Building Official

CITY OF HELENA, ALABAMA

BUILDING OFFICIAL

Pay: $95,000–$110,000 per year

Job Type: Full-time, Civil Service position

Location: Helena City Hall

Application Deadline: August 30, 2026

Job Overview

The City of Helena is seeking an experienced and service-oriented Building Official to lead the City’s building safety and code administration program.

The Building Official oversees permitting, plan review, inspections, code compliance, departmental operations, and public service. This position is responsible for applying adopted construction codes and City ordinances fairly and consistently while maintaining accurate, timely, and defensible records.

The successful candidate will work closely with City leadership, employees, boards, contractors, design professionals, property owners, other agencies, and members of the public.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer and interpret adopted building, residential, existing building, energy, accessibility, property maintenance, zoning, and related codes and ordinances.
• Lead department operations, including staff supervision, assignments, quality control, training, budgeting, purchasing, reporting, and customer-service standards.
• Review construction plans and permit applications for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Perform and oversee inspections of buildings, construction projects, and properties.
• Issue correction notices, stop-work orders, approvals, and certificates of occupancy when supported by applicable codes and documented findings.
• Manage permitting and inspection workflows, digital records, public information, and departmental performance measures.
• Coordinate with the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment and Appeals, Fire Department, Public Works, utilities, design professionals, contractors, property owners, and other agencies.
• Investigate unsafe structures, property-maintenance concerns, and code complaints.
• Apply notice, hearing, appeal, and enforcement procedures consistently and with appropriate due process.
• Explain technical requirements clearly and assist applicants in achieving voluntary compliance.
• Monitor changes in construction codes, state law, accessibility standards, construction technology, energy efficiency, and emerging building systems.
• Recommend updates to City codes, policies, fees, and departmental procedures.
• Attend public meetings, present technical findings, maintain case records, and provide testimony when required.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, inspections, plans examination, code administration, architecture, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Supervisory or program-lead experience.
• Relevant postsecondary education may substitute for a portion of the experience requirement.
• At least one current International Code Council certification directly related to the position, such as Commercial Building Inspector, Residential Building Inspector, or Building Plans Examiner.
• Working knowledge of construction documents, inspection procedures, accessibility requirements, zoning and land-use coordination, administrative enforcement, due process, and public-sector recordkeeping.
• Ability to communicate technical decisions clearly in writing and in person.
• Ability to supervise employees, manage competing deadlines, and work effectively with the public and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Experience using electronic permitting, inspection, or records-management systems.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the City’s insurability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• ICC Certified Building Official designation.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, public administration, planning, or a related field.
• Additional ICC inspector or plans examiner certifications.
• Certified Floodplain Manager, MS4 Stormwater certification, property-maintenance or code-enforcement credentials, or a comparable professional designation.
• Experience leading a municipal or county building department.
• Experience implementing electronic permitting systems, improving customer-facing processes, or preparing and administering a public budget.

Certification Requirements

The selected employee must maintain all required ICC credentials and complete the continuing education necessary for renewal and competent job performance.

A candidate who does not currently hold the ICC Certified Building Official designation may be assigned a reasonable professional-development plan and completion timeline based on existing credentials and the City’s operational needs.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office, outdoors, and at active construction sites in varying weather conditions. Essential duties may include driving between sites; walking or standing for extended periods; navigating stairs, ladders, uneven terrain, and partially completed structures; bending, stooping, and reaching; and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds.

The employee may encounter noise, dust, moving equipment, electrical hazards, and other construction-site conditions and must use required personal protective equipment.

Professional Expectations

The Building Official must exercise sound professional judgment, apply codes consistently and without favoritism, protect confidential information, manage potential conflicts of interest, maintain accurate records, and model courtesy, accountability, and service.

How to Apply

Submit a completed City of Helena employment application and any required supporting materials no later than August 30, 2026.

Applicants may be asked to provide copies of current certifications and participate in job-related screening or assessment. Final appointment is subject to applicable Civil Service requirements and City policies.

Application materials may be submitted to:

applications@cityofhelena.org

kym@cityofhelena.org

• The City of Helena is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation during the application process or in performing the essential functions of the position.