Building Official

About the role

The Building Official is responsible for administering and enforcing the City’s building codes, construction regulations, and related ordinances to ensure the safety, integrity, and quality of all structures within the community. This position oversees plan review, permitting, and inspection services; manages staff and consultants; and provides professional guidance to developers, contractors, and residents regarding building standards and code compliance.

Responsibilities

• all operations of the Building Division, including plan review, building permits, inspections, and code enforcement.
• Interpret and enforce building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, and accessibility codes, as adopted by the City and the State.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
• Review complex construction plans and engineering drawings for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners to resolve code-related issues and ensure safe, compliant development.
• Develop and recommend updates to building codes, ordinances, and policies in response to legislative changes or best practices.
• Issue notices, stop-work orders, and citations for code violations as authorized by law.
• Collaborate with other city departments (Planning, Fire, Public Works, etc.) to streamline development review and permitting processes.
• Provide technical guidance and professional reports to the City Council, Planning Commission, and community stakeholders.
• Manage division budgets, contracts, and performance metrics to ensure efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
• Serve as the City’s authority on building safety, structural integrity, and construction standards during emergencies or damage assessments.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: 3+ years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, construction, or plan review, including supervisory or management experience. Municipal or public-sector experience is strongly preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: Certified Building Official (CBO) from the International Code Council (ICC) is required or must be obtained within 12 months of hire. Additional ICC certifications (e.g., Building Inspector, Plans Examiner, Mechanical/Electrical Inspector) are desirable.
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and national building codes (IBC, IRC, NEC, UPC, IMC, ADA). Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and structural engineering principles. Proven ability to manage and mentor staff, foster teamwork, and maintain high professional standards. Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities to interpret codes and resolve field disputes. Ability to balance enforcement with customer service, maintaining a fair and cooperative regulatory environment. Proficiency in permitting and inspection management software, digital plan review tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans Preference/Drug-free Workplace

The City of Fellsmere is an equal opportunity, and drug-free workplace employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, national origin, physical disability, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, or other non-merit factors (except as limited by law, personnel rules, collective bargaining agreements, or bona fide occupational requirements). Women and minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:
• Medical Insurance – Florida Blue HDHP with telehealth and wellness perks. Employee-only coverage: $0 per pay period; family coverage available at competitive rates.
• Health Reimbursement Account – Up to $3,500 (employee) or $6,500 (family) for eligible expenses.
• Dental & Vision – Principal Dental and Superior Vision plans at no cost for employee-only coverage; low-cost options for dependents.
• Life & AD&D Insurance – One times annual salary (up to $150,000) at no cost.
• Employee Assistance Program – Free, confidential counseling and resources 24/7.
• Optional Coverage – Short-term disability and supplemental plans through Aflac.
• Travel Assistance – Emergency and medical support while traveling.