Building Official

Salary : $79,187.93 - $110,833.85 Annually
Location : WA 99260, WA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 23-00322
Department: Building and Planning
Opening Date: 11/09/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Job Summary
This position works 37.5 hours per week.
This position provides professional and supervisory work in the enforcement of applicable County and State codes and ordinances related to building construction. The Incumbent will assist management oversee and supervise staff in the technical oversight of plan review, inspection, compliance programs and assist staff as needed to ensure customer service. Incumbent is expected to perform a variety of responsibilities for organization, direction, and coordination of assigned section(s) of the department (such as but not limited to plan review, field inspection, compliance, etc.); interpretation of codes and development of policies and procedures relating to management of assigned sections Work is performed under the Building Director with minimal supervision and with independent judgment.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $101,360 - $141,867 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties

• At the direction of the Building Director, may be required to perform plan reviews as needed for building construction and fire protection systems of both commercial and residential structures.
• Assigns and supervises the activities of subordinates engaged in securing compliance with construction codes, ordinances and regulations through the plan review, inspection and compliance process, coordinating all such personnel to work effectively together.
• Review alternate materials and methods of construction for conformance with applicable standards of building systems; review construction project and plat water plans
• Collaborates in the review and interpretation of pertinent codes and ordinances and in the development of associated policies and procedures, recommended changes and ordinance amendments.
• Continuously evaluates assigned programs, procedures and reporting systems to assure fullest utilization of available personnel and resources.
• Assists department staff with special inspections, investigations and gathering evidence of violations, preparing information for arrest warrants for violations of construction and related laws and regulations.
• Reviews construction drawings, plans and specifications prior to issuance of permits for conformance with applicable codes visiting site construction as needed if problems arise
• Maintains an accurate accounting of all aspects of assigned activities.
• Assigned oversight of code enforcement related grants or awards.
• Assists in the review and preparation of the department budget as it pertains to assigned sections.
• Assist customers, the public, staff, builders, developers, design professionals, citizens/citizen groups, and/or other agencies, property owners and other interested parties, explaining, interpreting and applying codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Assists in the selection and hiring process of personnel and submit recommendations to the Building Director when personnel actions such as disciplinary, promotional or other are necessary.
• May be required to attend meetings of industry associations and make presentations to various organizations.
• Assist legal counsel in construction and/or code enforcement actions and appeals as needed; may attend court hearings and testify as appropriate. Conduct Building Official Hearings as needed
• Maintain effective working relationships with management, supervisors, agencies, individuals and department employees.
• Provide positive customer service; keep public areas clean.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Building Technology, Architecture or other related field. Or,
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the application or use of building, fire or other construction related codes. Or,
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the building construction industry or related field
• May substitute applicable course work or training for up to one year of experience.
• Possession of an ICC Plans Examiner Certification (commercial or commercial related category) and ICC Building Inspector through the International Code Council or equivalent at time of appointment.
• Certified Building Official Certification at hire or within twelve (12) months of appointment and maintained throughout employment.
• Wabo Accredited Code Official within 2 years of hire.

Note: all license requirements, ICBO Legacy Certification sanctioning by ICC in the categories of Building Inspector and Plans Examiner are considered the equivalent of: one (1) commercial and one (1 residential certification in the respective disciplines.
Selection Factors

• Knowledge of applicable ICC, WAC, NFPA, and Spokane County Title III codes and regulations governing building construction and maintenance.
• Knowledge of the materials, methods and practices used in building construction and of the stages in construction when possible defects and violations may be most easily observed and corrected.
• Knowledge of state and local construction codes and ordinances relative to general construction, land use, and design practices as demonstrated by experience and certifications relative to the assigned area(s) of expertise.
• Knowledge of various construction materials and methods
• Knowledge of customer service techniques and phone etiquette.
• Knowledge of principals, methods, practices and procedures necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to effectively supervise, schedule, assign, and review the work of subordinates.
• Ability to establish a team oriented work environment, conveying and communicating ideas and information effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications and blueprints, and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.
• Ability to deal with customers and co-workers in a tactful, calm, courteous and professional manner often in stressful situations.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgement and to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
• Ability to handle interruptions efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to follow work direction and complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to Maintain complex records and files and organize facts and present findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• Ability to Understand various county rules, regulations, goals and to harmoniously develop solutions to those common goals in an impartial manner.
• Ability to Establish and maintain effective relationships with subordinates, county officials, contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and the general public.
• Ability to Resolve problems, use discretion and make sound judgements.
• Skilled in applying customer service techniques
• Skilled in operation of standard office equipment and computers, including databases, word processing, technical software and internet based applications/research.
• Knowledge of the use and regulations of SEPA.

SPOKANECOUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2023 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2023 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.