Building Official

Performs complex technical and administrative work overseeing Stafford County's enforcement of the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) including the Virginia Construction Code and related regulations .  Work includes daily oversight and supervision of building permitting, plan review and inspection functions for all building-related activities and operations within the Department of Development Services under limited supervision.  The position requires application of technical knowledge, independent judgment, and executive ability consistent with Section 105.1.1 of the VUSBC.

The hiring salary range for this position is $111,677.28 to $153,570.56 annually based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is $111,677.28 to $177,673.60 annually to provide opportunity for growth and development.

• Oversees the building permitting, plan review and inspections for Stafford County to ensure compliance with the requirements of the VUSBC and related codes; coordinates work with county staff and other local and State agencies; maintains records and files; prepares reports;
• Directly supervises the Deputy Building Official, Building Inspections Supervisor and Community Development Service Center (Permitting) Manager or Supervisor;
• Plans, organizes, assigns, and evaluates work of the Building Division staff;
• Ensures public health, safety, and welfare in relation to the design, construction, and use of permitted buildings and structures;
• Oversee the operation and management of the Permitting division;
• Answers technical questions/inquiries from contractors, developers, design professionals, engineers, architects, owners, building occupants, general public, etc. regarding administrative and building code requirements, building permitting, plan review and inspection procedures and policies, contractor licensing laws, tradesmen certification standards, and building-related activities;
• Reviews, approves, and issues violation notices, stop work orders, and other compliance directives;
• Coordinates legal enforcement processes and represents the County in applicable administrative hearings and court proceedings;
• Develop operational procedures, performance metrics, and customer service standards for the Department of Development Services;
• Prepares reports and presentations for the Director of Development Services;
• Provides leadership on complex or high-priority projects and serves as a technical resource;
• Assists in the development and implementation of building permitting, plan review and inspection strategies, policies, and professional standards;
• Works collaboratively with Planning, Zoning, Code Enforcement, County & Commonwealth Attorney’s Offices, and other departments on compliance and development issues;
• Develops and delivers training for staff and stakeholders;
• Monitors workloads, trends, and performance data to inform decision-making and resource needs;
• Attends meetings and conferences with developers, engineers, architects, contractors, community associations, and local trade representatives to discuss and/or resolve issues concerning code applications, community concerns and/or issues, standards and testing requirements;
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of building, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical trades, etc.; 
• Comprehensive knowledge of building, construction, engineering and structural engineering principles and practices; 
• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate the various phases of building plan review and inspection services and operations; 
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials, and the general public; ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form;
• Ability to demonstrate firmness and tact in regulating codes and ordinances.

A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by coursework in public administration, engineering, construction, code enforcement, regulatory compliance, or related fields, and seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in building permitting, plan review, inspections, regulatory compliance, or related work, including at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, engineering, planning, construction management, criminal justice, or related field is preferred. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
• Within 12 months, possession of Certification as a Building Official (CBO) per the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD);

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.