Building Official, Austin Development Services

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At the City of Austin we are more than just an employerwe are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nations most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles Empathy Ethics Excellence Engagement and Equity anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career contributing to the community and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave work-life balance programs and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs on-site fitness centers and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under nominal direction this position organizes develops and manages all building plan reviews and building inspections for the City of Austin. Also responsible for the building permit plan review personnel completion of inspections issuance of certificates of occupancy and occupant load cards by inspection personnel.

Duties Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs the programs/projects/activities of plan reviews inspections service center divisions and designates projects for specific inspections.

• Coordinates the preparation of and monitors compliance with division budgets performs economic forecasting and contract monitoring sets division policy in alignment with department goals and evaluates short- and long-term planning.

• Ensures compliance with federal state and city codes ordinances and regulations and directs staff and guides development of code amendment language for ordinances adopting related codes.

• Enforces quality assurance/quality control initiatives and evaluates program operations for effectiveness and efficiency to include workforce utilization.

• Serves as member of and/or coordinates with various boards commissions etc.

• Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens city management and contractors.

• Serves as an ex-officio member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals.

• Reviews customer appeals related to plan review or inspection decisions for complex code issues relating to residential zoning building mechanical electrical plumbing and energy codes.

• Coordinates efforts of the development services division plan review and inspection personnel: Health and Human Services Austin Fire Department Austin Water Utility (including Industrial Waste) and Development Services Department Building Inspections. Provides dispute resolution for staff relating to internal and external clients of commercial and residential plan reviews and inspections. Provides assistance and information in the issuance of certificates of occupancy.

• Meets and consults with design professionals relating to the construction of new buildings in Austin Texas. Track plan review and inspection history of buildings and provides review of and/or prepares technical reports. Conducts needs assessment studies.

• Research and resolve customer issues and serves as a city liaison for questions from the City Manager and questions from Council. Serves as a City of Austin liaison with consensus construction code development organizations such as the International Code Council the National Fire Protection Association and theInternational Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory and management activities including selection training evaluation counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge skills abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate with or without reasonable accommodations that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.

• Knowledge of Architecture; Civil Environmental Structural Architectural Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering.

• Knowledge of construction practices.

• Knowledge of various phases of plan review and inspection processes.

• Knowledge of and experience in national consensus code development processes and in the development of local code adoption ordinances.

• Knowledge of architectural drawing practices symbols and abbreviations.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.

• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.

• Skill in reading and interpreting complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications including shop drawings.

• Skill in communicating code requirements orally and in writing to city plan review and inspections staff architects contractors developers and the general public

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other employees customers and the public.

• Skill in performing complex analyses including skill in interpreting code provisions in order to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes including the analysis of alternate methods of compliance or performance-based designs.

• Skill in performing mathematical calculations.

• Skill in planning organizing and maintaining records.

• Skill in common computer software programs including productivity software computer aided design software and data entry for databases.

• Ability to communicate with and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.

• Ability to recognize building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical electrical and plumbing codes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning Architecture Engineering Landscape Architecture or other fields related to design or construction plus ten (10) years of work experience related to design construction or plan review. Experience includes at least two (2) years of lead or supervisory responsibilities.

• One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire.

• Must possess certification by International Code Council (ICC) or other recognized authority as a Certified Building Official.

Notes to Candidate:

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video please click here.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race creed color national origin sex gender identity age religion veteran status disability or sexual addition the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individuals AIDS AIDS Related Complex or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function please call or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.