BUILDING OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR

Reporting directly to the Director of Building Inspection, provides strategic leadership to the inspection team and operational support staff. Performs a variety of managerial and technical activities related to the interpretation, administration and enforcement of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, as well as state and federal laws to protect the health and safety of the public. Plans, organizes, and coordinates the daily activities relative to the construction code enforcement, construction inspection and plan review within the Building Inspection department. Support director in operational effectiveness of the department.

Work requires substantial public contact and exercise considerable judgement, tact, and firmness when consulting with construction professionals, homeowners, and the public. Provides building code expertise in matters of code interpretation and ensures compliance with building codes and local ordinances.

Essential Duties:

Demonstrates leadership building a collaborative environment including working across division lines and forming partnerships that foster better citizen services, eliminate barriers to achieving results, build alliances with key decision makers, and take full advantage of available resources.

Provides oversight and direction to operations. Reviews construction plans, blueprints diagrams, noting materials and methods to be used, approving permits and construction.

Conducts on-site inspections, assuring appropriate permits have been issued, evaluating construction materials and methods, examining systems, materials, and methods used making sure they meet requirements.

Confers with and gives information to other departments, state government and local government agencies.

Leads the hiring, supervision, training, evaluation, development, and discipline of subordinate employees. Develops training programs to support staff with a high degree of competence and sound judgment.

Serves as a member ex officio to the Construction Code Board of Appeals.

Creates and manages departmental budget with Director input and approval. Oversees business and personnel expenses. Makes recommendations and works closely with budget analyst for smooth funding management.

Approves applications for permits when codes and ordinances are complied with or may issue violation notices when necessary.

Leads contractors and community residents providing technical advice and information on the installation and servicing relative to codes and ordinances.

Directs examination of buildings damaged by fire, damage assessments during emergency situations, and enforcement /condemning of dangerous buildings.

Coordinates with the Building Inspection Director, immediate response to emergencies, including, but not limited to natural disasters, civil disturbances, or terrorism activities, at the direction of the Washtenaw County Emergency Operations Center. This work maybe required outside of normal working hours, including after hours, weekends and/or holidays.

Prepares summary reports of inspection activities and maintains files and records of all permits issued.

Leads departmental policy development to ensure operational effectiveness and appropriate business rules for functionality of team.

Investigates a variety of complaints and may be required to prepare and issue violation notices, along with appearing in court to present testimony regarding code and ordinance violations and complaint cases.

Seeks voluntary compliance where possible or may issue violation notices enforcing codes and ordinances when necessary.

Prepares and oversees corrective instructions when inspection reveals code violations.

Inspects existing structures when requested to determine compliance with codes and ordinances.

Performs complex plan reviews and more difficult specialized inspections and enforcement work.

Acts as Building Official for department.

Handles complex issues that arise and makes decisions in the absence of the Building Inspection Director.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of reading blueprints and architectural plans, applicable building codes, performing building inspections, maintaining detailed and accurate records, and applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of plan review, building inspections and building construction.

Knowledge of Construction code applicable to commercial and residential construction, basic principles of fire prevention, related laws, ordinances, standards, principles and best practices for state-of-the-art design, engineering and construction techniques involved in development projects.

Departmental principles and practices, rules, and regulations.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and the State of Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.

Computer applications related to the work, including spreadsheet and word processing skills.

Business mathematics, including basic statistical analysis techniques.

Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex laws, policies, and regulations.

Analyzing complex and procedural problems, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.

Maintain accurate files and records.

Using sound independent judgement within established policy and procedural guidelines.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted within the course of work.

Preparing clear, concise, and effective written materials.

General knowledge of standard office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment.

Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex laws, policies, and regulations.

Setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects, and meeting critical deadlines.

Using sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.

Communicating effectively.

Applicant must be currently registered with the State of Michigan as a building official and a plan reviewer, as well as be currently registered as at least one of the following: building inspector, electrical inspector, mechanical inspector and/or plumbing inspector. Registrations must be maintained, in accordance with the State requirements, as per Public Act 54 of 1986 of the State of Michigan, throughout employment in this position.

A valid Michigan vehicle operator's license is also required.

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to read regular and small print, and view and prepare documents and reports.

The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, and crawl as necessary to observe building components. The employe must lift or push/pull objects of up to 40 lbs. without assistance. Accommodations will be made as needed for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both indoors and outdoors and regularly travels between work sites using a motor vehicle. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to loud.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Equivalent to possession of a bachelor¿s degree in building construction, construction management, or related field.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively more responsibility in building department inspection activities, code enforcement, and/or construction management.

This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job should be considered.