Building Official

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision by the Director of Development Services, the Building Official performs various technical and administrative duties, as well as field work, for the Development Services Department while providing excellent customer service to the public.  The Building Official is responsible for enforcing building codes & ordinances, developing ordinances and code amendments as needed, defending ordinance interpretations to the Building Standards Commission, conducting plan reviews for commercial and residential projects, overseeing all activities related to building inspections, and overseeing the building permitting process (including the permit technician(s) and Building Inspector(s)).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Directs and coordinates all activities related to building inspections; supervises other building inspectors; performs inspections and regular visits to construction job sites; coordinates with backup third-party inspections service as needed.
• Oversees the building permitting process and supervises the permit technician(s).
• Establishes goals and objectives for the Building Safety division and prepares & manages the division’s budget.
• Orders supplies, tools, clothing, equipment, and other items necessary for the Building Safety division.  Safely operates division vehicle(s) and ensures regular maintenance is conducted.
• Oversees and regularly reviews the City’s adopted building codes, research other codes, and makes recommendations for local amendments or for the adoption of updated codes, as needed.
• Responds to questions and concerns related to building code requirements and any challenges to interpretations, policies, and inspection reports.
• Performs plan reviews for commercial and residential building projects, including new buildings, additions, remodels, and finish-outs; prepares and distributes review comments and plan markups; responds to questions throughout the plan review process.
• Oversees the plan reviews of other employees in the Building Safety division who may perform plan reviews for building projects; ensures plan reviews are performed properly and provides feedback and additional training, as necessary.
• Coordinates with the City’s Fire Department in reviewing plans, conducting inspections, and ensuring all requirements related to Fire codes and life safety are met.
• Coordinates with the City’s Public Works Department in reviewing plans and conducting inspections as it relates to public infrastructure.
• Coordinates with the Building Inspector in scheduling inspections and communicating regarding inspections and results; communicates effectively with residents, other City staff, and contractors and helps to find reasonable solutions to overcome any challenges or obstacles during the construction process.
• Works closely with the permit technician in providing quality customer service to the public, scheduling building inspections, preparing monthly permit activity reports, calculating fees, providing updates to customers regarding the review process, providing information for open records requests, and maintaining records of all permit activities in accordance with current City policy.
• May fill in for the permit technician(s), as needed.
• Uses and educates contractors and the public on myGov software for permits and inspections, or other portals and processes, in accordance with current City policy.
• Prepares items and reports for the Building Standards Commission, as needed; guides applicants through the process, makes presentations to the Commission, defends code interpretations, and responds to questions and concerns.
• Attends relevant training opportunities and conferences, as needed, and authorized.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree, or higher, in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.  Adequate years of relevant experience and certifications may serve in place of this requirement.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a governmental setting as a building inspector/official, building plans examiner, code enforcement officer, engineering/construction inspector, or related position.  Relevant private sector experience in the engineering, architectural, building trades, or construction fields may also be considered.
• Inspector, building plans examiner, and certified Building Official certifications through the International Code Council (ICC), or ability to obtain within two (2) years.
• Experience with basic office equipment operations; computerized software (particularly Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint); virtual meeting applications (Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams); typing; and the principles and practices associated with document preparation (reports, letters, spreadsheets, etc.). Excellent writing, telephone, and face-to-face verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with an online permitting platform, such as myGov, ePlans/ProjectDox, Accela, etc.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics (particularly with calculating fees, calculating dimensions, making measurements, converting measurements, and handling money).
• Knowledge and understanding of building codes, fire codes, and zoning ordinances.
• Experience and knowledge in reviewing various types of plans and construction details.
• At least five (5) years of general office experience working with various levels of authority as well as interaction with customers in the course of business is preferred.
• At least three (3) years of relevant experience where field inspections and site visits were regularly conducted.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure to provide quality and timely customer service to the public.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Proficiency in the English language, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding; basic rules of writing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all segments of the population.
• Ability to present items and defend code interpretations in a public setting, such as before the Building Standards Commission.
• Any level of English/Spanish bilingual proficiency and ability to translate a plus. Additional compensation may be provided depending on the level of bilingual proficiency and ability to translate; translation skills may be requested and provided for other departments as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed both in an office environment and out in the field, often exposed to the elements and construction job sites.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions when performing inspections, supervising inspectors, or conducting field visits to job sites.  Proper judgment should be exercised in ensuring one is adequately protected from the elements and stays hydrated.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, reviewing plans and codes, and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds at times.
• Regular climbing, stooping, kneeling, lifting, and reaching when making inspections.
• When conducting field work, there may be exposure to various hazards associated with construction sites, including fumes, dust and other fine particulates, scaffolding, and other unsteady surfaces, fall hazards, tripping hazards, electrical hazards, running water, and bright or inadequate lighting.  The use of personal protective equipment, tools, proper judgment, and best safety practices—and instilling this in other employees under supervision—is essential to help mitigate hazards and protect oneself and fellow employees from harm.

The City of Kaufman, Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.