Assistant Building Official Apprentice

Job Description

Nature of Work

Under the direction of the Chief Building Inspector, assists with enforcing the provisions of the building code and property maintenance code. Under supervision and on own initiative, performs diversified tasks including enforcement of all provisions of the building code, property maintenance code, local ordinances and state statutes.

The successful candidate will be expected to obtain a certification as an Assistant Building Official within one year of hire. The successful candidate will transfer into the role of one of the Town’s Assistant Building Officials (ABO) positions based on their qualifications at the time of hire as an ABO. The successful candidate will also be expected, at the time of their application, to provide proof of their application and acceptance for licensure candidacy and examination via OEDM’s Learning Management System.

Learning Objectives

Uphold safety protocols and structural integrity standards for all construction activities.

Develop expertise in Connecticut State Building Codes and national standards such as IBC, IRC, NEC, IPC, IMC, and energy codes.

Gain knowledge of permit application reviews, plan assessments, and construction site inspections to ensure compliance.

Acquire knowledge of the legal framework governing building officials, including enforcement procedures and property regulations.

Participate in hands-on training at construction sites to identify code violations and implement corrective measures.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in reviewing building plans and permit applications to ensure compliance with the Connecticut State Building Code and local regulations.
• Conduct field inspections of construction projects under supervision, verifying adherence to approved plans and codes.
• Under supervision, and on own initiative, conducts plan reviews and evaluates drawings and specifications for code compliance, conducts field inspections of structures or premises under the jurisdiction of the town’s property maintenance or other codes as applicable to determine whether structures or premises are in conformance with town and state codes.
• Under direct supervision, may issue orders for corrective actions as required.
• With guidance based on level of skill, conducts field inspections and inspects and approves construction materials, methods and processes for code compliance. Records violations and approvals. Insures conformity with applicable codes, designs and standards for safe construction and maintenance of buildings and property.
• Under direct supervision, drafts code information to the public, engineers, architects and contractors. Discuss and document housing complaints referred for action or review. Explains the intent of the code, regulations and statutes with written or verbal explanation.
• Under direct supervision, drafts documentation of reviews, complaints and inspections.
• Research interpretations and reference data from applicable standards, and assists with providing an accurate history of the construction process denoting changes and appropriate approvals for the issue of certificate of occupancy, use or completion.
• Reviews plans, proposed construction or alteration of buildings for conformance with building code, zoning regulations, town property maintenance code and other applicable standards. May recommend changes in plans and issue construction permits.
• May assist in zoning enforcement. Performs other duties as assigned.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of methods, materials and practices used in building construction, alteration and repair, of principles of structural engineering and design, and of modern office procedures related to code enforcement, including computerized procedures.

Awareness of building codes, property maintenance codes, fire codes, state and local codes, principles of zoning regulations and enforcement and of other laws pertaining to construction and of the principles of structures engineering and design.

Ability to read and interpret building construction plans, drawings, and specifications.

Ability to perform effective field inspections, to enforce orders firmly and courteously based on the findings of such inspections, and to perform research and prepare technical reports and recommendations.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, frequently in controversial or sensitive circumstances, and to use or learn to use computers.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and with the public.

Physical & Mental Effort/Environmental & Working Conditions

Able to lift objects weighing more than 20 lbs. Must be mobile and able to perform moderately difficult manipulative skills. Able to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to perform gross body movements; tasks which require hand-eye coordination; tasks which require arm-hand steadiness.

Must be able to see objects far away, as in driving; see objects closely as in reading or typing a report; and discriminate colors as in house colors, electrical wires or warning lights. Able to hear sounds with some background noise and communicate through human speech using the English language.

Able to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption. Needs to attend to task/function for more than 60 minutes at a time. Able to understand and relate to several ideas at a time, understand the concepts behind ideas and relate to the theories behind several related concepts. Able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over long periods of time.

Ability to work in a professional manner with co-workers, customers and the public at large.

Exposure to high and low temperatures and seasonal conditions in outside weather. May be exposed to dust and electro-magnetic radiation as in computer screens.

Minimum Training & Experience

Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school is required, with three years of experience in general construction and related fields. Must possess a valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license.

The successful candidate for the Assistant Building Official Apprentice is expected to commit to a minimum of four years employment with the Town of Manchester once hired to an Assistant Building Official Apprentice Position, upon receipt of ABO certification.

If, at any time prior to completion of the Commitment Period, the Employee resigns, is terminated for cause, or otherwise fails, to fulfill the required four-year term, the Employee shall be obligated to reimburse the Town for all Covered Costs incurred on the Employee’s behalf, including training, certifications, and licensing. Repayment shall be made according to the following mandatory schedule:

• Separation during Year 1: 100 percent reimbursement
• Separation during Year 2: 75 percent reimbursement
• Separation during Year 3: 50 percent reimbursement
• Separation during Year 4: 25 percent reimbursement

All reimbursement obligations shall be immediately due and payable upon separation, and the Employee authorizes the Town, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to deduct any outstanding amounts from the Employee’s final wages or any other sums owed by the Town. This obligation shall survive the termination of employment for any reason, except where prohibited by applicable law.

Candidates who fail to obtain certification as an Assistant Building Official via the State of Connecticut after one year of employment may be separated from employment with the Town.

THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IS ILLUSTRATIVE. IT IS INTENDED AS A GUIDE FOR PERSONNEL ACTIONS AND MUST NOT BE TAKEN AS A COMPLETE ITEMIZATION OF ALL FACETS OF ANY JOB.

Company Description

The Town of Manchester is a vibrant and diverse community with an array of public services that reflect a set of values shared by its residents and leaders committed to bringing Manchester into the 21st century as an up-and-coming community that cares about its residents, its children, its schools and parks, its roads and utilities, and the health and safety of the Manchester Community.

Town of Manchester’s employees are essential to the town’s ability to provide quality services to the community. It is our goal to attract a diverse, and well-qualified workforce that are representative of our residents to bring their experience and expertise to join our team.

Come take a look at what is happening in the Town of Manchester https://www.youtube.com/@manchestercttown

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• 14-Paid Holidays
• Alternative Workweek Schedule Eligible
• Sick Time
• Annual Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Defined Contribution Plan with 6% employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement & loan repayment assistance
• Access to fitness center
• The Town of Manchester is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.