JOB
Reporting to the Community & Economic Development Director, the Building Official and Fire Marshal is responsible for planning, organizing, controlling and directing the administration and enforcement of the adopted building construction codes for the City. This position is responsible for functions that include, but are not limited to, managing the plan review, inspection and permitting functions necessary to meet the City and State mandated regulations; providing technical advice and making interpretations related to various codes, laws and regulations that impact building construction and use to staff, engineers, architects, contractors and the public; managing and maintain technology systems that remain current with changes in technology and regulations; preparing reports for administration, Council, commissions and boards; and providing direct supervision, leadership and coaching to assigned staff and assisting with the development of short and long term strategic plans for the division and/or department. This position may occasionally act as the Community & Economic Development Director.Please Note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for June 5, 2024.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
These duties include but are not limited to the following: Building Code and Section OperationsProvides analysis, interpretation and application to various stakeholders of the practices and the intent of the performance-oriented building, fire, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes as appropriate. Analyzes and reviews new federal, state, and city regulations to determine impact on departmental policies and activities and any related codes.Develops code changes and updated when needed for further review and approval; reviews code changes developed and recommended by staff; coordinates with departments to work through the impact of any code changes they may be affected by. Explains and interprets code changes to the stakeholders, staff and the public through various meetings (including City Council) as appropriate and necessary. Ensures that building plans and constructed building and structures are inspected and conform to code requirement and related regulations. Oversees supervision of field inspectors; resolves unusual or difficult situations encountered by inspectors and plan reviews. Ensures issuance of appropriate notices such as: Stop Work Orders, Order to Correct Violation Notices, Notice of Civil Violation Orders and Correction Notices for code compliance and code enforcement. Makes final rulings deeming construction installations as detrimental or dangerous to the health, safety, or welfare of the public; declares buildings as dangerous and orders demolition.Researches and resolves problems, complaints and violations regarding buildings, construction and code compliance; determines appropriate action, enforces codes, prepares responses and maintains related records. Confers with and advises staff on problem areas relating to plan review, inspections, permit issuance, code applications, and technical or administrative issues.Manages systems maintenance, record keeping methods and computerized permitting programs. Negotiates acceptable solutions for code compliance of complex building systems, phased constructions schedules, or other complex or sensitive issues; consults with builders, architects, and engineers regarding code violations, construction methods, and departmental policies.Confers with the Planning and Development Services Manager, City Attorney, and City Manager on issues concerning sensitive departmental activities.Attends and participates in professional group and department meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment and incorporates new developments as appropriate and assigned. Establishes, evaluates, and updates/revises building, fire, and electrical inspection procedures, practices, and rules in conformance with the City's Community Development departmental policies.Investigates and prepares reports on special problems, technical data, and other designated subjects.Develops scope of work, architect selection processes, and drafts, finalizes and executes professional services contracts related to area of work.Supervises development of residential and/or commercial construction plans and specifications and construction process. Leadership, Development, and CoachingPromotes positive customer service and productive, quality service delivery in support of the vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives of the Department and the City. Manages, promotes, and maintains a diverse, positive, respectful, motivated, collaborative, and productive supervisory team. Plans, organizes, manages and provides direction on the activities, goals, and objectives and staff of the Building Safety Team.Manages the employment and hiring process for assigned area. Supervises, coaches, trains, develops and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training and development plans. Reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations. Provides advice and counsel to staff; develops and/or assists with developmental work plans for staff; and makes recommendations and/or implements corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary or as directed. Community Engagement and Regulatory DutiesCollaborates with the Planning & Development Services Manager to ensure City regulatory and permit processes meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and guidelines.Serves as an ex-officio member and secretary to the Appeals Board (Hearings Examiner). Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions or committees and organizations (City, County, State or Federal), related to building code development, enforcement and policies; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.Confers with the fire department for regularly scheduled inspection processes, review of damaged buildings, and administration of those code requirements that impact delivery of fire suppression and emergency response services. Confers with the fire chief for appropriate delivery of fire investigation services. Budget ManagementDevelops, manages, administers/maintains assigned budget(s) including making recommendations to the annual and/or biannual budget in accordance with program goals and objectives and City policies. Approves and monitors expenditures and identifies budget needs. Reviews and approves reports, purchases, and payments according to established policies and practices and makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Other Duties as AssignedServes as designated operational command official in the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for the Building Division.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of: State and federal regulations related to land use development and planning processes; e.g. State Growth management Act, Critical Areas Management, and S.E.P.A requirements and guidelines.Building code inspection and enforcement regulations and standards, including regulations associated with Fire Marshal responsibilities.Economic models, demographics, retail marketing data, and relationships in regard to overall community health.Public administration principles, practices, methods, procedures, and techniques. Effective management and organizational principles and practices.Permit application process and administration. Principles and techniques of project management, and research/investigatory methodology. Disaster response and planning procedures. Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration. Management and training best practices, methods and techniques. Skill in: Leading and coaching professional level staff.Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff and other City Departments, City Council, Planning Commission, and community groups.Developing policies and procedures, researching solutions, analyzing and organizing complex technical information, and utilizing creative thinking.Troubleshooting and solving complex technical problems and using good judgment in decision making. Dealing courteously and effectively with irate, disgruntled, and sometimes hostile individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills.Administering and managing comprehensive and responsive building code enforcement program.Conducting effective and accurate field inspections, and operating various survey equipment and tools. Ability to: Remain current on legislative changes and environmental regulations that affect planning in Washington State.Incorporate public administration principles, practices, methods, procedures, techniques, and effective management and organizational principles and practices into leadership behaviors.Manage the diverse work activities of numerous highly skilled staff in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale, and departmental effectiveness.Initiate leadership in developing and maintaining a working environment that is characterized by efficiency, cooperation, and positive interpersonal working relationships that extends to all City departments.Resolve complex problems and mediate or facilitate cooperation among conflicting parties.Model and initiate a quality customer service attitude throughout the Department. Portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring appropriate to position.Communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner, both orally and in writing, while maintaining composure, tact, patience and courtesy at all times, including under pressure or during controversial public meetings.Make clear and effective presentations to the public and elected officials.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and other City Departments, City Council, Planning Commission, and community groups interested in growth and development issues in the community. Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations related to area of responsibility. Develop and monitor section and program/project operating budgets, costs and schedules. Plan and organize work, meeting schedules and timelines. Evaluate the impact of new or proposed legislation, rules and regulations on building code operations and recommend needed changes. Manage databases and produce detailed presentations or reports as requested.