Building Official - Austin Development Services

City of Austin•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under nominal direction, the Building Official organizes, develops, and manages building plan reviews and inspections for the City of Austin. The position oversees building permit plan review personnel and inspection work, including issuance of certificates of occupancy and occupant load cards. It leads the programs, budgets, policies, and operations of plan review, inspection, and service center divisions, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and city codes and regulations. The role provides technical guidance to residents, city management, contractors, design professionals, and staff; resolves complex customer appeals and disputes; coordinates development services plan review and inspection efforts with other city departments and utilities; and serves as a City liaison to construction-code development organizations. The Building Official also participates in code and ordinance development, evaluates program effectiveness and workforce utilization, conducts needs assessments, tracks building review and inspection history, and responds to issues raised by the City Manager and City Council. The position exercises full supervisory and management responsibilities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal. The position is based on-site at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas. The stated schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; hours may vary depending on business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or another field related to design or construction; up to four years of required education may be substituted with one additional year of relevant work experience per year.
At least 10 years of work experience related to design, construction, or plan review, including at least two years of lead or supervisory responsibilities.
Valid Texas driver license within 30 days of hire.
Certification as a Certified Building Official by the International Code Council or another recognized authority.
Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices, including architecture and civil, environmental, structural, architectural, mechanical, and/or electrical engineering.
Knowledge of construction practices and the phases of plan review and inspection processes.
Knowledge and experience in national consensus code development processes and development of local code adoption ordinances.
Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols, and abbreviations.
Knowledge of fiscal planning, budget preparation, and supervisory and management principles and techniques.
Ability to read and interpret complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications, including shop drawings.
Ability to communicate code requirements orally and in writing to staff, architects, contractors, developers, and the public.
Skill in data analysis, problem solving, complex analysis, and interpreting code provisions to determine compliance or evaluate alternate compliance methods and performance-based designs.
Skill in mathematical calculations, planning, organizing, and recordkeeping.
Skill in common computer software, including productivity software, computer-aided design software, and database data entry.
Ability to communicate with and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
Ability to recognize building codes and related state and local regulations concerning mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
Ability to explain and demonstrate that essential job functions can be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate has leadership and organizational vision, political acumen and stakeholder engagement skills, adaptive management and sound decision-making, a commitment to customer service and process improvement, and effective communication skills including cultural awareness and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Direct programs and activities for plan reviews, inspections, and service center divisions, and designate projects for specific inspections.
Coordinate division budget preparation and monitor compliance; conduct economic forecasting and contract monitoring; set division policy in alignment with department goals; and evaluate short- and long-term planning.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and city codes, ordinances, and regulations; direct staff and guide development of code amendment language for ordinances adopting related codes.
Enforce quality assurance and quality control initiatives and evaluate program effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce utilization.
Serve as a member of or coordinate with boards, commissions, and other groups, including serving as an ex-officio member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals.
Provide technical advice and assistance to citizens, city management, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Review customer appeals involving complex code issues related to residential zoning and building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy codes.
Coordinate plan review and inspection work among Development Services Department personnel and Health and Human Services, Austin Fire Department, and Austin Water Utility, including Industrial Waste.
Resolve disputes involving staff and internal or external clients of commercial and residential plan reviews and inspections.
Provide assistance and information regarding issuance of certificates of occupancy.
Meet and consult with design professionals regarding construction of new buildings in Austin.
Track building plan review and inspection history and review or prepare technical reports.
Conduct needs assessment studies and research and resolve customer issues.
Serve as a City liaison for questions from the City Manager and City Council.
Represent the City in consensus construction-code development organizations, including the International Code Council, National Fire Protection Association, and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
Supervise and manage staff, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal.