Assistant Building Official

Position: ASSISTANT BUILDING OFFICIAL
Position is open until Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is responsible code enforcement and inspection work involving the review of site and construction plans for new residential, commercial, industrial and municipal buildings and the examination of buildings in the process of construction, renovation or repair to assure conformance with applicable government building codes, standards and construction specifications.

Work involves responsibility for the protection of the public against potentially dangerous conditions resulting from the use of faulty materials or poor workmanship during the construction, renovation or repair of new and existing building structures. Duties include reviewing building plans for code compliance, issuing permits, conducting field inspections of new and renovated or repaired structures, investigating and resolving complaints of building and property maintenance code violations and taking appropriate enforcement measures to protect the public health and to ensure minimum safety standards and welfare of occupants of structures in the City of Norwich.

This position also has the responsibility for making difficult inspection decisions, especially as they relate to older structures which may be candidates for condemnation and demolition. This work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in the inspection of building structures and in the interpretation of codes, ordinances and standards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of the Building Official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Building Official when designated by the Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Reviews construction plans for new building construction for conformance with codes and regulations. Identifies deficiencies to be corrected by engineers, architects, contractors and homeowners and notifies them of such.

* Inspects buildings in the process of construction, renovation or repairs for compliance with building requirements and approved plans. Directs correction of construction deficiencies in the field and documents approved changes or issues stop work orders for non-compliant work. Determines if complaints about the structural soundness of buildings are valid. Evaluates existing structures and condemns unsafe structures that are not fit for habitation.

Recommends evacuation or demolition accordingly.

* Attends meetings and joint inspections with members of the Police, Fire, Zoning, Public Utility and Health Departments. Attends other meetings as directed by Supervisor. Keep records and log of daily activity.

* Attend seminars and other training meetings as required to keep building official license valid.

* Reviews, researches and investigates complaints concerning alleged violations of building and property maintenances codes as received from the Fire Department, Police Department, Health Department, Norwich Public Utilities and tenants. Notifies responsible parties of effects and issues written or oral instructions for corrections. Conducts follow-up inspection to monitor compliance.

* Performs office duties including:
Responds to telephone inquiries regarding building and property maintenance cods, issues permits and prepares violation notices. Performs various front desk duties such as receiving permit applications and supporting documentation, receives complaints and answers questions related to codes and ordinances.

* Collaborates with Health, Public Utilities, Fire Departments, and other State and local agencies when their particular expertise is required during inspections.

* Keeps records and writes reports of inspections performed, actions taken and corrections recommended and secured.

* Acts as the Building Official in the absence of that individual.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

* Thorough knowledge of the provisions of governmental codes pertaining to building construction and property maintenance.

* Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques of building construction at the journey…