What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Building Official position at City of Maple Grove, MN?
About Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove is a forward-thinking, thriving community in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We are home to over 70,000 residents with a projected population of 90,000 by 2040 with 2,500 acres of undeveloped land. The City of Maple Grove is proud to employ over 250 benefit-earning employees, 500 part-time, casual, temporary, seasonal employees, and 100 paid-on-call firefighters to staff our many departments. We provide public safety, public works, community and economic development, parks & recreation and many other important public services to a growing community.
The Position
The City of Maple Grove is seeking a detail oriented professional to serve as our Assistant Building Official! As the Assistant Building Official, you will oversee the review of residential and commercial construction plans and ensure compliance with relevant codes and ordinances. This role involves conducting inspections, issuing correction notices, and serving as a technical resource. Additionally, you will supervise and mentor staff, assess training needs, and support daily operations with the Building Official. The City of Maple Grove offers competitive salaries, outstanding medical and dental plans, sick and vacation time, and a state-operated pension plan for long-term success. Make a difference by joining our growing and diverse community!
Tentative Hiring Timeline
*Subject to change*
Application window closes- April 29
First round interviews- May 12/13
Final interviews- May 21
Tentative start date- June
Pre-employment requirements:
This position requires the successful completion of a reference check, criminal/ motor vehicle background check, medical screening, and is subject to council approval.
Responsibilities
- Reviews residential and commercial plans, and construction documents to ensure compliance with all relevant codes and ordinances. Conducts inspections of in-progress and completed construction work. Issues work correction notices and/or other orders and certificates. Serves as a technical resource, answers questions and provides information on building codes. Consults with all stakeholders on building projects to facilitate flow of information with other internal and external regulatory agencies. Communicates as the situation dictates
- Assists with the development and implementation of procedures and guidelines within the Department to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. Serves as a technical resource.
- Reviews and makes recommendation for, and coordinates the purchases of Department equipment and supplies.
- Independently leads and supervises staff under their span of control. Participates in decision making on matters of hiring, assignment, promotion, discipline, or discharge of assigned employees. Sets goals and objectives for inspectors to work towards and monitors performance.
- Assesses staff development needs and directs staff training. Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities. Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for assigned employees.
- Participates in decisions regarding the content of jobs and the number of personnel within the functional areas under the span of control. Plans the work schedule to meet departmental demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels.
- Provides general administrative support. Assists the Building Official in the day-today operational activities related to budget and finance, records management, plan and permit review, human resources, information technology, and building code administration to support staff in carrying out their responsibilities.
- Serve as Acting Building Official when the Building Official is absent.
- Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions. Represents the City to the community, other departments and agencies, the general public, and on various committees. Communicates with others relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs.
- Attends training, conferences, and meetings to maintain professional competence and stay abreast of trends and innovations, and reviews relevant literature.
- Keeps the Building Official and the Director of Community and Economic Development informed as to current developments. Makes observations and recommendations when necessary or required.
- Reviews and recommends acceptance or denial of alternative design requests to the Building Official for approval.
- Conducts pre-construction meetings with architects, contractors, owners and appropriate city staff.
- Provides back-up field inspections for plumbing and HVAC permitted work. Documents and initiates corrective action to enforce code compliance.
- Coordinates efforts to ensure the City of Maple Grove is an equitable, inclusive, and respectful organization and supports the City’s mission, vision, and core values.
- Demonstrates ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English.
- Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Construction project review and inspection methods and techniques.
- Materials and practices used in construction.
- Basic math skills (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) relevant to construction work.
- International Codes with specific Minnesota amendments.
- Local building codes and ordinances.
- Proficient in software such as PIMS, ProjectDox, Microsoft Outlook, and Word.
Ability to:
- Prioritize tasks to use time effectively, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work. Recognize when adjustments are necessary and take action.
- Work collaboratively with diverse individuals, fostering positive working relationships both in and outside the office.
- Identify, evaluate, and address conflicts effectively.
- Embrace feedback as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
- Maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with colleagues and the public, building trust and respect.
- Exercise sound judgment and make prompt decisions, especially in emergencies or stressful situations.
- Communicate effectively through active listening and respond clearly in both spoken and written forms, representing the city well and serving the public.
- Uphold standards of conduct and work performance, including confidentiality and privacy protocols within the Department.
Qualifications
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Need to have:- Associates degree related to construction or equivalent.
- Valid Minnesota’s Drivers License
- Certification by the State as a Certified Building Official.
- Five years of experience in a related field.
- Two years in building code plan review, inspection, and enforcement.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration, or equivalent
- Two years in a supervisory or lead capacity
- Master plumbing license with experience in plumbing inspection and plan review along with sewer and water plan review and inspections
- Certifications from the International Code Council (ICC)
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:Approximately 50% of the time will be spent in the office managing and supporting staff, working with the Building Official in administrative functions, and working with other departments to resolve project related issues.
The other 50% will be spent in the field performing physical inspections of commercial and residential projects, including other trade inspections as needed and qualified, and in the office doing plan review. Inspections may involve both inside and outside work, in normal or inclement weather conditions.
Physical Conditions:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; significant walking on a daily basis; inspecting in confined spaces; climbing, stooping, kneeling and heavy lifting; general manual dexterity; adequate hearing, vision, and speech required; must be able to operate assigned equipment/vehicle.
