Building Official / Senior Building Inspector

The City of Chelsea, Alabama is a vibrant and growing medium-sized city nestled in the heart of Alabama. Our community thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to serving our residents. As we continue to evolve, we’re seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Building Official – Senior Building Inspector to join our team. 

Reporting to the Mayor, Building Official – Senior Building Inspector serves as the City’s code enforcement authority and primary building inspection professional. This position is responsible for establishing and administering the City’s building inspection and permitting functions, ensuring all construction complies with adopted building codes, local ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent public service.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Department Administration & Management

·  Establish and administer the City’s building inspection and permitting program.

·  Develop and implement department policies, procedures, forms, and fee schedules.

·  Recommend adoption and updates of building codes (e.g., IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, NEC).

·  Develop internal tracking systems for permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and enforcement cases.

·  Prepare reports for the Mayor and City Council regarding department activity, trends, and recommendations.

·  Assist in budget development and revenue projections related to permit activity.

·  Serve as the City’s primary contact for contractors, developers, and property owners regarding building regulations.

·  Provide technical guidance and interpretation of adopted codes.

·  Develop professional working relationships with builders, engineers, architects, and regional agencies.

·  Represent the City in meetings related to development and construction matters.

· Recruit, select, train, motivate, schedule, supervise and evaluate department employees; provide training to all department employees; coach employees to correct deficiencies; follow and implement City personnel policies and procedures.

Plan Review & Permitting

· Review residential and commercial building permit applications and construction documents for compliance with adopted codes and City ordinances.

· Determine occupancy classifications and occupancy loads.

· Review site plans for drainage, utilities, infrastructure, and floodplain compliance.

· Issue plan review comments and coordinate corrections with contractors, architects, and engineers.

· Approve and issue building permits and certificates of occupancy.

· Coordinate with Fire Department and other applicable agencies for code compliance.

Inspections

· Perform field inspections for residential and commercial construction projects at all phases including: footings and foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final inspections and change of occupancy, etc.

· Identify deficiencies and issue correction notices.

· Issue stop work orders when necessary.

· Maintain detailed inspection reports and photographic documentation.

Code Enforcement & Compliance

·  Investigate complaints related to building, zoning, and property maintenance violations.

·  Initiate enforcement actions in accordance with City ordinances.

·  Coordinate nuisance abatement processes and attend public hearings as required.

·  Appear in Municipal Court or before City Council as needed.

·  Comply with all federal, state, and municipal laws while performing duties.

·  Perform all other related duties as assigned and required.

Qualifications:

·  High school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency (GED).

·  Vocational/technical diploma, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in building construction management, building science, engineering, or a related field preferred or any combination of education, experience, or training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the job.

·  Five (5) to eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, inspection or code enforcement.

·  Possession of professional construction trades licenses or state home builder’s license preferred.

·  Must have or be willing to obtain the following ICC Certifications: Residential Building Inspector, Building Plan Examiner, Commercial Building Inspector, and Combination Residential Inspector.

·  Certified Building Official (CBO) certification preferred or ability to obtain within two (2) years.

·  Must be familiar with Alabama state laws and codes for ordinances and resolutions, as well as the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Fire Code (IFC).

·  Must attend continuing education classes to maintain certification renewal requirements.

·  Must possess and maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license and a driving record suitable for insurability.

·  Must be willing to work non-standard hours and overtime as required. 

·  Must be able to pass a criminal background check, employment, education and certification verification, and pre-employment drug testing.

Hours of Work:

Hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Non-standard hours and overtime will be regularly required of this role.

Salary:

This is a salaried position and the starting salary range for this position is between $75,103.41 and $89,294.35 annually. The starting wage for this position will be dependent upon the qualifications, certifications, and experience of the successful candidate.

Applications:

Applications will ONLY be accepted via the city's website at www.cityofchelsea.com/jobs. Individuals interested in this position are invited to submit an employment application and detailed cover letter and resume to hr@cityofchelsea.com. In the cover letter, please let us know how your experience, skills and qualifications align with the position. Please ensure job position is included in subject line.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MARCH 13, 2026, at 4:00 P.M.

We appreciate and consider all applications; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.