Technical Inspections)

Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Annual Starting Salary: $107,136

These positions are open to the general public and to all current city employees covered under the terms of the City's collective bargaining agreement with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters-Inspectors (Carpenters Local 13) - (Bargaining Unit #44).

Only employees in the City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Under direction, manages a work unit responsible for coordinating and overseeing inspections of new construction and renovation projects to ensure compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes and all applicable municipal regulations.

Directs inspection activities related to building permits, construction-related complaints, and Certificates of Occupancy. Evaluates structural integrity, life-safety conditions, and construction compliance issues to determine when conditions may constitute an actual or imminent danger to the public, occupants, or first responders. Ensures enforcement actions, inspection findings, and operational decisions are consistent with established code requirements and departmental authority. Performs related duties as required.

• Supervises a team of 17 Building Construction Inspectors responsible for conducting inspections of new construction, rehabilitation, and renovation projects involving residential buildings, commercial properties, high‑rise structures, restaurants, tenant buildouts, and mixed‑use developments.
• Oversee the review and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for large‑scale, complex new construction projects and substantial renovation developments to ensure compliance with approved plans, code requirements, and occupancy standards.
• Prioritizes, schedules, and assigns rough and final permit inspections, including footing, foundation, concrete slab, under‑floor, framing, and related structural inspections associated with new construction and renovation projects.
• Coordinates and assigns inspections related to building permits, renovations, and express permits to verify compliance with approved architectural plans, permitted use, and applicable construction code provisions.
• Manages all permit‑related inspection activities associated with Certificate of Occupancy projects, ensuring inspections are completed efficiently, accurately, and within established timelines.
• Monitors inspection workloads, staffing levels, and operational demands, adjusting schedules and assignments as necessary to address emergency construction issues, resource constraints, and public safety concerns.
• Serves as the primary point of coordination between Department bureaus, the Chicago Fire Department, design professionals, contractors, and Department leadership to resolve operational issues, scheduling conflicts, and compliance matters related to construction inspections and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
• Reviews inspection findings and enforcement recommendations involving potentially hazardous or unsafe construction conditions and directs appropriate corrective or enforcement actions consistent with departmental authority and public safety objectives.
• Interprets and applies provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes, departmental policies, and applicable regulations to support consistent inspection practices and enforcement operations.
• May testify at Circuit Court or other legal matters as an expert witness regarding construction practices, inspection findings, and applicable provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes.

Additional duties may be required for this position.

Location:

2045 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60612

Shift: Monday‑Friday (Shift may vary due to the needs of the operation)

Hours:

7:00 am‑3:30 pm

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

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE.

• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered…