Position Description

The Assistant Building Official is responsible for supervising the Building Inspectors and ensuring building plans and construction comply with applicable National and State building codes as well as local codes related to building and construction. This position assists the Chief Building Official in providing direction of the administrative functions for the department.
Scope of Impact:
The duties and responsibilities of this job are performed with latitude for independent judgment in accordance with Department and City policies, Federal, State and Local regulations and are based on detailed knowledge of Department operations. There is frequent interaction with the public to provide basic information as well as some interaction requiring detailed procedural explanations or technical responses. Work is subject to periodic review by the supervisor, who provides approval of recommendations and discusses assignments, priorities, and work.
The Assistant Building Official supervises full-time employees assigned to field inspections and assists the Chief Building Official with establishing goals and objectives.

Essential Functions

• Assists with the development and implementation of operating procedures and guidelines within the Division to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;
  • Serves as a technical resource;
  • Reviews, makes recommendations for, and coordinates purchases of Department equipment and supplies.
  • Administrator for Project Dox plan review software.

• Using independent judgment while providing supervision and leadership to Division personnel under the span of control.
  • Participates in decisions on matters of hiring, transfer, suspension, recall, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, adjusting grievances or disciplining employees;
  • Sets goals and objectives for others to work towards and monitors performance;
  • Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for assigned employees;
  • Plans the work schedule to meet Department demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels;
  • Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities;
  • Assesses staff development needs and directs the provision of staff training;
  • Participates in decisions regarding the content of jobs and the number of staff within the functional areas under the span of control.

• Assists in the preparing and compiling of information used for forecasting department budget expenditures/requirements.

• Provides general administrative support for the department.
  • Assists in managing all department files and records which are used by various other departments.
  • Acts as Chief Building Official when Chief Building Official is absent.

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
  • Represents the City to the community, other Departments and agencies, the general public, and on various committees;
  • Communicates with others relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
  • Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the function.
• Maintains professional competence and stays abreast of trends and innovations.
  • Attends training, conferences and meetings and reviews relevant literature.

• Ensures compliance with applicable National, and State building codes.
  • Reviews buildings and building plans to ensure compliance with all relevant codes and ordinances;
  • Conducts inspections of in-progress and completed construction work;
  • Issues work correction reports and/or other orders and certificates;
  • Services as a technical resource, answers questions and provides information on building codes to residents, contractors, architects, others in the Department and other City Departments, and the general public.

• Keeps the Building Official informed as to current developments. Makes observations and recommendations when necessary or required.

• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires certification by the State as a Certified Building Official, a two -year degree related to construction or equivalent and five or more years of experience in a related field, including at least two years in building code plan review, inspections and enforcement. Candidates must have experience in supervisory or lead capacity. A thorough knowledge of codes affecting construction, fire and health and a valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.
Desired Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration or equivalent and two years in a supervisory or lead capacity is strongly preferred.
Certifications from the International Code Council (ICC). Inspection and plan review Letter of Understanding status from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for Public Buildings and State Licensed Facilities.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desirable for Successful Job Performance:

• Knowledge of automated systems, applications and technology related to the Building Inspections field;
• Knowledge of building construction techniques, methods and materials;
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, codes and ordinances, such as building code, fire code, and other related codes;
• Knowledge of governmental processes and policies;
• Knowledge of, and ability to read and interpret building plans;
• Ability to perform inspections including using equipment, identifying deficiencies and interpreting and applying codes;
• Skills in mathematical computations sufficient to calculate load requirements, material spans, fees and payments, etc;
• Skills in organization sufficient to coordinate scheduling and paperwork;
• Skills in recognizing, assessing and resolving conflict;
• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences, write reports and issue permits and documents, and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and understand manuals, codebooks and other work-related materials;
• Demonstrates the desired standard of conduct and work performance including confidentiality and privacy requirements of the Department;
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction and maintain effective working relationships.

Full time Employee Benefits:
The City of Edina offers a competitive benefits package and uses a “cafeteria plan” model, which gives the employee a monthly sum of money and allows them the flexibility to choose how to spend it on the various benefits offered. All insurance coverage takes effect the 1st of the month following date of employment.

• Medical: 9 plans to choose from through Health Partners. All individual plans are fully covered and have leftover money towards other benefits. Family health insurance is also low cost and high quality.
• Dental: 2 plans to choose from through Health Partners depending on your dental needs.
• Vision: Supplemental Vision plan for glasses and contacts
• Long & Short-Term Disability: All full-time employees receive Long Term disability at no cost, with an option to purchase short term disability.
• Life insurance: All full-time employees receive a $20,000 Basic Life policy at no cost, with an additional buy up option.
• Retirement: All public employees are required by the State to participate in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). 6.5% of the employee's gross wage or salary is matched with a 7.5% contribution from the City. Some Police and Fire employees are mandated to participate in PERA at a rate of 11.8% of their gross wage or salary, matched by 17.70% contribution by the City. 457 Deferred Compensation plans are also available.
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Care plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential service for all employees and their families

• Paid vacation is available to all regular full-time employees and begins with accruing 3.08 hours/paycheck (10 days per year). The amount increases as the years of service increase.

• Sick leave accrues at 3.69 hours/paycheck (12 days per year).
• Each regular full-time employee is eligible for 13 paid holidays during the year.

• Extended Part-time (30-39 hours/week year-round): Eligible for Health Insurance, 13 paid holidays, Retirement, and Employee Assistance (EAP) program. Employees also accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

• Regular Part-time (20-29 hours/week year-round): Eligible for 6 paid holidays, Retirement, and Employee Assistance (EAP) Program. Employees also accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

• Flexible Part-time and Seasonal employees: Employees accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked and are eligible for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Individual benefits may vary slightly depending on the specific position, full or part-time status or union contract.