Building Codes Administrator

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Plans, organizes and directs the functions of the Building Codes Division of the Community Development Department. Develops and implements policies, procedures and practices to provide building plan reviews and inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential construction to determine compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, State Structural Specialty Code, State Mechanical Specialty Code, Uniform Fire Code, and local ordinances and regulations. Meets with engineers, architects, contractors, other city staff and the general public to resolve code-related issues and provides guidance that facilitates successful projects through a smooth permitting and inspection process. Assures the efficient and economical use of division funds, personnel, and time. Acts as the city’s Building Official, as authorized by the Community Development Director.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of the Community Development Director who outlines broad policies and objectives, and reviews work on the basis of results obtained.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Directs and coordinates the activities of employees in the Building Codes Division of the Community Development Department, which may include giving specific instructions or outlining general objectives or procedures. Reviews work for completeness and accuracy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties. However, these examples do not include all the specific tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.

1. Manages the building permit and inspection process and ensures compliance with State and local building codes.
2. Provides direction to subordinate personnel performing various code inspection and plan review functions.
3. Prepares the budget for the Building Codes Division.
4. Inspects and evaluates structures (within certification level) while being constructed, remodeled or repaired (in areas of structural, mechanical); approves or disapproves work; writes correction notices; enforces appropriate State specialty codes, ORS, OAR, and City ordinances; works with builders to ensure construction, remodeling, or repair is in compliance with approved plans and State building and mechanical codes; may conduct final inspections; reviews and approves final inspections conducted by Codes Inspector(s); and issues stop work orders when necessary.
5. Inspects dangerous, substandard, and damaged structures; requires permits for repairs necessary to comply with code requirements.
6. Directs, prioritizes, and oversees the work of the Codes Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer.
7. Inspects and approves mobile home installations per the Oregon Manufactured Dwelling and Park Specialty Code/Oregon Manufactured Dwelling Installation Specialty Code.
8. Documents and schedules inspections, and establishes and maintains recordkeeping. Drafts code amendments, forms, and other informational materials.
9. Examines plans, drawings, and specifications for proposed construction or remodeling projects. Works with builders/architects to correct plans as needed. Determines project valuations.
10. Provides information regarding permits, building codes, and compliance procedures to other city staff, contractors, builders, and the public. Provides educational opportunities related to the implementation of building codes.
11. Works with local government agencies, building contractors, other city staff, and the public to ensure compliance with building codes and to resolve issues.
12. Performs business license inspections.
13. Responds to complaints regarding unauthorized construction, working without permits, etc.
14. Must be able to develop and maintain positive cooperative team-oriented relationships with co-workers, supervisors, managers, and others involved in the course of daily operations.
15. Prepares staff reports and presents to the governing body.
16. Able to drive a motor vehicle legally and safely.
17. May perform other related job duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: Considerable knowledge of state and municipal codes or regulations relating to building materials, methods, and various stages of construction; mechanical and gas equipment; flammable and combustible liquids; and fire alarm and protection systems. Ability to read and interpret the State Code and pertinent City ordinances and regulations. Ability to read and interpret a variety of plans, designs and specifications in rough or finished form, and apply accurate standards and criteria established in appropriate codes and ordinances. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports. Ability to coordinate the work of subordinate personnel.

Skill and ability to conduct inspections, document findings, determine corrective actions, and implement compliance according to appropriate specialty codes; skill and ability to perform mathematical computations related to construction; ability to read blueprints, plans and specifications; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established rules, regulations, and council directives and use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities; ability to meet and deal effectively with city staff, builders/architects, and the public.

An employee in this position must have the ability to read and interpret complex regulations; have the ability to multi-task, complete work in a timely and accurate manner; have the ability to work independently. Must have the physical strength, agility and stamina sufficient to perform the work of this position.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Minimum qualifications include graduation from high school or possession of the equivalent GED certificate, vocational training in building codes, minimum of three (3) years plan review and inspection experience or combination of education and experience that demonstrates provision of the knowledge, skills and abilities.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of, or the ability to secure, a valid Oregon driver’s license within 90 days of hire.  Possession of Oregon certifications in the following: Oregon Inspector Certification, Building Official Certification, A-Level Structural Inspector, A-Level Mechanical Inspector, Fire & Life Safety Plans Examiner, A-Level Plans Examiner, 1 + 2 Family Dwelling Plans Examiner, 1 + 2 Family Dwelling Structural Inspector, 1 + 2 Family Mechanical Inspector, and Manufactured Home Installer Inspector.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and permitting software; motor vehicle; 10-key calculator; portable radio; phone; ladder or scaffolding; tape measure; copier.  Use permit tracking software systems.  Use computer hardware, printers, and computer programs to conduct inspections, complete plan reviews, communicate and present information, track progress, schedule projects, and perform the essential functions of the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here 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 in office settings, and some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, and construction sites. Hand- eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and 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, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by 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 may work in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to 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.

UNION STATUS: Non-Represented

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FTE: 40 hours/7-day work period, subject to change for operational necessity.

GENERAL SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm with occasional evening hours for meeting attendance, subject to change for operational necessity.