Building Official

This position conducts building inspections and supervises the enforcement of building codes and city ordinances. This person is responsible for enforcing all Federal, State, and Local codes related to Health, Safety, and Nuisances. The position also oversees the City Facilities Department.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Review plans for residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with building, safety, and accessibility codes.

• Prepare and issue permits for residential construction.
• Inspects new residential and commercial construction in the city, including building foundations, rough structures, and finished structures, for safety and compliance with standard codes. 
• Enforces soil erosion and sediment control ordinances.
• Travels city streets to locate non-permitted construction and other code violations; conducts site inspections when complaints are received.
• Interprets and explains building and zoning ordinances, codes, and regulations to builders, contractors, and homeowners.
• Answers zoning questions, receives requests for conditional use, variances, and changes, and collects applicable fees.
• Reviews standard building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire prevention, and other codes to remain abreast of code changes.
• Prepares reports and maintains inspection records.
• Supervises the work activities of the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and Code Enforcement Officers.
• Supervises and assigns work for the City Facilities Department.  Oversees the control and use of all materials, supplies, and equipment used in the maintenance, construction, and repair of City facilities.
• Serves as Project and Construction Manager for the City of Big Spring when required.
• Organizes and conducts various board meetings to include the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Supervises the work activities of the Permitting Office.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related occupational field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• A minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, code administration, construction, plan review, or a closely related field is required. Supervisory or management experience is preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Texas for the vehicle or type of vehicles operated.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain, within one year, the appropriate state certification for the type of inspection(s) conducted, including:
  • ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager
  • Registered Code Enforcement Officer
  • Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Plumbing Inspector License
  • ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector License
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester License
  • ICC Certified Building Official certification   

• Knowledge of the techniques and materials used in building construction and inspection.
• Knowledge of the state laws, local ordinances, and construction and trade codes governing the building inspection and planning administration processes.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City, including roads, streets, subdivisions, and zoned areas.
• Knowledge of planning and zoning principles, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of codes and laws governing utility installations.
• Knowledge of administrative duties associated with Permitting duties.
• Skill in interpreting blueprints and maps.
• Skill in operating general office equipment and gauges, circuit testers, levels and other tools and equipment used in the building inspection process.
• Skill in supervising the work of others.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Public Works Director assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The employee works independently goals, meet goals, and meet deadlines. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities. 

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include City codes and ordinances, relevant state and federal laws and regulations, state minimum standard building codes, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPETENCIES

An employee’s performance will be evaluated based on the following competencies: job knowledge, teamwork, customer service, flexibility, and work ethic.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of varied technical, administrative, and supervisory duties. The number and diversity of codes and guidelines contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

This position inspects residential and commercial construction projects in the City to ensure compliance with relevant codes. Successful performance in this position helps ensure that construction in the City meets established standards of quality and safety and promotes orderly development within the City.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, local and state elected officials, employees from other departments, utility customers, contractors, property owners, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts typically involve giving or exchanging information, resolving problems, providing services, motivating personnel, and justifying or defending matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light objects, occasionally lifts heavy objects, climbs ladders, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, machinery with moving parts, and inclement weather. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position directly supervises Code Enforcement Officers (1), Code/Permit Technician (3), Administrative Assistant (2), City Facilities Crew Leader (1), and City Facilities Maintenance Worker (1).