Chief Building Official

About the Role

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Chief Building Official to lead our Building Inspection Division. In this leadership role, you will oversee building inspections, plan review, permitting, code enforcement, and contractor licensing while guiding a talented team of professionals. You will collaborate with developers, contractors, residents, City leadership, and community stakeholders to ensure construction projects meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance. This is an opportunity to influence the future of a growing community while fostering innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs daily department operations.
• Plans, implements, and directs building construction licensing programs.
• Oversees the assessment of private contractor qualifications using testing and reference materials.
• Reviews residential and commercial permits and plans for compliance with building codes and standards.
• Coordinates and facilitates meetings with the Building Code Advisory Board, managing agendas and discussions on code interpretations, new construction techniques, and materials.
• Oversees hearings regarding contractor license status, including denials, suspensions, or revocations.
• Proposes, prepares, and recommends updates to the International Building Codes.
• Leads education initiatives on construction regulations by delivering presentations to civic and professional groups.
• Serves as an expert witness for complaints involving violations of building codes and related ordinances.
• Collaborates with city staff, elected officials, and other stakeholders to ensure effective engagement and communication.
• Delegates authority, responsibility, and accountability to staff for assigned projects and tasks.
• Plans, organizes, and evaluates the functions and activities of the Building Inspection Division, including inspections, plan reviews, and issuance of permits and certificates of occupancy.
• Develops the division budget and oversees expenditures.
• Provides day-to-day leadership, including communicating vision and priorities, decision-making, performance management, and fostering a positive team culture.
• Travels to and attends team and organizational meetings, training, events, and activities.
• Responsible for ISO (BCEGS) accreditation process.
• Represents the department on various City committees.
• May act on behalf of and assume the duties of the Director in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

• Develops and participates in the development of staff work plans, measures progress toward goals, and conducts performance appraisals.
• Makes decisions or recommendations for hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and other personnel matters.
• Coaches, counsels, and supports staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Educates staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Supports creative thinking, problem-solving, and participatory decision-making.
• Provides training, job enrichment opportunities, and encourages professional growth.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of building construction disciplines, codes, and standards.
• Ability to lead, facilitate, and build collaborative working relationships across multiple disciplines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in setting goals and directing a multi-disciplinary organization.
• Solid budget management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple and changing work requests while meeting customer needs.
• Proficiency in using software for data management, document creation, spreadsheets, presentations, reports, and digital plan review tools.
• Strong customer service and negotiation skills.
• Ability to strategize and assess the short-term and long-term impact of decisions.
• Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, and make decisions within assigned authority.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Qualifications

• International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official (CBO).
• Valid Colorado driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Five years of experience as an advanced building inspector, plans examiner, or Deputy Building Official.
• Two years of supervisory experience in a building division environment.
• ICC certification at the time of hire is preferred.