Building Official

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Building Official serves as the administrator of the City's Building Safety Division and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of adopted building, housing, property maintenance, and related codes. The Building Official provides leadership for permitting, inspections, plan review, code enforcement, and housing programs while ensuring safe, compliant, and sustainable development throughout the community.

Duties
(This list is not absolute or restrictive, but indicates approximate duties and responsibilities that may be redefined pursuant to operational needs.)

• Supervise essential staff functions of the Building Safety Division.
• Oversee property maintenance, inspections, and housing redevelopment programs.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Accurately represent and execute City Council and City Administrator policy and direction.
• Coordinate plan reviews, building inspections, and contractor licensing procedures.
• Resolve difficult and complex building and code compliance problems.
• Write citations or stop-work orders and document actions.
• Testify in court and to the City Council as required.
• Appear before public agencies, business and civic groups, and other organizations to discuss building, housing, and safety-related issues.
• Assist the Fire Chief in the development and administration of the Division’s budget.
• Review and approve construction documents, conduct plan reviews, issue interpretations of adopted codes, and perform field inspections as necessary to ensure compliance.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• Provide technical information and consult with architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, homeowners, and others regarding applicable code requirements and their interpretation.
• Conduct necessary research, prepare recommendations, and provide staff support for code revisions or appeals.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Respond to citizen and construction-related inquiries during off-hours periodically.
• Administer and enforce adopted building, housing, property maintenance, zoning, and related codes through plan review, inspections, investigations, and technical
• interpretations.
• Work collaboratively with developers, business owners, contractors, and city departments to facilitate safe and efficient development while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.

CORE COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

Leadership and Administration

• Ability to supervise, train, develop, and evaluate staff.
• Ability to direct and coordinate the work of division personnel.
• Experience participating in organizational planning, budgeting, and program administration.

Communication and Relationship Management

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical requirements to contractors, developers, architects, engineers, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Building and Regulatory Expertise

• Comprehensive knowledge of adopted building, housing, property maintenance, zoning, and related state, federal, and local codes.
• Ability to interpret technical codes, ordinances, construction documents, and architectural plans.
• Knowledge of construction materials, methods, and practices used in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional construction.

Inspection, Compliance, and Enforcement

• Ability to perform plan reviews, inspections, investigations, and code enforcement activities.
• Ability to analyze complex compliance issues and develop practical, defensible solutions.
• Understanding of legal and administrative procedures associated with code enforcement, citations, stop-work orders, appeals, and court proceedings.

Strategic Thinking and Customer Service

• Ability to balance development objectives with code compliance and public safety goals.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, and professional customer service.

Technology and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to utilize permitting, inspection, records management, and related software systems.
• Ability to conduct research, prepare recommendations, and support policy, ordinance, and code updates.
• Ability to respond to operational needs and citizen inquiries as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to obtain Residential and Commercial Building Inspector certifications within 18 months of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Building Official certification within 36 months of appointment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years of inspection, architectural, community development, project management, construction, or related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, public administration, community development, or related field.

*Any equivalent of knowledge and experience can be considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in both office and field environments. The position requires the ability to inspect construction sites, navigate uneven terrain, climb stairs and ladders, and occasionally lift inspection equipment and materials.

PAY AND BENEFIT PACKAGE

$35.84 to $38.91 per hour depending on qualifications upon hire.

Generous benefit package including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) contributions, and group health/dental/life insurance. Vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, and flexible health/dependent care spending plan can be purchased through payroll deduction.

Pay: $35.84 - $38.91 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $36 - $39