Building Code Specialist

Job ID: ADM INSPECTOR (BUILDINGS) NM - 1007A

About the role

The Building Code Specialist is responsible for interpretations regarding code and zoning issues. Under direction, spearhead an advanced team-based plan exam mentorship and on-the-job training program, systematically improving team technical competence and workload management.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and lead a rigorous plan examination quality control (QC) program and special audit protocols to track compliance, standardize technical accuracy, mitigate risk, and ensure correctness, consistency, and accuracy
• Provide QC support to ACPEs on Objection review, 2nd zoning/ZD1, Schedule of Occupancy, and Interpretation
• Provide ongoing face-to-face “doctor’s hours” with examiners and ACPEs
• Consult with customer project stakeholders including developers, property owners, design professionals, and contractors to anticipate and resolve technical, schedule, and sequence issues, optimizing the project critical path
• Lead both internal and external dispute resolutions and technical objection meetings, ensuring consistent code-compliant pathways for large-scale developments and MPP initiatives
• Serve as a strategic technical advisor to the Borough Commissioner’s office, translating complex regulatory frameworks into actionable policy and drafting high-level determinations
• Partner with CPE and BC office to analyze performance metrics, diagnose workflow bottlenecks, and engineer advanced process improvement initiatives that optimize service delivery and improve efficiency
• Address complex determinations and official correspondence submitted by applicants, industry builders, and the general public
• Represent the Department of Buildings at high-level inter-agency panels, industry forums, and executive meetings
• Conduct comprehensive plan examinations and detailed technical analyses for New Building (NB) and major alteration (ALT-CO) applications across citywide borough offices, successfully resolving challenging code and zoning issues to facilitate project approvals
• Coordinate directly with code and zoning specialists across all NYC boroughs to enforce absolute uniformity of technical decision-making and policy interpretation
• Evaluate and track real-world construction activities for complex, high-profile developments, performing strategic on-site assessments during critical milestones and high-risk operations, including demolition and excavation
• Maintain meticulous technical documentation of meeting proceedings, executive decisions, and official regulatory determinations to support operational continuity

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven years of full-time satisfactory experience working at a construction trade or working as an inspector of construction, hoists and rigging, plumbing, boilers, or elevators; at least 18 months of which must have been in a managerial or administrative capacity
• OR at least two years of experience as described above, at least 18 months of which must have been in a managerial or administrative capacity, and a license as a professional engineer or registered architect issued pursuant to the education law
• OR education and/or experience which is equivalent to the first option above
• All candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as described in the first option, at least 18 months of which must have been in a managerial or administrative capacity
• One year of experience will be credited for each year of apprenticeship in the construction trades or building inspection up to a maximum of three years of the general experience
• Education towards a degree in architecture, architectural technology, construction management, engineering, engineering technology, or a related field from an accredited college or university will be credited on the basis of 30 credits for one year of experience, up to a maximum of four years of the general experience
• One year of experience will be credited for each year of formal training or education in a field of study relevant to the construction trades up to a maximum of two years of the general experience

Preferred Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the NYC Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, and other pertinent laws and rules
• Strong technical and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with a team of experts in a professional, constructive, and responsible manner
• Ability to take on time-sensitive projects and generate accurate responses

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility — as a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs
• 55-a Program — this position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program

Pay

$62,407.00 – $124,836.00

Schedule

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

Additional Information

New York City Residency is not required for this position.