Deputy Building Official

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Assists the Building Official in the operations and activities of the Permit and Development Center division; plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the division as assigned; performs directly related work as required.

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Residency Incentive Program
• Alternative Work Schedule Options
• Paid Volunteer Time-Off
• Parental Leave
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
• Wellness Programs and Activities
• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
• Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
• Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
• Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Technologies, or other related field; and
• Three years experience in building construction inspection, plan review or other related field involved in the enforcement and application of construction related codes and standards for a governmental agency; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work, such as:

Required Special Qualifications

• Certification from the International Code Council as a Building Inspector, Combination Inspector, or equivalent thereof; and
• Certification from the International Code Council as a Building Plans Examiner.
• Must obtain certification as a Certified Building Official (CBO) from the International Code Council within 24 months of appointment.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Supervises and evaluates the work of assigned employees; recommends personnel actions related to selection, disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves, grievances, work schedules, and assignments; administers personnel policies and procedures;
• Performs inspections as needed;
• Assists in reviewing architectural and structural plans of residences, buildings and other structures for approval and issuance of permits as needed.
• Interprets construction code related standards, rules and regulations and makes decisions on technical problems of code enforcement and applications related to field inspections activities.
• Serves as the emergency contact to provide after-hours building inspections due to disasters or support of Police or Fire Department dispatch requests;
• Supervises the complaint investigation, evaluation and condemnation of structures within the scope of the Permit and Development Center's responsibilities.
• Provides staff support to the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals.
• Assists in the research and investigation of new products, materials and methods of construction and prepares technical reports as a result of this research.
• Coordinates the annual license renewal inspections for theaters, homeless shelters, beer and liquor dispensing establishments as well as other annual inspection responsibilities of the Permit and Development Division.
• Reviews, analyzes, and recommends to the Building Official new or revised code regulations and policies.
• Represents the Development Services Department on issues relating to permitting and inspection, including serving as a liaison for the City Manager and City Council and serving on various boards and commissions in times of the Building Official’s absence;
• Provides status reports to the Building Official on permitting and inspection operations, projects, any major shift in policies or procedures and recommendations for future department improvements;
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to other employees when needed;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and other pertinent materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Maintains liaison with local contractors, builders, architects, engineers and other departmental representatives.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Performs special projects for the Building Official as requested;
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.