Chief Building Official

Posting Date

08/06/26

Application Deadline

08/20/26

Pay Range

$123,500 - $189,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Planning and Development

About the Position

The Chief Building Official manages the County's Plan Review and Inspections functions and serves as the lead authority for building code interpretation and administration. The position oversees residential and commercial plan review, inspection operations, certificate of occupancy processes, and related permit decisions to ensure consistent application of adopted codes and County ordinances. As a member of the department leadership team, the position develops policies, supports process improvements, resolves complex technical issues, and leads a team of professional and technical staff focused on public safety, service, accountability, and a safe built environment.

About Us

Maricopa County is growing. We want you to join the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department to help make the growth possible! With our wide range of services, from land-use planning to building inspections and permit review, we have positions that allow professionals in the planning, construction, engineering, and trade fields to shape the built environment's future. If you're interested in being a change-maker and behind-the-scenes expert in Maricopa County's growth, we have the career for you!

Proud To Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!  Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Eight years of professional experience in urban planning, building plan review, inspections, building code administration, construction management, or a related field, including four years of supervisory or management experience
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, or a related field
• A combination of post-secondary education and job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis

Other Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

We Also Value

• Master’s degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, public administration, construction management, or a related field.
• Current registration with the State of Arizona as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Four International Code Council or equivalent certifications, which may include building and fire categories.
• Experience managing building safety programs, code adoption or amendments, digital plan review, inspection programs, or permit process improvements.
• Experience working with elected officials, appointed boards or commissions, other agencies, and the development community.
• An ICC Building Official certification

Job Contributions

• Manages professional, technical, managerial, and supervisory staff in the Plan Review and Inspections functions, including work planning, assignments, training, performance, and service delivery
• Oversees plan review and inspection operations for proposed construction to ensure compliance with adopted building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, and related County codes and ordinances
• Serves as the Chief Building Official and lead technical authority for building code administration, complex code interpretations, permit decisions, and certificate of occupancy processes
• Develops, recommends, and implements building code amendments, division policies, standard operating procedures, and process improvements
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, applicants, property owners, and other stakeholders to resolve complex permitting, plan review, inspection, and construction issues
• Supports department goals, customer service expectations, strategic initiatives, performance measures, and program improvements for plan review and inspection services
• Participates in budget preparation and administration, including cost estimates, expenditure monitoring, staffing recommendations, and contract or consultant needs
• Represents the department in meetings with County leadership, the Board of Supervisors, appointed boards and commissions, outside agencies, and the development community
• Leads special projects and coordinates with other County departments, jurisdictions, and agencies on building safety, permitting, emergency response, and development service issues

Working Conditions

Work will occur in both the office and in the field. While performing the duties and responsibilities of the job, the employee may be exposed to loud noises, noxious odors, unsanitary conditions, chemicals, electricity, moving mechanical parts, varying weather conditions, and other related conditions and situations. The position is subject to atmospheric conditions, including fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, and/or poor ventilation. The employee in this position may be required to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly. This work requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

This work requires the ability to use standard office equipment, computers, telephones, mobile devices, copiers or scanners, Microsoft Office, virtual meeting tools, permitting and inspection systems, digital plan review software, electronic document management tools, GIS or web mapping tools, and code research resources. Personal protective equipment may be required for field or construction site visits, including a hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, and closed-toed or safety-toed footwear.

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

 

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [email protected] to initiate the interactive process.

 

Apply Now!