Building Official

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Community Development Department facilitates orderly growth and development in the Deschutes County community through coordinated programs of Building Safety, Code Compliance, Coordinated Services, Environmental Soils, Planning and education and service to the public.
 
ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.  
 
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.
 
We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:
Deschutes County is seeking an experienced Building Official to oversee the activities of the Building Safety Division by serving as the authority on building safety-related laws, codes, and programs for the Community Development Department (CDD). This role assures building safety and inspection programs for rural Deschutes County and the Cities of La Pine and Sisters are in compliance with state and federal laws, building codes, and County policies and procedures. This role reports to the CDD Director. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Leads and advises on building safety laws and codes; serves as the CDD's representative to officials and organizations.
• Responsible for the administration of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire and life safety codes; assures compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon Building Codes, and local ordinances. 
• Addresses technical issues, interprets codes, and develops procedures; advocates for County code goals at meetings; assesses legislation impacts.
• Manages appeals and complex compliance issues; clarifies requirements and restrictions for customers.
• Collaborates to manage the electronic permit system, coordinating system upkeep and administration.
• Ensures effective internal communication, operational issue resolution, and fosters a supportive work environment internally within CDD. 
• Maintains applicable databases, files, and/or records.

What You Will Bring: 
Knowledge of or experience with:

• County, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances governing building and safety programs.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Government regulatory agencies and specialized sources of building safety information. 

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying building and safety standards, state and Federal regulations, department standards, and County policies and procedures.
• Reading and interpreting building plans and technical specifications, and checking details, estimates, plans, and specifications of projects. 
• Explaining complex building safety inspection regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance. 
• Applying experienced technical knowledge of building trades work, and using sound inspection methods to determine workmanship quality, and detect deviations from plans and specifications.
• Analyzing situations accurately, and making reliable independent decisions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with County employees, officials, other regional government agencies including the Cities of La Pine and Sisters, and the general public. 

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.
 
Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.
 
Review the full job description by clicking HERE.

This classification is under review, changes to compensation may occur.

$9,314.41 to $12,482.19 per month for a 172.67 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This position is available immediately.

BENEFITS:

Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

This posting is reopened until 11:59pm on February 1, 2026.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or a related field; 

• AND five (5) years of experience in building safety and inspection programs, including managerial experience; 

• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job.  

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

• Possession of Oregon Building Official Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of the Oregon State Building Codes Division Building Official Certification course, covering administration and enforcement of the Oregon Building Codes or ability to complete within 6 months. 

Salary : $9,314 - $12,482