Chief Building Inspector

General Statement of Duties The Chief Building and Code Official provides leadership, supervision, and oversight of assigned inspection personnel and related code compliance activities within the County’s Building Inspections and Code Enforcement functions. This position supports the consistent application of North Carolina building codes, local ordinances, and adopted regulatory standards while coordinating with the Director of Inspections to ensure alignment with departmental policies, procedures, and priorities.

Distinguishing Features of the Position The Chief Inspector provides direct supervision, technical guidance, and support to assigned inspection personnel while interpreting and applying complex building codes, coordinating with contractors and developers, and providing technical expertise on code compliance matters. The Chief represents the County in matters related to assigned inspection functions and promotes consistent code enforcement, regulatory compliance, and an efficient, fair, and transparent inspection process.

• Interprets and enforces the North Carolina State Building Code and related laws,

ordinances, regulations, and standards.

• Oversees commercial plan review and reviews commercial construction plans for

compliance with applicable codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations prior to permit

issuance.

• Serves as the senior technical resource for complex code interpretations, disputed field

issues, and escalated code compliance concerns.

• Performs inspections of buildings, structures, and associated systems to verify

compliance with applicable building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes.

• Supervises, trains, and develops assigned inspectors; provides guidance, coaching, and

professional development to support staff performance and ensure compliance with

applicable codes and regulations.

• Establishes consistent inspection practices and provides technical guidance on inspection procedures, documentation, and code enforcement to promote accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates with Planning, Environmental Health, Emergency Services, and other departments on development-related matters involving commercial structures.
• Provides guidance to contractors, design professionals, and the general public regarding applicable code requirements and inspection procedures.
• Ensures accurate and complete recordkeeping of inspections, violations, and enforcement actions.
• Provides technical assistance during unusual, complex, or high-priority inspections requiring additional expertise or coordination.
• Monitors changes to state building codes, regulations, and related requirements and communicates applicable updates to department personnel.
• Ensures assigned inspection activities comply with County policies, established procedures, and applicable state requirements.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable building codes, inspection technologies, and industry best practices through continuing education and professional development.
• Assists in investigating alleged code violations and coordinating appropriate enforcement actions with the Director of Inspections and other applicable County personnel.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the North Carolina State Building Code and applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
• Strong understanding of building construction methods, materials, safety requirements, and zoning principles.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering documents, and technical specifications.
• Skill in leadership, team management, and effective communication.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in the interpretation and enforcement of complex regulations.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with contractors, design professionals, citizens, and County staff.
• Ability to communicate tactfully with the public and staff and to relate information to contractors, homeowners, and management in an effective manner.
• Proficiency with permitting and inspection software systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with coursework related to construction management, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Extensive experience in building inspections, construction, or code enforcement, including supervisory responsibility.
• Must hold or be able to obtain Standard Level III certifications in Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing in accordance with the NC Code Officials Qualification Board within the required timeframe.
• Possession of a valid NC drivers license.

Physical Requirements

Work involves office duties and field inspections. Fieldwork may require walking, climbing, bending, lifting moderate materials, and exposure to construction sites and varying weather conditions.

Special Requirements

Subject to occasional evening meetings, emergency responses, and after-hours consultation as needed.

How to Apply

Pre-employment Drug Screening And Background Check Is Required APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.

McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.

McDowell County participates in E-Verify.

Applications Are Available

• on our website:

www.mcdowellhrportal.org- under “Job Opportunities”

• McDowell County Administration Building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

Applications Can Be Submitted

• Online at www.mcdowellhrportal.org
• in person at the County Administration building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

• or by Mail to:

McDowell County Human Resources

60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752

• or by email to:

[email protected]

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.