Deputy Planning Director - Permits & Inspections

Applicants for this closed competitive posting must be a current or former City of Omaha employee in one of the following categories: Part-time, Seasonal, Classified, Unclassified, or Probationary. Candidates must have worked at least 1,040 cumulative hours within the last 5 years, been employed by the City within the last 18 months, and meet the qualifications outlined in this posting.

About the Role

This is administrative and professional work directing employees in all functions of the Building and Development Division of the Planning Department. Responsibilities include supervision of professional and technical personnel in plan review, code development, computer technology, permit issuance, contractor licensing, construction inspection, code enforcement, and other permit-related functions. The role operates with considerable independence and reports to the Planning Director.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a structural or mechanical emphasis in architectural engineering, architectural design, construction technology, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in building plans and designs, structural design, construction, and inspection, including a minimum of three years of progressively responsible managerial or supervisory experience in permits and inspection for a state, county, or municipality.

Special Qualifications

• Must be licensed as a professional engineer or architect in the State of Nebraska or certified by the International Code Council as a Master Code Professional or Certified Building Official at the time of application.
• Must be able to transport oneself or coordinate transportation to work sites throughout the City during the workday.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the daily operation of the Building and Development Division and coordinates its activities with other divisions, City departments, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Manages the annual budget and expenditures of the division.
• Administers and oversees permit issuance, inspection, plan review, contractor licensing, and computer technology functions.
• Directs the enforcement and interpretation of city building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, licensing, property maintenance, sign, and other codes.
• Assigns work, provides direction, monitors performance, and recommends hiring, disciplining, and termination of subordinate employees.
• Organizes and oversees activities of subordinates engaged in supervising inspectors for building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, housing, rental, zoning, and sign inspections.
• Authorizes finalization of permits at the close of construction and determines building valuations for permit fee assessment.
• Serves as the in-house expert on interpretation of technical language, reports, and construction drawings.
• Administers property maintenance, rental property registration and inspections, demolition programs, and abandoned/vacant property functions.
• Responds to public inquiries and communicates with contractors, architects, engineers, and the public regarding construction code requirements and proper design methods.
• Participates in the adoption of construction codes, coordinates review committees for code changes, and presents final proposals to the City Council.
• Enforces building codes, state laws, and local ordinances fairly and impartially.
• Provides teaching for city-required continuing education credits (CEUs) related to contractor licensing.
• Coordinates damage assessment of buildings during disasters and trains staff in damage assessment procedures.
• Addresses community groups, industry groups, and state agencies on administrative and code issues.
• Serves as the city’s Building Official and represents the City to organizations such as the International Code Council and National Fire Protection Association.
• Coordinates with the Fire Prevention Bureau, Public Works, and utility providers to ensure compliance with codes and infrastructure requirements.
• Maintains regular job attendance and performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to operate computers and technology using standard or customized software applications.
• Knowledge of modern construction practices, methods, materials, and equipment for plan review and inspections.
• Knowledge of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering for all types of structures and occupancy classifications.
• Knowledge of municipal building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, zoning, and related ordinances.
• Skill in complex engineering and mathematical calculations and use of engineering devices and reference materials.
• Ability to adapt to advances in computer and electronics technology and software.
• Ability to apply sound principles of organization, personnel, and financial management to division operations.
• Ability to administer testing and issuance of professional/trade licenses required by City codes.
• Ability to supervise subordinates, including assigning work, monitoring performance, and recommending personnel actions.
• Ability to communicate administrative and construction code requirements clearly and professionally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to understand written or oral instructions and adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Physical ability to sit 76–100% of the time; reach, stand, and walk up to 25% of the time; and move objects weighing up to 10 pounds up to 33% of the time.

Pay

$105,144.00 with step increases to $160,180.80 annually.

Benefits

• Forty-hour work week.
• Paid leave per year: twelve days vacation, five days management leave, fifteen days sick leave, and fifteen holidays.
• Group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental for individual or family coverage.
• Defined benefit pension plan, plus Social Security, and additional benefits.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work without sponsorship.
• The City of Omaha may conduct pre-employment inquiries, including verification of employment history, education, driving record, credit, criminal convictions, and medical or functional capacity tests.
• Failure to provide truthful, timely, and complete information during the application process may result in disqualification or termination.