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Home My WebLink AboutBuilding Official City of Port Townsend Job Description Building Official Classification title: Building Official Working title: Building Official Department: Development Services Union: Non-Represented FLSA status: Exempt Wage Classification: Non-Represented Hours: 40 Effective date: 04-17-2023 Reports to: Development Services Director Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY The Building Official is 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: o International Building Code o International Residential Code o Uniform Plumbing Code o International Mechanical code o International Fuel Gas Code, Washington State Energy Codes, Residential and Commercial o Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code o Uniform Fire Code, Urban Wildland Interface Code, Zoning Code and other adopted codes and ordinances. • Supervises Permit Technicians; 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; 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. Building Official 2023 • Performs building inspections. • Initiates enforcement of construction regulations pursuant to the Port Townsend Municipal Code. Assists the City Attorney as required to satisfactorily conclude enforcement cases. • Provides assistance to citizens, 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 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. • Participates in pre-application conferences with other City staff and project proponents. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 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. • Well-developed written and oral and interpersonal communication skills • Skills in computer and software proficiency specifically in permitting software and electronic plan review software. • Ability to establish effective, ongoing relationships with public officials, applicants, members of the public, and fellow staff. • 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 of 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. Building Official 2023 • 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 • 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. • Knowledge of research skills. 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. Preferred: • Bachelor’s 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. Building Official 2023 OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS • Punctual and consistent attendance. • Possess a Washington Driver’s License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier. • Dress and grooming appropriate to the position. • Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position. • Deal tactfully and courteously with the public. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees. 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. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by their supervisors. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.