Building Official, (A241510-6), 212, Building Inspections

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Building Code Enforcement of City of Laredo Building Development Department. Renders interpretations for building permits, prepares departmental goals and objectives, and authorizes finalized permit decisions. Enforces International Codes and National Electrical Codes to ensure the health and safety of Laredo citizens and to regulates fire and structural safety to ensure the health, security and conservation of energy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Supervisory functions include: makes hiring and termination decisions; prioritizes assignments and directs work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management.

• Provides customer service via phone, email, or in person, to address complaints, waivers, variations, or determinations of code regulations.

• Gathers, interprets, and prepares technical data for studies, reports, and recommendations to Director, City Managers, Elected Officials, and other City Departments.

• Oversees and works closely with plan examiners, building inspectors, code enforcers, and permit clerks in the management of commercial and residential building permit activity.

• Authorizes finalization of permits for issuing of Certificates of Occupancy.

• Ensures code enforcement staff minimize unpermitted construction activity and all customer complaints are addressed in a timely manner.

• Prepares City Council agenda items as assigned.

• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of customer service practices and tactical principles.

• Knowledge of building methods and practices.

• Knowledge of pertinent building inspection-related federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including all International Code Council Books, Land Development Code, and Code of Ordinances.

• Knowledge of basic building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections.

• Knowledge of flood hazard areas.

• Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software, including Naviline, Project Dox, and AS400.

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in troubleshooting and problem-solving.

• Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and/or other related construction documents.

• Skilled in providing customer service.

• Skill in planning, organization, and time management.

• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.

• Ability to analyze and interpret information.

• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.

• Ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English and Spanish language.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.

• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.

• Ability to maintain good planning and organization skills

• Ability to take and follow directions from the supervisor

• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work

• Ability to use computer hardware, various software programs, and technologies, including word processing and spreadsheet programs

• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to the general public complaints

• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo

• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.        Occasional outside work.

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.

• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Seldom

• Confined space

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

• Street environment (near moving traffic)

• Warehouse environment

Frequently

• Construction site

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

• Communicable diseases

• Fumes or airborne particles

• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

• Moving mechanical parts

• Fumes or airborne particles

• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel

Position will require the employee to travel

Never

• International travel

Seldom

• National travel

Sometimes

• Regional travel

Frequently

• Regional travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited* college or university in Construction Management, Construction Science, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in construction, engineering, or related field.

       *Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Desirable Licenses or Certifications

• International Code Council Residential Building Inspector Certification

• International Code Council Commercial Building Inspector Certification

• Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas

• Registered Architect in the State of Texas

• State of Texas Plumbing Inspector License

The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

• International Code Council Building Official Certification must be obtained within 12 months of employment

• International Code Council Building Plan Examiner Certification must be obtained within 12 months of employment

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.