Building Official

The City of Port Townsend is recruiting for a Building Official. This is a mid-level supervisory position responsible for the day-to-day operations related to the administration and enforcement of the City's building and construction codes. Responsibilities include assisting and supervising the work of professional, technical and clerical staff engaged in building permits administration, building inspection, and other related activities. This position is responsible for managing, coordinating and supervising the Building Division permit, plan review and inspection activities. The Building Official acts as the lead in providing interpretations on the application of code provisions related to alternate materials, design and methods. The Building Official is responsible to ensure that any special inspections and testing provisions are properly documented and followed. A customer service focus is necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is responsible for the enforcement of the:

• International Building Code

• International Residential Code

• Uniform Plumbing Code

• International Mechanical code

• International Fuel Gas Code, Washington State Energy Codes, Residential and Commercial, the International Wildland Urban Interface Code

• Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code

• Uniform Fire Code, Urban Wildland Interface Code, Zoning Code and other adopted codes and ordinances.

• Any other codes as amended by State Building Code and adopted by City Council

• Supervises Permit Technician and administrative staff; plans and administer the work related to building permit plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with the building and construction codes as adopted by the City.

• Administers and coordinates the issuance of building and related permits and certificates of occupancy.

• Performs plan review of residential and commercial projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes.

• Supervises Building Inspector staff; provides direction, support and assistance to the Building Inspector in application of code provisions, the formulation of code interpretations and the review and inspection of complex projects.

• Performs building inspections.

• Initiates enforcement of construction regulations pursuant to the Port Townsend Municipal Code. Assists the City's legal counsel as required to satisfactorily conclude enforcement cases.

• Provides assistance to residents, contractors and designers in the application of project specific code provisions.

• Works as a member of the City development review team to facilitate the efforts of customers in the preparation and design of project submittals; participates in Preapplication Conferences and Customer Assistance Meetings.

• Attend industry meetings, seminars and other informational sessions to maintain knowledge of building systems.

• Maintains a working knowledge of the current trends in construction and in building codes, both on the State and National levels.

• Tracks and documents the code change process of the State Building Code Council and develops appropriate code language for adoption by the City.

• Provides reports to the Director on the trends and activity of construction in the City along with recommendations on potential revisions to regulations or processes that will help to facilitate coordination.

• Coordinates enforcement of the International Fire Code and Wildland Urban Interface Code with East Jefferson Fire and Rescue.

• Develops and maintains constructive relationships with civic groups, other municipal departments and the public regarding programs and activities. Initiate community interest in codes and enforcement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures applicable to fire and building code compliance.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design, construction and inspection of public, commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
• Knowledge of municipal government organizational concepts.
• Research skills.
• Skills in computer and software proficiency specifically in permitting software and electronic plan review software.
• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, leadership team, public officials, customers, and the general public.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.
• Ability to independently assess and resolve complex code interpretations and their application are essential skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to administer and participate in inspection of buildings under construction, alteration or repair for compliance with uniform codes and City ordinances.
• Ability to administer and participate in the examination of plans and specifications for all level of buildings to be constructed or remodeled for compliance with the uniform codes, City ordinances and other pertinent regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and/or construction plans, blueprints and sketches.
• Ability to identify code deficiencies and to effectively enforce corrective action necessary to remedy same.
• Ability to effectively assign work tasks and supervise professional, technical and administrative staff.
• Ability to understand and write technical code language
• Ability to use independent judgment and effective decision-making in the application of a wide variety of laws, policies and procedures and in effective problem-solving.
• Ability to set goals, plan, and establish procedures within clearly established program boundaries and delegation of authority.
• Proven ability to provide leadership to department personnel that includes fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment, motivating employees to achieve high standards, and providing strong and honest communication to promote transparency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or GED, and three (3) years of experience in construction code administration and enforcement or closely related field, or any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• One year of lead or supervisory experience with knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, coaching, assigning work, evaluating work and administering progressive discipline.
• Possess and maintain the International Code Council (ICC) Building Official and Plans Examiner Certifications. Alternatively, the Building Official certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire if the candidate possesses Plans Examiner certification.
• Possess a Washington Driver's License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college with major course work in structural engineering or related field.
• Possess and maintain Plumbing and Mechanical Certifications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors. Duties include reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Effective verbal communication with public is essential. Plan review and inspection responsibilities require correctable vision, an ability to drive an automobile and to walk over varied terrain and conditions at construction sites. Inspections frequently require climbing ladders or crawling into restricted spaces. Heavy lifting is not required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS

• WA State PERS retirement and optional 457 Deferred Comp
• Medical, dental, vision, exible spending account
• Life, AD&D, long-term disability, and long-term care insurance
• Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
• Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
• 12 paid holidays plus two floating holidays
• Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
• Up to four weeks jury duty pay during service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.