Chief Building Official

Executive Level Professional Position

This is an executive, level professional position. The incumbent serves as Department Head and performs complex administrative and technical work to implement and enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Property Maintenance Code, unsafe building program, weed overgrowth program and related laws and ordinances. Does related work as required. The Chief Building Official reports to the Senior Director of Community Development and directly supervises the Assistant Chief Building Official, Plans Examiner and the Customer Service Manager and has indirect supervisory responsibility for all employees in the Department.

Essential functions include:

• Planning and directing the activities to enforce the building code, property maintenance code, unsafe building program and weed overgrowth program and related laws and ordinances.
• Supervising building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical plan review and inspection activities with responsibility for enforcing the laws, ordinances and codes relating to the construction and maintenance of buildings within the County.
• Interpreting the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the issuing of modifications to the Code when warranted.
• Managing the administration and development of policies, procedures and budget.
• Meeting with architects, engineers, contractors and citizens on matters concerning the built environment and other related matters.
• Receiving and responding to inquiries and complaints regarding construction-related matters.
• Preparing a variety of reports and correspondence on departmental activities.
• Coordinating the functions of the department with other County departments and agencies and other units of government.
• Providing oversight of the department safety program.
• Representing the department in court proceedings.
• Providing technical assistance as needed to County Administration, members of the Board of Supervisors and County staff.
• Providing for emergency response for the assessments of damaged buildings and structures.
• Overall responsibility for tracking building permits for all departments.

Working conditions include potential danger around construction sites, office and field environments, and physical effort such as driving, walking, crawling, and climbing. Exempt from compensatory leave accrual.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include comprehensive knowledge of modern building construction practices, building construction engineering and fire protection engineering principles, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and related laws and ordinances, ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships, negotiation and enforcement skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite products and other web based applications.

Education, experience and training include a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related field with at least ten years of progressively responsible related experience, three of which must have been in a managerial position – OR – any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Special conditions include a criminal records check, a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License, completion of State orientation course for building officials within ninety days of employment, a twelve-month probationary period, certification in accordance with the "Virginia Certification Standards" required within one year of employment, and work beyond normal work schedule, including callbacks.