Building Official Job Winnemucca area,Nevada USA,Government

Building Official

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, directs and supervises activities of the Building and Safety Department for Humboldt County; interprets building codes, rules and regulations; inspects construction for building code compliance; investigates building code violations; issues citations; and performs other work as required. This is a single position, department head classification responsible for the overall management of the Humboldt County Building and Safety Department and for supervision of its staff and management of its resources consistent with the administrative direction of the County Manager and the policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners.

An employee in this class is an "at-will" employee serving at the pleasure of the County.

The Building Official is a senior-level management position responsible for the comprehensive oversight and administration of the building department, with authority extending across all phases of the development and permitting process. This role is distinguished by its multifaceted responsibilities, combining technical expertise in plan review and inspections with administrative oversight, code enforcement authority, and policy development.

Unlike lower-level inspectors or plan reviewers, the Building Official exercises independent judgment in interpreting and enforcing a broad range of local, state, and federal codes, including building, fire and floodplain regulations. The position also serves as the community's designated Floodplain Administrator and may act as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in matters involving the fire code.

The Building Official plays a critical leadership role in shaping and implementing departmental policies, developing and managing budgets, and ensuring operational efficiency and code compliance across all construction and development activities within the jurisdiction. This position requires strong communication skills, technical competency, and the ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, staff, developers, and the public.

Examples of Duties

Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions.

Writes, updates, and recommends revisions to county ordinances related to building, fire, property maintenance, code enforcement and floodplain management; works with legal counsel, planning staff, and elected officials to ensure ordinances are clear, enforceable, and up to date with local, state and federal regulations.

Provides technical assistance and guidance to property owners, developers, contractors, and the public; explains codes, processes, and requirements in a clear and professional manner.

Provides leadership, training, and oversight to department staff, including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and permit technicians; conducts performance evaluations and coordinates professional development.

Prepares and administers the department's annual budget; monitors expenditure, identifies resource needs, ensures fiscal responsibility and efficiency in departmental operations and develops and recommends fee structures for department services.

Reviews, inspects and approves sewage disposal systems.

Develops, updates, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines to align with current codes, technologies, and best practices.

Serves as the community's Floodplain Administrator; reviews development proposals in flood hazard areas, ensures compliance with FEMA and NFIP regulations, and maintains required documentation and community ratings.

Manages and supervises the entire permitting process including application intake, plan review, permit issuance, and final inspections; ensures accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in all permitting procedures.

Conducts and oversees field inspections of new construction, remodels, additions, and repairs to ensure compliance with approved plans, codes, and safety standards; issues correction notices and final approvals.

Investigates code violations and complaints related to building, fire, property maintenance, code enforcement and…