Building Official - Austin Development Services

City of Austin

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Building Official organizes, develops, and manages building plan reviews and inspections for the City of Austin. The role oversees building permit plan review personnel and inspection completion, including the issuance of certificates of occupancy and occupant load cards. It provides technical leadership across development services, code compliance, customer appeals, and coordination with City departments and external stakeholders. The position directs plan review, inspection, and service center programs; manages budgets, forecasting, contracts, policy, and planning; and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and City codes. It leads quality assurance and operational effectiveness efforts, advises citizens, City management, and contractors, and serves as an ex-officio member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. The Building Official also reviews complex customer appeals, resolves disputes, consults with design professionals, tracks building review and inspection histories, prepares or reviews technical reports, conducts needs assessments, and acts as a City liaison with code-development organizations and City leadership. The role exercises full supervisory and management responsibilities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal. The position is on-site at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 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, plus ten years of work experience related to design, construction, or plan review.
At least two years of lead or supervisory responsibilities.
One additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one year of required education, up to a maximum of four years of substitution.
Valid Texas driver license within 30 days of hire.
Certification as a Certified Building Official by the International Code Council (ICC) or another recognized authority.
Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices, including architecture and civil, environmental, structural, mechanical, and/or electrical engineering.
Knowledge of construction practices, plan review and inspection processes, national consensus code development, local code adoption ordinances, and architectural drawing practices, symbols, and abbreviations.
Knowledge of fiscal planning, budget preparation, and supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
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 City staff, architects, contractors, developers, and the public.
Skills in data analysis, problem solving, maintaining working relationships, complex code analysis, mathematical calculations, planning, organizing, recordkeeping, and common computer software, including productivity and computer-aided design software and database data entry.
Ability to communicate with and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel, and to recognize building codes and related state and local regulations concerning mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
Submit a complete online employment application; a resume and cover letter are also required and are not accepted in place of the application.
Undergo a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate is a seasoned technical expert with leadership skills, sound judgment, strategic perspective, and comprehensive knowledge of building codes, plan review, and inspection practices.
Political acumen and experience building collaborative relationships with City departments, community stakeholders, utilities, public safety agencies, planning and development representatives, neighborhood organizations, and elected leadership.
Ability to align technical services with long-term City goals, lead organizational improvements, and balance operational needs with strategic planning.
Experience exercising sound judgment in complex situations, resolving disputes, improving customer service, and advancing efficient plan review and inspection processes.
Cultural awareness, commitment to inclusion, and ability to communicate clearly and build trust with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Direct plan review, inspection, and service center programs and activities, and designate projects for specific inspections.
Coordinate budget preparation and monitor compliance; perform 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, and guide development of code amendment language for related ordinances.
Implement quality assurance and quality control initiatives and evaluate program effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce utilization.
Serve on 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, and contractors.
Review customer appeals concerning plan review or inspection decisions involving complex residential zoning, building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy code issues.
Coordinate plan review and inspection personnel across Development Services, Health and Human Services, Austin Fire Department, Austin Water Utility (including Industrial Waste), and Development Services Department Building Inspections.
Resolve disputes involving staff and internal or external customers of commercial and residential plan reviews and inspections.
Assist with providing information and issuing certificates of occupancy.
Meet and consult with design professionals about new building construction in Austin.
Track building plan review and inspection histories; review or prepare technical reports; and conduct needs assessment studies.
Research and resolve customer issues and serve as a City liaison for inquiries from the City Manager and City Council.
Represent the City with 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.