Chief Building Official

About the Role

Under the general direction of the Planning and Development Director, this position manages building permit records, building permit operations, plan checking, and building inspection functions of the Planning and Development Department. The incumbent plans, develops, coordinates, and supervises plan checking and building inspection functions; ensures compliance with County and State Codes and Regulations; acts as Chief Building Official for the County; trains and evaluates assigned staff; and performs related duties. This role involves close collaboration with locally elected officials, the private sector, and numerous organizations to provide community outreach and services.

Responsibilities

• Direct the activities of assigned staff, including staffing, training, development, and employee evaluation.
• Plan, develop, implement, and coordinate a variety of building and planning programs.
• Oversee and direct records management and project tracking activities.
• Monitor State and County regulations and codes to ensure compliance.
• Represent the County with community groups, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and the general public on building and planning code matters, proposed regulations, legislation, and access requirements.
• Provide building code interpretations and perform building plan check activities.
• Issue permits and Certificates of Occupancy for building construction.
• Represent the County with the International Code Council (ICC).
• Enforce laws regarding the construction, reconstruction, and relocation of buildings.
• Inspect buildings for compliance with codes and regulations.
• Issue stop work orders and notices for deliberate violations or negligent compliance.
• Provide testimony when legal action is required to secure compliance.
• Assist in drafting amendments to local building codes.
• Assist other County Departments in enforcing codes related to construction.
• Prepare, administer, and monitor the annual budget and work programs.
• Prepare technical and administrative reports, studies, and written correspondence.
• Provide monthly reports on division activities and attend Board of County Commissioners meetings as required.
• Negotiate and monitor contracts with outside consultants for plan check and inspection services.
• Analyze permit fees and recommend revisions to support services provided.
• Enforce County regulations related to the issuance of building and planning permits.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement building permit issuance and inspection procedures.
• Provide superior customer service, answer inquiries, and assist the public and other agencies on building issues.
• Explain policies, codes, standards, and enforcement procedures.
• Research customer issues and answer questions within the scope of authority.
• Prepare written and graphic reports in a clear, comprehensive, concise, and timely manner.
• Conduct technical research, gather and interpret data, and make recommendations for improvements to building permit functions.
• Research and draft regulations for review and adoption.
• Act as the Planning and Development Department representative at various meetings.
• Develop and update database records.
• Research, prepare, and present information at public meetings and before various boards, commissions, and groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering, Building Construction, Architecture, or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, engineering, or architecture, two (2) years of which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity; or equivalent education, training, and experience.
• A valid State of Wyoming Driver's License is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of County organization, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations affecting planning, zoning, land use, flood plains, code enforcement, building construction permitting, and community development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, administration, personnel, and budget management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of the International Residential, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes, and pertinent state and county codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of approved building construction methods, materials, and proper inspection methods.
• Knowledge of principles of structural design, engineering mathematics, and soil engineering.
• Knowledge of legal procedures involved in enforcing building regulations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of work safety.
• Knowledge of basic principles of official records management.
• Skill in organizing, directing, and coordinating the activities of the Building Division.
• Skill in obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses to perform the duties of a Chief Building Official.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned personnel.
• Skill in reading, analyzing, checking, and interpreting complex plans, calculations, drawings, and specifications, and recognizing regulation or code violations.
• Skill in keeping operating records and preparing necessary reports.
• Skill in enforcing codes with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality regarding proposed projects.
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, employees, owners, contractors, architects, other departments, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Skill in analyzing building and permitting issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings.
• Skill in assessing County building permit needs and developing and promoting effective solutions.
• Skill in representing the County in a professional manner and working effectively with various community, cultural, and ethnic groups.
• Skill in compiling statistical information and preparing and presenting technical reports.
• Skill in using common tools in the profession, including computerized solutions.
• Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands, organizing work, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications, including the County's GIS user programs, building permit functions, and MS Office applications; familiarity with building permit review, issuance, and tracking software.