Chief Building Official

Role Overview

As the Chief Building Official, you will lead the daily operations of building permitting within the Community Development Department. You’ll serve as the City’s primary resource on building code matters
, working closely with property owners, contractors, architects, developers, staff, and elected officials to support community development and construction activity throughout Durango.

This position combines technical expertise, staff leadership, and customer service. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in building construction and code administration, experience supervising and guiding a team, the ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, and a commitment to providing fair, consistent, and professional service to the community.

The starting pay for this position is between $106,992 and $117,691 per year.

• Manage the City’s building permitting, plan review, inspection, and code compliance services.
• Supervise, coach, and support building inspection and permitting staff while managing daily operations and service delivery.
• Review building plans and inspect residential and commercial construction projects for compliance with adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, and related codes.
• Interpret and apply building regulations, provide technical guidance, and help resolve complex code questions.
• Work directly with property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and community members throughout the permitting and construction process.
• Respond to customer concerns and code compliance issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Recommend updates to policies, procedures, and building codes based on changing regulations and industry practices.
• Advise City leadership, boards, commissions, and City Council on building‑related matters.
• Assist with division budgeting, operational planning, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Issue stop‑work notices for non‑compliant or unpermitted construction and maintain related documentation.

• A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in structural engineering, architecture, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in the construction industry, including experience with building, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Three years of experience working as a code official for a municipality or other building code agency.
• International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) certificates are required.

• Communicate complex technical information in a clear and easy‑to‑understand manner.
• Balance customer service with consistent application of codes and regulations.
• Build positive working relationships with contractors, developers, community members, elected officials, and coworkers.
• Stay current on changes in building codes, regulations, and industry practices.
• Approach challenges with professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions‑focused mindset.
• Are comfortable splitting your time between office work, field inspections, meetings, and public interaction.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long‑term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well‑being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job‑related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non‑profit organizations.

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. All qualified applicants are given equal opportunity, and selection decisions are based on job‑related factors.