BUILDING OFFICIAL

Position is open until Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 4:30 PM EST

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is highly responsible building and property maintenance code enforcement work involving the administration and enforcement of building regulations and associated ordinances.

Work involves responsibility for safe, effective and timely enforcement of building and property maintenance codes. Duties include directing code enforcement by the Assistant Building Official(s) and other code officials, such as Blight/Housing Code Enforcement Officer(s). This position also has the responsibility for making very difficult code and ordinance enforcement and administration decisions. This work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in plan review, building inspection operations and administration.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works within state and local laws and regulations. The Director of Planning & Neighborhood Services is the immediate supervisor of this position.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises Assistant Building Official(s), Blight/Housing Code Enforcement Officer and other code or department staff as designated by the Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs field inspection of all types of construction for code conformance. Directs correction of construction deficiencies in the field. Conducts emergency inspections to determine soundness of structures when so requested by Fire or Police Department officials.
• Schedules, assigns, directs and evaluates employees in a small work group inspecting construction and enforcing building/housing /property codes.
• Enforces a variety of codes, including Connecticut State Building Codes, Connecticut State Demolition Code, and local codes and ordinance relative to dangerous buildings and blight. Issues and/or oversees the correction notices and citations.
• Explains and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other interested parties.
• Reviews current trends and developments in the field of construction.
• Examines building plans of all types (including residential, commercial, industrial and municipal) to determine compliance with code requirements and related regulations and to issue permits.
• Researches problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance. Responds to complex and sensitive building issues.
• Resolves complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
• Drafts and recommends new local code ordinances and/or amendments to existing codes.
• Administers the permitting function, including application, fee assessment, permit issuance, inspection, and occupancy.
• Researches and evaluates permit processing software and employs new internal processes to create increased efficiency in the department.
• Issues cease and desist orders and initiates and participates in other legal actions in the enforcement of codes, regulations and ordinances. Responds to and resolves citizen complaints.
• Prepares reports, completes forms and compiles information on completed work assignments. Assists Supervisor with drafting the department budget and helps to control expenditures within fund allocations.
• Trains and counsels employees. Administers union contract language and oral warnings and recommends higher level discipline of employees to the Supervisor. Assists in employee selection. Assures safe work practices.
• Confers and collaborates with various municipal committees including the Dangerous Buildings – Board of Review to advocate the demolition of blighted or dangerous structures and their rehabilitation/reconstruction in order that they might add value to the municipal tax base.
• Attends meetings and joint inspections with members of the Police, Fire, Zoning, Public Utility and Health Departments. Attends other meetings as directed by Supervisor.
• Attend seminars and other training meetings as required to keep building official license valid.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of building inspection principles and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of the Connecticut State Building Code, and other governmental codes pertaining to building construction.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction practices, materials and standards.
• Considerable ability to diagnose defects and hazards in building structures.
• Considerable ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Good knowledge of public administration principles and practices as applied to a specialized work unit.
• Considerable ability to communicate orally and in writing and to coordinate technical and specialized operational and administrative activities.
• Considerable ability to enforce codes and regulations with firmness and tact.
• Considerable ability to administer policies and procedures including scheduling, budgeting, day-to-day problem solving and report writing.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, coworkers, other department officials, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, attorneys, property owners, and the general public.
• Considerable ability to manage personnel.
• Considerable ability to learn and adapt to new technology (including computer software, equipment, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS

An associate's degree from a recognized college in construction technology or a related field plus six (6) years of progressively responsible construction inspection experience including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity, or any combination of training and experience which provides a demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position.

Must meet the eligibility requirements and license requirements for Building Official as prescribed by Connecticut General Statutes.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a current Connecticut Building Official License. Must have a valid Connecticut driver's license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motor vehicle, building related tools and testing devices, office equipment including photocopier, computer and calculator, and safety equipment such as hard hat and safety glasses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed both in an office setting and outdoors. Field work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee if occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee must be able to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures or governmental regulations and to effectively present information and respond to questions from the public. This position requires the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to odorous, wet and/or humid conditions, or risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

Important Information

In order to be considered applicants must demonstrate on their application that they meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.

You must reside within the City of Norwich 60 miles from Norwich within one year of appointment.

Examination will consist of 100% written OR 100% oral OR 100% experience and training.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.