Building Official at City of Lake Forest Park – Lake Forest Park, Washington
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About This Position
The Building Official applies a full working knowledge of building trades and construction codes to regular work situations; Reviews building and construction plans and perform inspections of residential and light commercial buildings for compliance with applicable State and City codes; Assures compliance with all I-codes, Washington State Energy Code, and other related City land use and development codes through review and inspection, correction notices and enforcement action; Assists the general public and design professionals in requirements, interpretation and explanation of applicable codes; Develops policies and procedures in support of Community Development activities and needs; Oversees assigned staff and ensures all permit issuance, inspection and plan examinations are performed in accordance with adopted codes.
Duties require an individual to be extremely organized to meet deadlines and display a strong attention to detail with minimal supervision. Responsibilities have a significant impact on the City’s Community Development activities and customer satisfaction.
This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime and benefits. The City provides benefit eligible employees the following: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), employee assistance program (EAP), HRA/HSA/FSA, enrollment in Washington State's DRS PERS plan, 401(a) retirement plan (social security replacement plan), and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan (DCP).
Essential Functions
- Review construction documents and plans to assure compliance with related building, construction, and development codes.
- Process building, demolition, mechanical and plumbing permit applications.
- Perform related building, construction, and site development inspections to ensure compliance with codes and approve plans.
- Oversee the daily activities of the Permit Technician/Coordinator, including but not limited to assigning projects, regularly reviewing staff progress of assigned activities, providing guidance and direction as needed, providing performance feedback to the Community Development Director, administering discipline such as coaching and counseling, and keeping the Community Development Director updated on personnel matters..
- Assist and advise the general public and City staff in matters relating to construction, building and code requirements.
- Prepare written reports, issue notices to correct violations, issue “stop work” orders and pursue enforcement of codes and regulations.
- Investigate complaints and make inspections of existing buildings and construction to determine if hazardous or unlawful conditions exist relating to their use.
- Perform and assist with code enforcement duties related to City land use, zoning, environmental and development codes.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of construction progress, inspections, investigations, and other work performed.
- Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to Shoreline Fire Department regarding building plan reviews, inspections, and other related functions.
- Assist the Community Development Director, City staff, and local agencies as needed in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs.
- May represent the City or Department at professional organizations, conferences, legislative hearings, and other external meetings or proceedings.
Education and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field AND at least 5 years of residential plan review and field inspection experience OR equivalent education/experience.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License upon date of hire and the ability to maintain insurability with the City.
- ICBO/ICC Building Inspector certification.
- Certification as a Plans Examiner within 18 months of hire date.
- ICBO Certified Building Official within 12 months of hire date.
Preferred:
- ICBO Mechanical Inspector certification.
- Prior supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Knowledge of:
Knowledge of:
- Complex construction codes and related State and local regulations; structural principals; and construction practices, including building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, resource conservation, ventilation, accessibility, excavation and grading and fire suppression;
- Planning and Community Development Department and Permit Center operations and procedures, Federal, State, and local pertinent regulations;
- Relevant government and/or community institutions, organizations, procedures, and processes.
- Business letter writing and basic report preparation with proficient spelling and grammatical skills;
- Proficient knowledge of computers and applicable computer software applications, including specific knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook;
- Working knowledge of modern administrative office procedures, methods and equipment.
Skill in:
- Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills;
- Strong problem solving and decision making skills;
- Strong customer service skills;
- Strong attention to detail, working in a busy and sometimes stressful environment and changing priorities;
- Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Ability to:
- Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism;
- Report for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance;
- Work independently with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, and productivity;
- Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
- Enforce building and construction codes with tact, firmness and impartiality;
- Read, interpret and communicate building and construction plans and specifications and compare them with construction in progress and provisions of the applicable codes;
- Maintain and establish effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, public and public officers, contractors, architects, engineers, and other agency staff;
- Accurately answer questions, mentor, direct work tasks, and effectively resolve problems in support of staff;
- Conduct oneself in a professional manner as defined by City policy and maintain confidentiality;
- Effectively represent the City or Department in public meetings;
- Efficiently coordinate a variety of programs and work effectively with other governmental entities, private interests, contractors and citizens;
- Provide clear explanations on procedures and regulations and to deal with contractors, professionals, and the general public with courtesy and tact;
- Identify work hazards and practice general safety procedures;
- Work well independently and in support of the team;
- Communicate in English clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
For more information about the role, visit the job description: https://cityoflfp.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12335/Building-Official
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, however it does oversee the work of assigned Permit Technician/Coordinator.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The position works in a standard office environment; field inspections are performed in all weather conditions. Evening work is sometimes required and weekend work may be necessary on occasion. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.