Assistant Chief of Code Enforcement

Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this job description are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all the job duties of all positions in the job classification. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.)

• Reports to and takes direction from the Chief, responsible for supervising inspectors assigned to construction or housing in the verification of compliance with applicable building codes for residential and commercial/industrial buildings or housing standards. For example, the position will work to ensure that inspectors check structural and safety elements including all subsequent concrete work, framing and all weight bearing members, fire walls, stairways and exits, window and door sizes, adequate lighting, flashing and spouting, heating and ventilation systems, retaining walls and swimming pool installation; and documents all discrepancies found during inspection. 

• Responsible for staff conducting visual inspections of safety and health systems and materials in residential and commercial/industrial buildings. Ensures compliance with applicable codes and any special requirements dictated by the local and/or state utility companies.

• Works with the Chief and other City staff to streamline Division workflows, implement standard operating procedures, and deploy tactics, (which may include things like mobile routing software) to maximize field efficiency. 

• Schedules and coordinates building and zoning code violations and the satisfactory compliance. 

• Makes field inspections periodically regarding permits to ensure staff is promoting compliance with codes, noting violations and reporting the same to the contractor or owner. 

• As deputy to the Chief, issues citations in cases of noncompliance with codes and regulations, and schedules and inspects building construction with health, fire, planning and zoning staff to check for conformity with building and zoning codes.

• Interprets and explains building ordinances, codes and regulations to builders, contractors, homeowners and other interested parties. Works to understand and resolve both simple and complex complaints escalated by applicants, residents, business operators, and developers, and elected or appointed officials. 

• Assists with developing narrative and statistical reports on Division progress and status of workload and the Division’s attainment of performance measures. 

• Assists with code modification and adoption. 

• Coordinates with the Chief, to provide direct Department responses to complaints about violations. Indicates inspection actions taken on corresponding permits, maintains daily log and provides weekly reports of permits in process and finalized. 

• Answers questions from builders, contractors and the general public regarding building code requirements for construction projects. 

• Attends various seminars to keep up-to-date on updates in building codes. 

• Advises the Chief regarding the Department’s budget to include payroll projections, purchase of supplies and equipment, inventory and stock levels, etc. 

• Approves leave requests. 

• Develops and/or recommends performance appraisals ratings for staff; investigates occurrences which could be disciplinary in nature; conducts disciplinary meetings and makes recommendations for the same. Schedules and reviews work of inspectors and subordinate staff. 

• Assists staff inspectors on difficult issues.

• Monitors staff inspectors’ workload and job habits both in field and in office and implements corrective action. 

• Reviews and coordinates building plans with health, fire, electrical, plumbing and historic district commission staff, for conformity to meet building and zoning codes.

• As may be directed by the Chief, coordinates activities between the Office of Law, Public Works and Fire Department. Represents the Department at hearings and legislative meetings especially to the Board of Building Appeals.

• Serves on various committees to inform, market, and share the mission and objectives of the Department.

• Interacts with the general public when attending community meetings or responding to questions regarding status of inspections or approval packages. 

• Checks for possession of permit and conformance to all alterations, major repairs and additions to buildings and other structures. Schedules and coordinates inspection and permits to ensure compliance with rental housing, minimum housing and commercial structures standards.

• Provides administrative review and evaluation of all construction, alteration, remodeling and processes permits to be issued. 

• In collaboration with the Office of Emergency Management and other City departments, and as directed by the Chief, coordinates inspections staff in times of storm events and other community hazards and emergencies to document conditions and assists the Emergency Operations Center during peak hours or short staff.

• In coordination with the Director, works to promote continuous operational improvement in permitting and inspections. 

• Acts as Division lead in the absence of the Chief.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering practices, housing code and zoning regulations as applied to the construction and inspection of houses, apartments, commercial and industrial buildings, structures and public and private property in general; 

Skill using good judgment, tact and courtesy;

Ability to monitor long-term plans and to evaluate work accomplishments; 

Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the activities of inspectors engaged in various phases of inspection services; 

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with other employees, City, State and Federal officials, contractors and the general public;

Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form; 

Ability to supervise subordinate staff; 

Ability to enforce various codes effectively and issue citations when required; 

Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and issue citations when required; 

Ability to be thoroughly proficient in construction drawing review; 

Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems; 

Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or recordkeeping purposes; 

Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD;

Ability to create and guide implementation of capital improvement plans or programs; and

Ability to create plans for and guide implementation of new technology system 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and seven (7) years’ experience in the field of construction permits and/or rental housing inspections.

Special Qualifications:

Possession of a valid state driver’s license or the ability to obtain the same within 30 days of employment. Possession International Code Council (ICC) certification as Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within 30 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of State and International Code Council Certification and National Incident Management Systems training - ICS400, IS700 & IS800. Possession of Building Code Official Certification within 3 years of employment in the position. At least 1 year experience in supervising inspection personnel. Achievement of the FEMA Certified Floodplain Manager credential within 3 years of employment in the position.

Physical/Mental Demands:

The work is sedentary and generally the employee may be required to speak, walk, stand, bend, and/or carry light items to include paper, books or files. Employees assigned to this position consent to chemical substance screening consistent with mandated Federal, State, and City guidelines and programs, to include random drug and alcohol testing.

Work Environment: