Deputy Building Official

City of Arvada•Arvada, CO

21h•$90,628 - $123,920

About The Position

The City of Arvada is hiring a Deputy Building Official to combine technical expertise and leadership in supporting safe, high-quality development. The position leads and supports building inspectors, oversees inspections for complex residential and commercial projects, and works with contractors, architects, homeowners, and City departments to interpret building codes and resolve challenges. The role also guides inspection practices, supports code adoption and training, and contributes to disaster assessment and emergency response efforts. The Deputy Building Official directs inspection work planning and workflow, reviews construction plans, issues permits, and conducts inspections for compliance with applicable codes, laws, and City ordinances. The position coordinates disaster assessment and the on-call schedule, facilitates pre-construction meetings for major projects, maintains inspection policies and procedures, and advises customers on code requirements and violations. It reviews alternative means and methods and modification requests in conjunction with the Chief Building Official and Fire Official(s). This role directly supervises Building Inspectors, including developing work plans, tracking progress, conducting performance appraisals, supporting personnel decisions, coaching staff, and providing training and development opportunities. The Deputy Building Official assists the Chief Building Official with surveys, studies, budget management, and code adoption; may testify as an expert witness; serves as Chief Building Official in that official’s absence as needed; and represents the City with committees, boards, professional groups, and stakeholders. The position requires a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, five years of inspection or plan review examination experience, including two years as a progressively responsible Inspector and/or Plans Examiner equivalent in a municipal or government setting, and specified ICC certifications. A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. The role involves light to moderate physical effort, occasional predictable or well-protected hazards, and regular exposure to heat, noise, and outdoor elements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS, or BBA); an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Five years of inspection or plan review examination experience, including two years as a progressively responsible Inspector and/or Plans Examiner equivalent in a municipal or government setting.
ICC Residential Plans Examiner, ICC Commercial Building Inspector, and ICC Residential Building Inspector certifications, plus four additional ICC inspector or plan review certifications, or the ability to obtain them within one year.
Valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Knowledge of building code administration, disciplines, codes, and standards.
Ability to review residential and commercial applications and plans for compliance with adopted building codes and standards.
Proficiency in inspecting structures and complex projects for compliance with adopted building codes and standards, including resolving complex code issues.
Strong customer service skills, including mediation and conflict resolution.
Ability to use initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with personnel at all City levels.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Must pass a criminal background check and, if required by the position, a driving record check.
Ability to perform light to moderate physical effort, including frequent standing or walking, repetitive positioning of arms and hands, and frequent handling of light objects and hand tools.

Nice To Haves

Disaster assessment experience.
Experience in energy plan review and inspection.
Experience in accessibility plan review and inspection.
Supervisory experience.
Residential or commercial mechanical, plumbing, or electrical certifications.
ICC Certified Building Official certification.

Responsibilities

Direct, coordinate, and review building inspection work plans and activities; assign projects, monitor workflow, review work products and procedures, and help ensure customer expectations are met.
Review construction plans, issue permits, and perform site inspections to verify compliance with applicable codes, laws, and City ordinances.
Coordinate and oversee disaster assessment and the on-call schedule.
Coordinate pre-construction conferences and meetings for major projects to review inspection procedures and support customer service.
Monitor inspection-team training needs and ensure required certifications are maintained and achieved.
Develop and maintain inspection policy manuals, procedures, and policies, including those concerning stop-work orders, notices of violation, and disaster assessment.
Advise architects, contractors, and homeowners on code requirements, interpret regulations, and resolve code-violation conflicts.
Provide timely information and resolve conflicts concerning City building and other City codes.
Research current construction practices and interpret relevant codes and standards to support compliance and best practices.
Review alternative means and methods requests and modification requests, and provide timely written determinations in conjunction with the Chief Building Official and Fire Official(s).
Lead day-to-day team activities, communicate priorities, make decisions, delegate work, manage performance and resources, hire, develop staff, and maintain a positive team culture.
Assist the Chief Building Official with surveys, studies, budget management, and code adoption; prepare reports, memos, and letters for internal and external customers.
Testify as an expert witness in court cases as needed.
Act as Chief Building Official in that official’s absence and as needed.
Serve as staff liaison to assigned committees, boards, professional groups, stakeholder groups, and meetings.
Directly supervise Building Inspectors; develop or participate in developing work plans, track progress, conduct timely performance appraisals, and make or recommend personnel actions as needed.
Coach, counsel, and support staff; communicate organizational rules and procedures; encourage problem-solving and participatory decision-making; and provide training and professional development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned.