Deputy Building Official

The City of Avondale has an opportunity for a Deputy Building Official with the Development Services Department. 

This is an FLSA-exempt, full-time position with benefits.  

The first review of applications will start on October 20, 2026 and weekly after. 

This recruitment will remain open until filled. 

Plans and directs the work of professional plans examiners, building inspectors, and permit technicians in the Building Services Division, including plan review, inspections, permit administration, and the development services center counter. The Deputy Building Official performs plan review as needed to support the Division, with a primary focus on assisting the Chief Building Official in planning, organizing, and managing activities related to building code and development processes within the City. Supports the Chief Building Official in customer outreach, support, communication, and problem resolution. Acts as Chief Building Official in their absence.

Participates in the administration and supervision of operational programs, budget, development of strategic objectives, activities, and other functions. Supports oversight of front-counter operations, software systems, and digital plan review processes. Manages complex and multi-disciplinary activities and exercises independent judgment in working with departments and division managers on private and City development projects. Provides leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment. Interprets building codes, coordinates construction projects, compiles statistical information, establishes performance requirements and personal development targets, and provides or coordinates staff training. Evaluates and participates in developing division policies and procedures, provides staff guidance, and develops and shares technical knowledge and administrative skills with staff.

Work involves managing a variety of special projects and initiatives integral to the City’s vision, conducting research and analysis, and attending meetings with various City departments and divisions. Strong manager with leadership skills and the ability to work within an established group of professional staff, managing staff, serving as a technical advisor, and resolving issues. Able to effectively organize and prioritize the division’s workload and skillfully manage project expectations. Understands the importance of public engagement and finding balance and compromise between a wide variety of stakeholders. Ability to collaborate with the department’s Planning and Administration Divisions, Engineering Department, and other City departments and divisions.Assists the Chief Building Official in the supervision of the Building Services Division by evaluating and directing personnel, hiring new personnel, and providing policies and procedures. Serves as an expert on the development review committee and for plan review and permitting processes, with a focus on continuous improvement. Reports to the Chief Building Official and assists with meeting departmental goals and policies, daily operations, manage staff, monitor objectives, and provide comprehensive reports.

Acts as Chief Building Official in their absence. Manages division operations by developing and interpreting policies, providing general direction to staff on the implementation of procedures, and supervising employees involved in the following functional areas: Building Plan Review, Building Inspection, Application/Permit Administration (building, planning, engineering, and fire), and the Development Services counter. Ensures safe, efficient operations of programs and facilities, including compliance with all state and federal regulations. Supports the Development Services Director and the Chief Building Official in the Building Services Division operations.

Interprets building codes and coordinates planned and in construction projects by researching codes and related material, consulting with owners, designers, staff and plan review consultants, and resolving issues as needed. Assists the Chief Building Official to develop, implement, and present various reports, summaries, projects, and/or attends meetings to coordinate or present information to the Department Director, Mayor and Council, City Management, other departments, or the public.

Directs activities by conferring with developers, architects, engineers, contractors and the public, implementing department and division goals, policies and procedures evaluating operations and activities of assigned responsibilities and streamlining processes to increase service levels. After-hours or weekend work may be needed at times.

Provides multi-disciplinary construction plan review including building life safety, hazardous materials, mechanical systems, electrical systems, accessibility, and fuel gas for compliance with adopted codes and NFPA standards.

Ability to multi-task and supervise multiple projects and personnel, meet deadlines, and articulate the expectations, goals, and objectives of the department to staff. Provide support to the front counter (development services center counter) staff and identifies and implements new business practices.

Coordinates with the Economic Development Department on projects, applications filed with Planning and Engineering, Pre-Applications benefitting City projects and private economic development initiatives, and high-profile projects for the City which may involve development agreements.

Coordinates with the Chief Building Official to represent the City on committees such as, but not limited to, MAG Building Codes Committee, AZBO Code Development Committee, ICC Chapter Membership, and Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. Represents the division at various Department and City meetings.  

Supports the Chief Building Official in plan review and permit processes and provides customer assistance as needed. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical and staff reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens, and other customers. Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial political situations. Strong mediation and problem-solving skills. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

Provides excellent customer service by providing information to the general public and clients regarding development issues, providing a solutions-based approach, preparing written and oral reports, and attending and facilitating public meetings.

To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here. A Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Public or Business Administration, or in a related field is preferred.

Four (4) years of Architecture, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if sufficient to perform the essential duties of the role as listed herein.

Experience working in municipal government and/or a professional office setting is preferred.

Must be certified as an ICC Building Official, ICC Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner, and a Residential and Commercial Building Inspector. 

Additional ICC Certifications applicable to this position are desired.

A valid Arizona Driver's License upon hire.

Salary : $106,828 - $160,241