Chief Building Official

Chief Building Official

Are you a proven leader in building inspection, plan review, and permitting? Do you have a passion for working alongside your team and making a meaningful impact in your community? The City of Thornton is seeking a Chief Building Official to join our City Development Building Inspection Division! Thornton is the sixth-largest city in Colorado, with a population of approximately 150,000 and growing.

This is a hands-on leadership role : a working supervisor position responsible for overseeing and collaborating with our Building Inspection, Plan Review, and Permitting teams. The position oversees 3 direct reports and a total team of 16 dedicated professionals.

If you're an effective communicator and problem solver with the ability to lead teams, navigate complex challenges, and build lasting relationships this is a great opportunity to make a real difference.

Essential Functions

Directs and administers the activities and operations of the Building Inspection Division, including plan review and enforcement of the building construction codes and regulations of the Cross Connection Control Ordinance. Plans, coordinates, assigns and reviews the work plan for assigned projects and responsibilities which may include a variety of commercial, residential and industrial inspections of buildings and structures for all phases of construction, alteration and repair. Responds to difficult citizen complaints and requests for information; represents the City in the community and at professional meetings as required. Directs the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities related to building inspection and plan checking activities. Identifies opportunities for improvement, makes recommendations, and implements changes to standard operating procedures to enhance services. Manages, supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff and functions; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; evaluates performance. Directs the issuance of permits, licenses and Certificates of Occupancy; enforces building-related codes. Inspects building construction activities for compliance with applicable codes as necessary. Reviews codes and laws; reviews and monitors proposed legislation that affects the operations of the Building Inspection Division and testifies at State legislative hearings when necessary, reviews and makes recommendations on all building and related code changes; reviews the more complex building plans for conformance to residential and commercial codes and regulations; assists with resolution to complex problems and conflicts that may arise during construction. Participates on local, state and national ad hoc committees, commissions, and boards that are related to the functions of the Building Inspection Division. Provides technical assistance and performs plan reviews. Develops and implements budget; forecasts necessary funds for staffing, material and supplies. Submits budget recommendations and justifications. Monitors expenditures against approved budget. Writes ordinances and assists with passage and implementation; prepares correspondence. Attends or conducts a variety of meetings such as staff, organizational meetings and employee briefings. Develops and prepares monthly reports detailing division activities. Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary documents to appropriate boards, groups or committees. Acts as the lead staff support for the Building Code Advisory Board (BCAB) to accomplish its work and serve as an ex-officio member of the BCAB without voting privileges. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education / Experience : Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in building construction or a closely related field; five years of plan review and building inspection experience, including two years of supervisory responsibilities. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing / Certification Requirements : Certification as a Certified Building Official by International Code Council or its successor organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department. Knowledge of the Municipal Standards and Specifications pertaining to the design and construction of public improvements. Knowledge of state, county and city building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, abatement, fire and housing codes, ordinance and regulations. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of building inspection work. Knowledge of structural design and plan review. Knowledge of City of Thornton personnel policies and procedures. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, including organizational development, management, budgeting, employee supervision, and training. Knowledge of the trends and developments in the field of building construction and regulations. Skill in communicating with others using technical and non-technical language as appropriate to provide information to others on subject matter that is unfamiliar or difficult to understand. Skill in analyzing data, drawing logical conclusions, and making sound decisions and recommendations. Skill in assessing and mediating complex and controversial problems, issues, and concerns. Skill in developing and implementing measures of accountability. Ability to investigate, analyze, evaluate, and resolve operational, procedural, and personnel problems. Ability to lead and educate subordinates in performing accurate, consistent and ethical inspection activities. Ability to draft and recommend policies and procedures. Ability to develop and monitor departmental budgets. Ability to supervise, direct and train employees. Ability to routinely exercise discretion, independent judgment and decision making. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences. Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups. Ability to respond with tact, composure, and courtesy when dealing with difficult situations. Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and laws. Ability to analyze and evaluate information accurately, and to express ideas clearly when providing oral and written reports or recommendations on administrative, financial and technical issues. Ability to use standard computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, management, contractors, developers, community members and the general public.

Physical and Mental Requirements : While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required finger, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and / or negligible amount of force amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have visual acuity to determine accuracy. The employee is subject to both inside and outside conditions.

Testing Procedures

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources. Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration. As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and / or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and / or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.