Director, Building and Inspections

The purpose of this classification is to serve as the Chief Building Official for the City of Tuscaloosa. Work includes supervising and directing assigned staff and performing administrative work functions associated with the inspections of commercial and residential building construction plans, overseeing the permitting process, approvals, and projects to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.  Work also includes supervising and directing assigned staff and performing administrative work functions associated with the building code enforcement process.  Work is performed with wide latitude for independent judgment and action and is reviewed by the Executive Director of Urban Development.

The following duties are normal for this classification.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.   Other duties may be required and assigned.  Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Serves as Chief Building Official 

Assumes full management responsibility for all division services and activities by formulating, implementing, modifying and improving the activities for building inspections, predevelopment plan reviews, property maintenance, code enforcement, permitting, and certificates of occupancy; recommends and administers policies and procedures; maintains knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations, department processes, and daily activities of the division related to plan review and permitting.

Supervises, directs, provides instruction, coordinates activities, evaluates and reviews the work of assigned staff to include inspectors, code enforcement personnel and administrative support, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals. 

Plans, coordinates, and oversees daily operations, training, and activities of the Division.

Coordinates with Director of Planning, Director of Codes and Development Services, Lakes Division, and other departments/divisions on violations on protocol for compliance with enforcement issues.

Coordinates process for Building and Inspection Division and inspectors in placing and removing zoning notification signs and related enforcement issues.  

Implements performance measures to evaluate permit review times, number of inspections, etc.,

Assists with software implementation and maintenance. Creates and reviews building reports, assists with plan reviews and approvals.

Prepares, monitors, and updates disaster recovery response in regards to permitting, inspections, and property maintenance.  

Ensures code compliance in permitted projects; verifies license of contractors.

Interprets and enforces construction codes and city ordinances; proposes change to construction codes and ordinances of related code enforcement.

Inspects structures for code compliance; researches construction methods and materials; approves alternate materials and methods of construction.

Condemns houses and other structures; declares buildings or systems unsafe. Reviews property maintenance cases and condemnations for approval.

Attends Council Meetings, hearings and other meetings as required; serves on committees.

Issues and approves certificate of occupancy and permits; issues stop work orders; revokes building permits; authorizes the release of service utilities to structures.

Receive and review plans and blueprints for compliance to codes; writes commercial and residential permits, reports, memos, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, posts, and/or forwards; maintains records.

Researches construction methods and materials and reviews deeds, maps, blueprints and related materials. 

Serves as witness in court cases involving division and/or department.

Prepare and gives presentations to Mayor, Council, Civic and Business groups.

Prepares and present training and education classes to local contractors, sub-contractors, developers, etc.

Reviews and prepares code adoptions and amendments; coordinates with stakeholders and other interested parties. 

Prepares budget requests and assist in budgetary functions; approves expenditures; collect fees.

Processes documentation related to divisions and/or departmental payroll; forwards as necessary.

Schedules and attends staff meetings. 

Consults with supervisors, department heads, Mayor, council members, staff, engineers, inspectors, architects, developers, and agency officials to review operations, discuss problems, revise plans, coordinate activities, provide technical expertise, and receive advice/direction. 

Communicates via telephone (audio or text), email, or in person; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service.

Interprets regulatory codes and responds to requests for information from employees, officials, contractors, and the

public. 

Interviews candidates for employment and recommends to Human Resource Department.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; attends training courses, seminars, and workshops; maintains continuing education units (CEUs) for required certifications.

Serves as secretary of the construction board of adjustment and appeals.

Approves inspectors and staff for training classes and processes documents for payment.

Establishes, assist and implements policies and procedures; recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in business administration, construction management, or related field, or Associates degree or Vocational/Technical diploma in electrical, plumbing, construction, or related field preferred; possession of professional construction trade licenses or cards preferred; or any combination of education, experience, or training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the job. Five (5) years of experience in commercial or residential construction required.  Must have supervisory experience.  Must have or obtain at least two of the following certifications within the first year of employment and all of the following ICC certifications within four (4) years from date of hire: ICC certifications: Certified Building Official, Property Maintenance & Housing or Combination Residential Inspector, Building Inspector, Building Plan Examiner.  ICC Master Code Professional Certification preferred.  Must attend continuing education classes to maintain certification renewal requirements.   Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

The following requirements are normal for this classification.  Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of automated office equipment including a computer, printer, calculator, photocopier, telephone, etc. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.

DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional,

structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people,

or things which may include forms, reports, code books, operational manuals, and procedural manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or

exchange legal, electrical, architectural, engineering, and plumbing information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating

with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of legal, electrical, architectural, engineering, mechanical, and plumbing documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex legal, electrical, architectural,

engineering, mechanical, and plumbing principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on

knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals/percentages, utilize basic algebraic and geometric formulas, and determine time.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape

using job related equipment which may include standard measuring devices and engineers rule.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using building inspection tools

and automated office equipment and to operate a motor vehicle.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, automated office equipment, control

knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and

receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken

words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.

Salary : $101,520