What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Superintendent of Building position at City of Westfield?
CITY OF WESTFIELD – BUILDING DEPARTMENT
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF BUILDINGS
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work involves responsibility for scheduling and performing, or causing the performance of, building and related inspections, providing contractors and other members of the public with information regarding construction requirements and enforcing various City and State codes related to construction and soundness of buildings; and may, in the absence of the Superintendent of Buildings, perform the duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent with such authority.
SUPERVISION:
Position exercises significant independent judgment. Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Building, the appointing authority. Performance is reviewed through conferences and administrative reports for overall compliance with City requirements and is otherwise evaluated in conformity with City policy.
Supervises as directed, both directly and through subordinates, all personnel of the Building Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The Deputy Superintendent of Buildings serves as the Superintendent of Buildings in the absence of the Superintendent of Buildings.
- Is directly responsible for assuring timely and accurate inspections of buildings in conformity with State Building Code and related codes such as Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations.
- Assists in coordinating timely and accurate inspections of building in conformity with applicable plumbing, gas fitting and electrical codes.
- Assists in processing and administering fees.
- Maintains records and files, in conformity with standard procedures, regarding inspections scheduled and performed, written inquiries, written responses and opinions, violations, complaints and actions taken, enforcement or otherwise.
- Reviews plans, applications and permits, prior to issuance, to ensure compliance and conformity with City ordinances and other applicable laws and regulations.
- Promotes and maintains positive and responsive community relations including direct response to citizen complaints as authorized and appropriate.
- Enforces City zoning ordinance, reviews and participates in enforcement of decisions of Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board. Prepares documents relative thereto. Attends such court and administrative hearings as required and cooperates with City legal counsel as required. The employee may have access to some department-oriented confidential information, such as legal proceedings, which must be kept confidential.
- Inspects properties for unsafe conditions and takes such actions as lawful and appropriate with respect thereto.
- Attends meetings with other City employees, officials and boards as required so as to promote harmonious and positive interdepartmental coordination and relations. Meets with state, regional, and federal agencies as warranted.
- Attends workshops, seminars and other educational forums to keep informed and up-to-date on all related matters.
- Responsible for the day-to-day business operation and administration of the Building Department. Assists the Superintendent of Buildings with the department’s annual budget. Monitors and reviews the expenditures to ensure adherence to budget limitations. Oversees department purchases in conformity with City policies. Maintains records of accounts receivable and payable being certain that internal records and City generated reports are in agreement.
- Assists the Superintendent of Buildings with personnel management. In conformity with City policies and State laws, recruits, interviews and hires Building Department employees. Assures competent staff through orientation, training and evaluation of employees in conformity with City requirements. Consistent with union contracts and relevant City policies, schedules work, approves employee leave requests and engages in employee disciplinary actions, and such other personnel actions as necessary to assure productive and effective operations. Coordinates Building Department functions with other City departments to assure unified progress towards City objectives.
- Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates to assist in the function of the Department.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
At least five (5) years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design or in the alternative a four-year degree in a field related to building construction or design or any combination of education and experience which would confer equivalent knowledge and ability. Must possess certification as a building commissioner or must possess a local inspector certification and be able to attain the building commissioner certification within eighteen months from date of hire. Valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- High degree of knowledge regarding MGL Chap. 143 and the requirements of the State Building Code (780 CMR).
- General knowledge of the quality and strength of building materials. General knowledge of accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, safe exits and the requirements of MGL Chapter 22 Section 13A and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto pertaining to accessible design standards. General knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, design information, Massachusetts General Laws and regulations.
- Ability to read, write and speak clearly in English and to translate technical information into laymen’s terms.
- Ability to follow departmental rules, regulations, policies, and practices in all aspects of the job.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other City employees, and the public.
- Ability to design and communicate information, and to interact appropriately, courteously and professionally with the general public and others, in both written and oral form.
- Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
- Position includes functions of a complex and technical nature and exercises significant independent judgment in the application, interpretation and enforcement of regulations.
- Strong self-initiative, communication and organizational skills essential in the performance of this job.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills
The physical demands of the position are in the moderate range. Regularly required to be sedentary, standing, or sitting while in an office setting with intermittent walking, crouching, stooping, bending and reaching. Able to lift 15-30 pounds in and out of a vehicle or storage at start and end of program/events. Ability to access all such sites which includes driving to site. Minimal physical effort generally required in performing administrative inspection duties and moderate physical effort required when conducting field inspections during all types of weather conditions.
Motor Skills
The work requires motor skills for activities such as keyboarding, filing, moving objects and using a variety of office equipment and to finger and handle.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
The City of Westfield is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
Job Details
Category
City Employment
Status
Open
Salary
$71,300 - $93,969
Posted
December 12, 2025 8:00 AM
Closing
January 5, 2026 4:00 PM
Salary : $71,300 - $93,969