Building Official

Department: Community Development
Union Affiliation: None
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Total Hours Per Week: 40

Recruitment Open Until Filled.

SUMMARY
Plan, direct and supervise the activities of the Building Codes Division of the Department of Community Development including the duties assigned by state law and county ordinance to the Building Official; conduct plan reviews, inspections and building codes enforcement to achieve compliance with applicable state and county adopted structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and specialty codes required for new construction, and alteration and repairs to existing structures; and work closely with the Planning, Sanitation and Short-Term Rental Divisions to ensure that development is in compliance with the county’s development codes.

(Duties assigned to this position are not all inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned.)

• Serve as the Building Official for the municipality with the responsibility for administration, written and oral interpretation and enforcement of the State Building Code. Provide expert testimony in court regarding State Building Code when needed.
• Supervise, plan, and coordinate the inspection activities which include plan reviews, the sale of a range of permits to construction contractors and the general public, inspections, and building codes enforcement to achieve compliance with applicable codes required for new construction, and alteration and repairs to existing structures. 
• Review work of inspection staff; evaluate performance; effectively recommend promotions, transfers, new hires, and terminations.
• Responsible for coordinating and implementing the Building Codes Division programs within Community Development, and with other County departments, other agencies, the development community, and the general public.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints regarding the application and interpretation of building codes; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• It is important that the Building Official/Inspector is a personable effective communicator who is willing to work with customers to help solve their development challenges within the provisions of the Building Codes.
• Maintain appropriate building inspection records and compile reports of plan review activities; prepare a variety of correspondence to other agencies and the public; prepare special reports and periodic reports as requested by the Community Development Director.
• Schedule and conduct inspections on new and remodeled building construction and repairs for conformance to County structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and specialty codes; check plans submitted with applications for building permits for compliance with the State Building Code.
• Consult with homeowners, landowners, builders, architects, and engineers regarding building process.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare revenue and cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for requests; monitor revenues; monitor and control expenditures.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.
• Maintain work areas in clean, orderly manner.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Knowledge: Advanced knowledge in residential, industrial, and commercial building construction practices and techniques. Inspection practices and procedures. Advanced knowledge in Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon Specialty Codes, and City and County ordinances that govern building, plumbing and mechanical inspection. Advanced knowledge in structural engineering and design to determine conformance with the appropriate codes. Advanced knowledge in plan review, inspection, and code enforcement procedures.  Thorough knowledge of the permitting process in relation to building, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and fire codes.

Abilities: Able to develop work unit plans, budgets, and schedules. Able to supervise and direct the work of others to attain high quality work in an efficient manner. Able to explain code requirements to the general public, employees, boards and commissions, and professionals engaged in the construction industry. Able to read and understand laws, ordinances, blueprints, and construction plans.
Able to read and interpret engineering and architectural plans, blueprints, and specifications.
Able to inspect materials, construction and installation of structures, plumbing installations, and mechanical systems. Able to properly document findings and requirements and communicate the same to contractors and property owners.  Able to communicate effectively with other employees, builders, architects, engineers, public agencies, contractors, vendors, and the public.  Able to use good judgment during confrontational or high intensity situations.  Able to make decisions independently in accordance with established rules, regulations, and policies. Able to use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required:  Possession of ICC Building Official certification or successful completion of ICC legal/management module prior to January 1, 2016 and completes a Building Official Orientation class administered by The State of Oregon within six months of hire; OR Possesses a valid Oregon Building Official Certification and completes a Building Official Orientation class administered by The State of Oregon within six months of hire; OR Completes The State of Oregon administered Building Official Certification class within six months of hire.

Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) will be a requirement of the position within the first six month of hire.   (NOTE to out-of-state applicants:  The State of Oregon provides classes to obtain this certification)

Hold and maintain the following ICC Certifications (equivalent Oregon certifications will also be recognized):
Building Inspector
Building Plans Examiner
Commercial Mechanical Inspector
Residential Building Inspector
Residential Mechanical Inspector
Fire Plans Examiner (within a year of hire)

Five years progressively responsible work experience, building inspection, code administration or enforcement, or construction which includes two years as an Inspector/Plans Examiner with supervisory  or management responsibilities, or ten years field experience in construction which includes progressively responsible work experience as a construction superintendent or foreperson with supervisory responsibility, or any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential function of the position.

At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Must pass a pre-employment criminal history background investigation.    

Preferred:
Oregon Specialized Plumbing Inspector (SPI) and/or Oregon Specialized Electrical Inspector (SEI).
Oregon A-level Electrical or Plumbing certification.
Oregon one- and two-Family Dwelling Electrical Inspector.
ICC or industry-specific electrical or plumbing certifications without- of- state experience will also be considered in collaboration with the State Building codes Division.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Work is performed under the general direction of the Community Development Director. Discretion is required in applying and developing general goals and policies and resolving organizational and service delivery problems.  Work is reviewed for overall conformance with department goals and objectives as determined by the Director.

Employee uses seasoned judgment in choosing and interpreting the numerous guidelines that control the work.  As a Building Official, the incumbent has the authority to permit deviations from codes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed both in the office and in the field.  Physical demands for the position while in the office are minimal, however, this position will require vision, hearing voice conversations, and keyboarding.  Field inspection work requires walking through, climbing over, and crawling under structures; occasional lifting up to 30 pounds and exertion for short periods; sometimes walking or standing for long periods; and daily travel by motor vehicles to make inspections throughout Tillamook County.  A majority of the work involves work in the outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions and terrains and potentially hazardous job sites.

SELECTION PROCESS
Following the closing date of this recruitment, if you are selected as a candidate for testing and/or an interview, we will contact you via email to arrange a date and time. We want to ensure that we hire the best possible staff for our county team because we believe that people are our most valuable asset!

Salary : $83,580 - $114,396