Building Official

Job Purpose/Summary

The Building Official is responsible for overall leadership and management of the building division – which includes responsibility for building, plumbing, mechanical, energy and grading permits and the plan check review process, for building and related inspections and for performance of emergency service coordinator functions; which is assigned to the Building Official. The Building Official is responsible for the division's budgets, projects and standards, and for relations with building community, environmental groups, businesses, developers, State agencies and other governmental organizations.

Performance expectations

• Leadership: Contributes to a positive work culture consistent with the City of Banning Leadership Philosophy, actively welcomes new approaches to public service and supports change and process improvements at all levels within the organization.
• Management: Able to independently assess and organize personal work performance while contributing to the overall organization.
• Teamwork: Demonstrates ability and willingness to work collaboratively with a team.
• Communication: Communicates effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and individuals to who service is provided.

Essential Functions
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.  Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. 

• Functions as a member of the Community Development department's management team and works closely with the Community Development Director, Fire Marshal, Public Works Director, and other persons to guide and coordinate building, planning, and fire inspection services and day-to-day activities.
• Administers and participates in the acceptance of applications for building, plumbing, mechanical, grading and other related permits, and assists applicants in preparing the necessary forms.
• Participates in pre-application conferences with other City staff and project proponents.
• Serves as a member of the Development Review Committee and coordinates the processing of plans and specifications and the distribution of building permit project files to the Planning division, Public Works and other agencies as may be required prior to the issuance of building permits.
• Responsible for drainage assessment plans, that assist in response time for earthquakes, slides, slippage and other contingencies including plan development, participant in the selection and training procedures.
• Administers and participates in inspection of buildings under construction, alteration or repair for compliance with uniform codes and City ordinances.
• Administers and participates in the examination of plans and specifications of all level of buildings to be constructed or remodeled for compliance with the uniform codes, City ordinances and other pertinent regulations.
• Ensures that the Building division's programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the City's and Department's goals and policies.
• Serves as a resource on building code interpretations, and represents the City to building organizations, citizen committees and other activities on the island and throughout the Puget Sound region.
• Provides assistance and supervision to subordinates in planning and implementing programs; selects, trains, motivates, coaches and evaluates staff; establishes and monitors employee performance objectives; provides or coordinates staff training.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload and technical issues.
• Facilitates problem solving within the Building Division; encourages a high degree of communication and feedback between employees and supervisors; leads by example by maintaining high standards of behavior and performance.
• Coordinates activities with other City departments, local, state and federal agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains timely and regular attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• City and Department organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Structure, organization and interrelationships of City departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions.
• Current social, political and economic trends and operating problems of municipal government.
• Building materials and methods of construction.
• Standard practices and techniques of the building industry.
• All building, plumbing, mechanical, energy and municipal codes, and legal application thereof.
• Research methods and report preparation and presentation.
• Management and/or supervisory principles in a union environment.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Ability to:

• Develop short- and long-range goals, and plan, assign, coordinate and evaluate the work of subordinates.
• Analyze issues, evaluate alternatives and make logical recommendations based on findings.
• Administer program goals and objectives; implement initiatives and recommendations in support of department and City goals.
• Foster cooperative group processes and efficiently use resources; delegate tasks and workload assignments.
• Develop and monitor departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs and schedules.
• Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Manage diverse work activities of numerous, highly-skilled subordinates in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale and departmental effectiveness.
• Supervise, lead, coach and use best management practices to improve staff performance.
• Effectively administer a variety of city-wide programs.
• Interpret and apply city policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Support and model the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialized software.
• Detect structural failures and appraise the quality of construction.
• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with major course work in engineering, building technology, construction techniques, architecture, or related field AND 5 years of experience in plan review, inspection and/or as a building official.

License and Certification Requirements

• Valid California State driver's license is required.
• ICC certification in building inspection and plans examination is required.
• ICC certification as building official within 6 months of hire.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required

Working Conditions

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Work is primarily performed in an office which is busy, oriented to public service and subject to occasional work interruptions. Noise level is moderate. Position infrequently requires outdoor work, which includes driving a vehicle. Outdoor environment can include uneven and unstable walking surfaces, tripping hazards and inclement weather conditions. Occasional attendance at meetings before or after regular work hours is required.

Physical Requirements

Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The incumbent in this position must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, and have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers, do keyboarding and operate other office equipment. The incumbent must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents and may need to push, pull, lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Salary : $110,656 - $149,698