Assistant Building Official

TITLE: ASSISTANT BUILDING OFFICIAL

DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is responsible code enforcement and inspection work involving the review of building plans for new buildings and the examination of buildings in the process or construction, renovation or repair to assure conformance with applicable State of Connecticut building codes, standards and construction specifications.

Work involves responsibility for the protection of the public against potentially dangerous conditions resulting from the use of faulty materials or poor workmanship during the construction, renovation or repair of new and existing building structures. Duties include reviewing building plans for new structures, issuing permits, conducting field inspections of new and renovated or repaired structures, investigating and resolving complaints of and building code violations. This position also has the responsibility for making difficult inspection decisions, especially as they relate to older structures which may be candidates for condemnation and demolition. This work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in the inspection of building structures and in the interpretation of codes, ordinances and standards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Building Official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Building Official...

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviews building plans for new building construction for conformance with codes and regulations. Identified deficiencies to be corrected by engineers, architects, contractors and homeowners.

Inspects buildings in the process of construction, renovation or repairs for compliance with building or zoning requirements. Directs correction of construction deficiencies in the field. Determines if complaints about the structural soundness of buildings are valid. Recommends evacuation or demolition accordingly.

Reviews, researches and investigates complaints concerning alleged violations of building code and zoning regulations. Notifies responsible parties of effects and issues written or oral instructions for corrections. Conducts follow-up inspection to monitor compliance.

Responds to telephone inquiries regarding building code or zoning regulations.

Performs various front desk duties such as receiving construction application, issuing permits, taking complaints and answering questions related to building codes and zoning regulations.

Collaborates with Health, Fire, Police and Housing Code Departments when their particular expertise is required during inspections.

Fills in as required for the Plumbing, Electrical and Housing Inspectors in their absence.

Keeps records and writes reports of inspections performed, actions taken and corrections recommended and secured.

Acts as the Building Official in his or her absence.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the provisions of the State of Connecticut Building Codes pertaining to building construction.

Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques of the building construction at the journey level.

Considerable ability to diagnose defects and hazards in building structures.

Considerable ability to enforce regulations with firmness and tact.

Good ability to express oneself clearly, concisely, orally and in writing.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, contractors, property owners and public.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school or vocational school graduate with emphasis on carpentry, heating, ventilation, electricity or plumbing, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of building construction or design. Must meet the eligibility requirements and licensure requirements for Building or Assistant Building Official as prescribed by Connecticut State Statutes.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have state of Connecticut Building or Assistant Building Official License, plus mandatory continuing education through seminars.

Must have valid Connecticut driver's license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motor vehicle, tape measure, level, ruler, computer, calculator, camcorder, camera, testing devices of the building trade, and safety equipment such as hard hat and safety glasses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed both in an office setting and outdoors. Field work is required in the inspection of construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to odorous, wet and/or humid conditions, or risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a City match of up to 8%
• Life Insurance
• Long‑Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Time, Personal Time, and Sick Leave
• 50% Tuition Discount at the University of New Haven for City employees

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer