Building Official - Part-time

Job Summary

The Town of New Shoreham, Rhode Island, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Building Official. The purpose is to plan, organize, and conduct the building advisory, inspection and enforcement program to provide for the safe construction and occupancy of structures and for the protection of investments in real property. The Building Official administers the RI State Building Code and applicable ordinances, statutes and regulations and is authorized to adopt policies and procedures that clarify the application of Code provisions.

The work requires professional technical knowledge, independent judgment to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal law, and responsibility for maintaining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under their direction.

• Conduct periodic observations of ongoing or proposed building projects, safety and compliance issues. Meet in the field or office with contractors, property owners, town officials, developers, realtors and other parties to aid and/or advise.
• Accept and review building permit applications and advise applicants on the completeness of the applications.
• Advise applicants on alternative procedures, appeals, or other administrative remedies when proposed building use is not in compliance with ordinance standards.
• Perform and review off‑site building plan reviews, inspections, investigations, enforcement and administrative duties to assure residential, commercial and other properties comply with State Building Codes and other regulatory requirements. Confers with and explains code and regulation requirements to builders, architects, engineers, surveyors, tradespeople, realtors, appraisers, lawyers and the public.
• Supervise the building permit process, issue certificates of use, completion, and occupancy.
• Maintain a complete file of permits issued.
• Oversee and participate in the inspection of all construction work or alterations in progress to ensure compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes and standards.
• Make field inspections of fire or flood damaged and potentially hazardous buildings and structures; issue orders for unsafe conditions and take appropriate follow‑up action.
• Receive and investigate complaints of code violations; initiate regulatory or legal action as warranted.
• Authorize building demolition permits in accordance with the state demolition code.
• Maintain crucial data on building electrical, plumbing and mechanical construction, DEM, CRMC and FEMA flood maps, engineering data, and similar data.
• Ensure employees within their scope of supervision perform job functions in a diligent, safe and hazardous‑free environment.
• Consistent on‑site office presence and on‑time attendance are essential, including some evening and weekend meetings.
• Continue required training and professional development; stay current with trends.
• Assist other department and town staff as needed to promote a team effort to serve the public.
• Perform similar or related work as required, directed, or as situations dictate.

Must possess thorough knowledge of building materials, modern methods of building construction, and all building codes and pertinent ordinances and regulations. Should have a working knowledge of appropriate computer applications; the ability to read and interpret site plans, drawings and specifications; and to perform technical research, calculations and analysis related to building specifications. The role requires good verbal and written communication skills, aptitude for working with technical materials and drawings, and ability to explain laws and regulations clearly, firmly and courteously.

Skill in using building trades and public tools, techniques for enforcing codes, and taking corrective action is required. High ethical standards are essential.

This position must be able to physically access all areas and levels of a construction site, building or structure.

All applicants must possess at the time of appointment a Rhode Island Building Official certification or certification as an eligible Rhode Island Building Official. If the applicant is an eligible Rhode Island Building Official but not currently certified, they must be capable of becoming a certified Rhode Island Building Official within three (3) months of the appointment date. A valid Rhode Island driver’s license must be maintained.

Hours:

Up to 20 hours per week; part‑time candidates considered; may be filled by multiple qualified applicants.

Rate:
Subject to experience and qualifications.

Classification:
Non‑union, exempt.

Please contact the Town Manager at aland or  for further information or to submit resume and cover letter. Applications are available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). EOE