Chief Building Official

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Building Official manages the County's Plan Review and Inspections functions and serves as the lead authority for building code interpretation and administration. The position oversees residential and commercial plan review, inspection operations, certificate of occupancy processes, and related permit decisions to ensure consistent application of adopted codes and County ordinances. As a member of the department leadership team, the position develops policies, supports process improvements, resolves complex technical issues, and leads a team of professional and technical staff focused on public safety, service, accountability, and a safe built environment.

Requirements

• Eight years of professional experience in urban planning, building plan review, inspections, building code administration, construction management, or a related field, including four years of supervisory or management experience
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, or a related field
• A combination of post-secondary education and job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis
• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Certification within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in urban planning, engineering, architecture, public administration, construction management, or a related field.
• Current registration with the State of Arizona as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Four International Code Council or equivalent certifications, which may include building and fire categories.
• Experience managing building safety programs, code adoption or amendments, digital plan review, inspection programs, or permit process improvements.
• Experience working with elected officials, appointed boards or commissions, other agencies, and the development community.
• An ICC Building Official certification

Responsibilities

• Manages professional, technical, managerial, and supervisory staff in the Plan Review and Inspections functions, including work planning, assignments, training, performance, and service delivery
• Oversees plan review and inspection operations for proposed construction to ensure compliance with adopted building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, and related County codes and ordinances
• Serves as the Chief Building Official and lead technical authority for building code administration, complex code interpretations, permit decisions, and certificate of occupancy processes
• Develops, recommends, and implements building code amendments, division policies, standard operating procedures, and process improvements
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, applicants, property owners, and other stakeholders to resolve complex permitting, plan review, inspection, and construction issues
• Supports department goals, customer service expectations, strategic initiatives, performance measures, and program improvements for plan review and inspection services
• Participates in budget preparation and administration, including cost estimates, expenditure monitoring, staffing recommendations, and contract or consultant needs
• Represents the department in meetings with County leadership, the Board of Supervisors, appointed boards and commissions, outside agencies, and the development community
• Leads special projects and coordinates with other County departments, jurisdictions, and agencies on building safety, permitting, emergency response, and development service issues

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager