SUMMARY: Are you self-motivated, highly competent, detail oriented, and work well with the public? The City of Cleveland Heights is looking to re-establish its Building Department as a division under the Department of Planning & Development. At the top of the list is finding a Building Commissioner to run all aspects of the division. If this sounds like you, the City of Cleveland Heights, Ohio has a unique opportunity! Mayor Kahlil Seren was sworn in as the City’s first elected Mayor in 2022. One of the goals of his administration was to bring building services back in-house. The Building Commissioner would perform work under the general direction and supervision of the Director of Planning & Development but would have extensive leeway to establish and administer building services. The Building Commissioner works with all areas of the community – residents, stakeholders, developers, contractors, architects, property owners, etc. – and, therefore, is a highly visible position within the community and region.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed. 

• Manages all programs, functions, and services of the Division 
• Serves as the City’s Chief Building Official (CBO)
• Interprets and enforces building codes and related ordinances; conducts, coordinates, and supervises permitting and inspection activities to ensure compliance
• Maintains current mandated professional certifications, as well as remain up-to-date with new and improved code administration techniques with the Ohio Board of Building Standards through participation in seminars, trainings, and conferences 
• Develops and recommends changes to update building code provisions, particularly to reflect “green” building practices
• Manages the permitting and contractor registration functions including periodically reviewing fees and making recommendations and revisions when appropriate
• Analyzes and evaluates residential building plans, including design, materials, construction methods, and health and safety measures
• Issues permits and provides final approval on issuance of occupancy permits; issues stop work orders for construction work not within approved plans; initiates legal action to correct violations; testifies before appeals board and in court
• Oversees and participates in the provision of high-level customer service to internal and external constituencies; resolves complaints and complex problems; and provides technical advice
• Develops and implements division policies, goals, objectives, procedures, and priorities
• Oversees all personnel of the department; plans, directs, and assigns the work of building inspectors and administrative staff; selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates staff; provides or coordinates staff training 
• Assists in preparation and administration of Building Division budget, activity reports, and year-end reports
• Maintains department records, including records of permits and inspections
• Coordinates design review activities, which may include the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) and serving as its Secretary, 
• Attends Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City Council meetings, as necessary
• Works closely with the Economic Development Division to streamline approval processes and to assist businesses achieve regulatory compliance
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence on building and code compliance matters 
• Ensures that diversity, equity, and inclusion is considered in all building matters
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Mayor 
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:
Responsible for the administrative supervision of the Building Division and its personnel, equipment, and other assets.QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building and construction safety, engineering principles and practices, and architectural principles, practices, and guidelines
• Federal, State, County, and City building codes, ordinances, and administrative orders applicable to building and construction trades
• Methods, materials, and techniques involved in general building construction to recognize possible defects
• “Green” Building practices and codes
• Universal design principles are a “plus”
• Public administration including budgeting and program management

 
Skills in:

• Customer service
• Communication and interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
• Using a computer and related software applications
• Accurately and efficiently completing work

 
Ability to:

• Direct, supervise, and coordinate the functions and activities of the Cleveland Heights Building Division
• Read, comprehend, interpret, and implement all national, state, and local building and related codes
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Read, understand, and interpret plans, diagrams, blueprints, and specifications accurately and assess adherence to codes and standards
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Analyze, interpret, and understand technical and statistical information
• Apply program practices to complex situations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department, City management, other City departments, and others
• Interact in a pleasant manner with employees and the general public

 
EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Engineering, or Industrial Technology or related field is highly desirable, plus: 

1. Five (5) years of experience in non-residential building design and construction for buildings or structures within the scope of groups regulated by the rules of the board while registered in Ohio as an architect or professional engineer, OR 
2. Ten (10) years of experience as a general contractor or superintendent of building construction for buildings or structures dealing with all phases and trades of construction including the responsibility for obtaining approvals and inspections, OR
3. Five (5) years of experience employed full-time as a residential building official in a certified residential building department.

 
City is extremely flexible and will consider a combination of education with experience.
 
CERTIFICATION/ LICENSURE:
Required:

• Possess or have the ability to obtain interim certification with the Ohio Board of Building Standards as Building Official within six (6) months and obtain permanent certification within two (2) years of hire date
• Possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License

 
Desired (at least one[1]):

• Non-residential and/or residential certification as a Building Inspector, Electrical Safety Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Fire Protection Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Master Plans Examiner

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work environment and 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.

HOURS OF WORK
The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). The position requires reporting to City Hall most of the time, with frequent time spent in the field.
Attendance at evening meetings is part of the job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. May require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work will occur in an office and field environment. Subject to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, travel and weather conditions.
 
 
The City of Cleveland Heights is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.