Assistant Building Commissioner

Under the direction of the Building Commissioner, the Assistant Building Commissioner is responsible for supervising staff, assisting in the administration of the Building Department, and performing complex building inspections. This position is at-will and not covered by the due process portions of The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for supervising inspection department staff and coordinating the inspection program.
• Assist in issuing permits and reviewing permit applications for completeness and compliance.
• Conduct or oversee inspections at various stages of construction to verify adherence to approved plans and code standards.
• Responsible for assisting other departments with reviewing and approving applications for buildings.
• Responsible for working with Building Commissioner and Operations Manager in establishing goals and priorities.
• Review construction plans, drawings, and specifications for compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances, and GAR regulations.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and developers in the field to ensure plans meet all regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance and interpretation of building codes, zoning ordinances, and GAR requirements to internal staff, developers, and the public.
• Maintain accurate records of code reviews, inspections, and permit approvals.
• Manages department in the absence of the Building Commissioner.
• Maintains statistical data on inspections and creates written reports, charts, and graphs
• Support the Building Commissioner in policy development, reporting, and departmental operations.

• Applies for inspection warrants and testifies in court on behalf of the department when required.
• Conducts strategic planning, program development, and training initiatives.

• Responds to emergencies after hours as needed by first responders.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED and at least ten years of experience working in commercial or residential construction, or similar experience.
• Valid Driver’s License to perform field inspections utilizing a county vehicle
• Strong writing skills related to correspondence and technical writing for reading by the public
• Valid Allen County Contractor’s License, Master’s License in a specific trade, or equivalent from another jurisdiction as a commercial contractor
• Knowledge of construction trades and state and local building codes to ensure building requirements are being met in Allen County
• Ability to develop an understanding of building code books.
• Strong customer service skills to address complaints and concerns from citizens
• Experience with web-based inspection applications on smart phones and iPads.
• Strong management skills with the ability to teach, mentor and guide subordinates in efficient and professional inspection techniques.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to use, train, and oversee improvements to Microsoft Office and other job-related software

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

The Assistant Building Commissioner performs work that involves many variables and considerations when supervising department staff and coordinating the inspection program. Judgement is needed to select the most appropriate guidelines when performing complex or difficult building field inspections for construction, plumbing, mechanical, and/or electrical installations.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Assistant Building Commissioner provides substantial contributions to Allen County when assisting other departments in the review and approval of applications for buildings. General objectives and boundaries are given when reviewing and assessing codes and makes recommendations for changes.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Assistant Building Commissioner maintains frequent contact with other county employees, the general public, and contractors when following up on complaints, attending association and neighborhood meetings, and answering code questions from the public. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong customer service skills related to the inspection process.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Assistant Building Commissioner works both in the office and in the field with frequent standing, attention to detail, detailed inspection, and exposure to noise. Some sitting, lifting of up to twenty pounds, bending, pushing/pulling loads, reaching over head, kneeling, mental visual effort, typing, and transcription are to be expected. Exposure to extreme temperatures, dangerous equipment, chemicals, walking on uneven surfaces, and noxious odors/fumes are required.

SUPERVISION:

The Assistant Building Commissioner is responsible for overseeing five subordinate supervisors and eighteen non-supervisory employees including hiring, training, evaluating performance, providing corrective discipline, and terminating.

LICENSING:

Valid Driver’s License to perform field inspections utilizing a county vehicle

Valid Allen County Contractor’s License or equivalent from another jurisdiction as a commercial contractor

Valid Inspector Certification within 12 months of employment

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Building Commissioner

HOURS:

40 hours/week, and as needed

EEO CATEGORY:

0902

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

9410