What are the responsibilities and job description for the DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT position at City of Houston?
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT HOUSTON PERMITTING CENTER EMPLOYEES ONLY
JOB CLASSIFICATION: DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - INSPECTIONS MEP
DIVISION: HOUSTON PERMITTING CENTER - CONSTRUCTION & COMPLIANCE
REPORTING LOCATION: 1002 WASHINGTON AVENUE, HOUSTON, TX 77002
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00AM - 5:00PM*
*Subject to change
ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (HPW) plays a vital role in ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for our city. We oversee the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the City's public infrastructure, including our roadways, bridges, drainage systems, and parks. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 3,900 employees, we are constantly striving for excellence in delivering essential services to our community.
Houston Permitting Center’s Building Code Enforcement Branch administers & enforces over 400 permit types for the City of Houston and its jurisdictions, annually reviews over 65,000 commercial and residential plans, and performs over 800,000 inspections annually related to permitting & regulatory operations.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Assistant Director to lead key enforcement teams within Building Code Enforcement. This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with building codes, ordinances, and regulations while promoting public safety and integrity in Houston’s built environment.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of the Building Official, the Deputy Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing operations. This position is responsible for managing multiple technical divisions, ensuring compliance with building codes and ordinances, and driving efficiency in permitting, and inspection processes. The role requires collaboration with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to maintain safety and integrity in Houston’s built environment. Key areas of responsibility include:
- Coordinate the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the operating budget and group expenditures.
- Represent the department with other governmental agencies, staff of elected officials, private sector firms, the general public, and in public hearings and meetings related to the Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing groups.
- Develop and interpret codes, ordinances, and specifications related to Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing operations.
- Manage, train, develop, counsel, and evaluate staff performance.
- May assume the duties of the Building Official during periods of absence.
Key Priorities include, but are not limited to:
- Leadership & Team Development – Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to managers and technical teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Code Compliance & Enforcement – Ensure consistent interpretation and application of building codes, ordinances, and regulations to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of Houston’s built environment.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Represent the department in meetings and hearings, and communicate effectively with property owners, developers, city officials, and the public to ensure transparency and trust in enforcement procedures.
- Operational Efficiency – Oversee operational performance by reviewing and assessing KPIs and metrics to enhance processes related to permit issuance, compliance inspections, and investigations to improve service delivery.
- Integrity & Professionalism – Uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability in all decision making processes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has some discretion about standing, walking, etc.
This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier I LevelEDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Seven years of progressively more complex/responsible administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a supervisory capacity.
A Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field closely related to the work being performed may be substituted for two years of experience.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).The ideal candidate for this position will possess a strong technical background in building code enforcement, exceptional leadership abilities, and a strategic mindset to drive efficiency and innovation within the department. An ideal candidate should possess the following:
- ICC Certifications – Certified Building Official (CBO), Code Enforcement Officer, or ICC certifications in building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing trades.
- Code Expertise – In-depth knowledge of IBC, IRC, Houston Construction Code, and related regulations. Strong understanding of permit issuance and regulatory compliance.
- Enforcement & Compliance Knowledge – Experience in code investigations, occupancy and habitability inspections, and sign regulation enforcement.
- Strategic Leadership – Proven ability to develop and implement enforcement strategies for efficiency and compliance.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Expertise in dispute resolution, community relations, and balancing enforcement with development goals.
- Effective Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal skills for policy guidance, enforcement updates, and stakeholder outreach.
- Disaster & Emergency Experience – Experience handling unsafe structures, natural disasters, and emergency regulatory actions.
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Department may administer skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE 30
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Salary : $116,474 - $135,490