Building Official

Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director the Building Official manages the Building Division and provides overall coordination, enforcement, general supervision, and specialized assistance for building code compliance to ensure the City is in compliance with all statutory requirements.  Also performs plan reviews for all categories of buildings to determine compliance with adopted building codes and other city regulations.  Interprets and enforces building, mechanical, plumbing, and uniform fire codes.  Performs inspections and provides public information and referral.

• Performs all duties in accordance with the City of Battle Ground’s practices and procedures.
• Works and acts as a team player in all interactions with other city employees.
• Provides a high level of customer service at all times; projects and maintains a positive image on behalf of the City of Battle Ground with those contacted in the course of work.
• Responsible for ensuring the professional, efficient, fair and timely application of codes and processing of building permit applications.
• Review of construction plans, specifications, and calculations to verify that structural elements of buildings will safely resist elemental forces and verify the code compliance of fire and life safety and health and welfare features of buildings.
• Consult with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other permit applicants to assist them in understanding the code requirements.
• Conduct site inspections as necessary.
• Works with other members of city staff to maintain and update Plan Review and Permit status software.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the work of professionals, technicians, and support staff in the development, implementation, evaluation, enforcement and administration of Building, Municipal and other related codes, ordinances, plans and programs. 
• Studies division organization, personnel distribution, duties and policy requirements to achieve the most efficient and economical utilization of available staff and funds.
• Ensure that contractual obligations of outside agencies providing Building or related services are being met and coordinated properly within the city structure.
• Confers with the Director to develop program emphasis and major policies for the Division, budgetary adjustments, staffing changes and Division procedures.
• Provide Plan Review and Inspections for all categories of building projects for compliance with Building and related codes, city ordinances and state laws.
• Determine completeness and accuracy of building permit applications and perform required legal notification to review for code and standards conformance.        Coordinate technical review and serve as City liaison to customers.
• Issues and authorizes “Stop Work” orders and “Unsafe for Occupation” notices and implements the Dangerous Building Code as necessary.
• Reviews and approves proposed alternative materials and methods of construction.
• Receive complaints/inquiries from customers relative to construction conditions or activities in the community.  Gather all pertinent data, evaluate the facts of the situation, and attempt to handle at first contact.
• Interpret codes, regulations, standards, plans and specs, legal descriptions, and various governmental documents.
• Represent the City at building code conferences and informational meetings.
• May occasionally be asked to present information to the planning commission, or city council.
• Provides direct supervision to building division staff, and others as assigned.  
• Participates in the selection, orientation and training of division personnel.  
• Resolve personnel and performance issues.
• Lead in efforts to improve plan review efficiency or coordination between other departments.
• Maintain, disclose and destroy public records in accordance with the requirements of the WA Public Records Act and WA State Archives records retention guidelines.
• Timely and regular attendance.
• Follow/adhere to all city policies and procedures, and safety program regulations and requirements.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 
Knowledge of:

• Washington State Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Uniform Plumbing and other related Codes.
• National and industry standards and specifications for materials of construction and their proper use.
• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of building plan review, specifications, structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations governing building construction.
• Construction practices, codes, and land use planning concepts.
• Zoning, municipal and administrative codes and the public information process.
• Management techniques suitable for municipal governments.
• Municipal government rules, regulations, roles and responsibilities

 
Ability to:

• Plan, organize and coordinate the daily activities of the Building Division.
• Solve problems and make accurate and immediate decisions.
• Read and interpret complex building construction specifications, plans and calculations.
• Apply knowledge of the applicable codes in examining plans to identify and determine construction methods and materials that may not comply with standards.
• Ability to enforce codes evenly and fairly.
• Operate standard office equipment including personal computers.
• Interpret legislative intent related to building codes and state/local regulations.
• Communicate technical data and sensitive department information in a clear, persuasive manner.
• Perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers and other City personnel, contractors, and the general public.

Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, skills, efforts, working conditions or similar behaviors, attributes or requirements associated with a job.  

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• A degree, certificate, or documented formal training in architecture, construction management, engineering, building or construction technology or other closely related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, code compliance/administration, construction management or closely related field including at least one year of supervisory duties.

 
Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Certification as a Building Inspector and Plans Examiner by the International Code Council (ICC) is required.
• Certification as a Building Official by the International Code Council (ICC) is preferred at hire and is required within 12 months of hire.
• Municipal local government experience preferred.
• Must successfully pass all phases of the pre-employment hiring process, including but not limited to, reference checks and a criminal background check.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment; some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various projects and construction sites in varying weather conditions.  Exposure to hazardous conditions may occur while conducting field inspection at construction sites. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office and moderately loud when in the field.   Walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.  Position may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.  Position may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.  Visual acuity to read plans specifications and drawings.

Salary : $94,776 - $112,659