Building Official / City Inspector ($85,000 – $105,000)

POSITION SUMMARY

General Purpose:

• Under administrative direction from the Director of Building & Development Services, manages the building review and inspections process, supervises the City’s code enforcement activities, and supports public works projects.

Supervision Received:

• Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Director of Building & Development Services.

Supervision Exercised:

• Support staff as assigned, Deputy City Inspector(s), and third parties utilized to perform duties related to the position.

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Building Official:

• Supervises, manages, and directs the deputy city inspector(s).
• Meets with and provides technical advice to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and property owners concerning ordinance-related matters.
• Reviews construction documents and building permit applications for compliance with the applicable codes and standards. Prepares written comments to submit to the applicant.
• Conducts most building inspections. Coordinates with the City’s building plan review and inspection contractors (third-party) to oversee the building inspection process and provides direct oversight and management of related contracts to ensure effective execution of the contracted responsibilities.
• Meets with contractors and subcontractors at job sites, as necessary, to resolve complex code issues.
• Interprets the building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, on-site sewage facility (OSSF), and zoning codes.
• Provides technical assistance to the Zoning and Planning Commission, City Council, and Board of Adjustment, as necessary.
• Primary contact with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for reporting new construction and maintenance requirements for private on-site sewage facilities (OSSF).
• Supports the implementation of the Multiple Separate Storm Sewer System requirements for stormwater erosion and sediment controls best management practices on private building and site development projects.
• Represents the City in matters pertaining to construction with other entities in the administration of the building and development process, including but not limited to Travis
• County ESD 9 (Westlake Fire Department), City of Austin (various roles), and WCID 10 (water utility).
• Issues Certificates of Occupancy and closes out open permits once all final inspections have been cleared.

Code Enforcement:

• Enforces all applicable building and property maintenance codes related to health, safety, welfare, construction, and community preservation, and resolves complex and sensitive code violation issues using tact and diplomacy to encourage voluntary compliance.
• Receives complaints of code violations from the public, City staff, and others. Performs onsite inspection of property and construction, investigates, and conducts research to determine compliance with codes and locate unlicensed activities.
• Evaluates information pertaining to applicable codes and ordinances and recommends appropriate course(s) of action.
• Contacts responsible parties and prepares compliance letters, issues notices and citations, initiates other corrective action, and performs follow-up to ensure compliance.
• Maintains and updates computerized records of inspection activity; maintains case files, and a calendar system to track case activity.
• Prepares periodic activity reports for the Department and the City Council.
• Responds to inquiries from the public, City staff, and others, interpreting and explaining City codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures pertaining to code compliance.
• Prepares case information for legal proceedings and may act as the City’s representative and present evidence.
• Develops educational material and public awareness campaigns for the Code Compliance Program, including the preparation of press releases as directed.

Public Works:

• Augments the Public Works and Wastewater Superintendent with activities related to the operation and maintenance of streets, drainage, and the city’s rights of way in general.
• Collaborates with City Staff and consultants regarding roads, paving repair, storm sewer and equipment management operations, wastewater connections, and related Public Works maintenance programs and facilities.

Facilities Management:

• Assists with the management of preventive maintenance schedules, capital improvement projects, and equipment replacement programs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable fire, safety, building, and accessibility requirements.

Emergency Management:

• Participates in emergency response and disaster recovery operations as required.
• Informing supervisors and contract utility managers of utility hazards, public health issues, or problem areas within the municipality.
• Assists in the preparation and readiness of City facilities, vehicles, and equipment for emergency use.
• Participates in emergency operations center (EOC) activities, disaster recovery efforts, and post-incident damage assessments.
• Ensures compliance with applicable FEMA and State of Texas emergency management guidelines.
• Conducts or participates in training and tabletop exercises to maintain staff and contractor preparedness.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of and Ability to:

• Ability to read and understand building plans.
• Knowledge and understanding of construction practices, terminology, and principles.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret complex regulatory codes (zoning, development, construction, signs, subdivisions, etc.).
• The ability to read and accurately interpret construction plans, specifications, and reference materials.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize them appropriately.
• The capacity to analyze facts, recognize problems, and formulate and implement viable solutions.
• The skills necessary to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with the general public, property owners, field inspectors, fire and health officials, utility representatives, architects, engineers, planners, and developers, as well as City Staff, Boards, and Commissions in a positive and productive manner.
• The ability to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle to complete some essential functions of this job.
• Technological and computer literacy with proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite of applications, Teams/SharePoint, and MyGovernmentOnline/MyPermitNow.
• The physical ability to move around residential and commercial construction sites, including gaining access to attics, rooftops, trenches, and basements. Employee may be exposed to reasonable industrial and construction hazards such as noise, dust, pollen, and fumes. Ability to access remote sites that may require climbing and traversing steep slopes and rough terrain in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods answering phones, performing keyboarding, operating a computer, filing, copying, and doing other administrative work.
• Must possess general manual dexterity to proficiently operate a computer and other office machines (including but not limited to smartphones, laptops, digital cameras, calculators, copiers, credit card machines, and fax machines), perform filing or other office functions, and reach items with hands or arms.
• Must be able to use stepstools and stepladders to store and retrieve items of various sizes, shapes, and forms weighing up to 30 pounds.

 

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• International Code Council Residential Combination Inspector/Plans Examiner Certifications
• Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners Inspector License or obtain within one (1) year
• Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License issued by the Department of Public Safety

Preferred:

• Certified Building Official
• Certified Arborist
• Certification as a Texas Code Enforcement Officer or obtain within six (6) months
• Licensed Designated Representative with TCEQ or obtain within one (1) year

 

 

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

• Personal computer, including Windows 11, Office 365, Outlook, Excel, Word, Incode, MyPermitNow, Bluebeam, and a copy machine.

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Vision adequate to operate vehicles and office equipment, read instructions, and follow directions.
• Hearing adequate to converse on the telephone and in person.
• Body mobility adequate to drive, perform site inspections, and perform related office duties, including reaching and bending for files and related office items.
• Use of hands and fingers adequate for operating vehicles, writing, typing, computer, copier, and fax machine, and related functions.
• Ability to lift office files, binders, and small office equipment as needed.
  

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

 

COMPENSATION

The salary range for the Building Official / City Inspector position will be $85,000 to $105,000, complemented by a competitive benefits package. This may include an annual $3,000 vehicle fuel allowance as well as paid training and continuing education opportunities. Relocation assistance may also be considered.

 

 

BACKGROUND & CREDIT CHECKS

The finalists for the position will undergo background and credit checks that may include:

• Criminal Records
• Driving Records
• Education Completion
• Personality Profile Assessments