The Town of Needham seeks applicants for the full-time, salary position of Assistant Building Commissioner. The Assistant Building Commissioner provides administrative, supervisory, and technical work connected with the interpretation, processing and enforcement of the Massachusetts Building Code and the Town of Needham Zoning and General By-Laws. Under the direction of the Building Commissioner, they are an integral part of the managing of the Building Department’s operation and administration.

This position is ideal for candidates certified as Local Inspectors who wish to grow their career in municipal government.

Schedule, 37.5 hours/week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

CON #26072

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Reviews plans and specifications for construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, addition, and demolition projects within the Town of Needham to ascertain that the proposed work complies with MA State Building Code, Needham By-laws, and regulations relating to building, zoning, energy, signs, architectural access.
• Performs field inspections to verify all work is being performed in accordance with the approved plans and all applicable codes, regulations, and laws.
• Issues all necessary notices or orders on safeguards during construction, to correct illegal or unsafe conditions, and to ensure compliance with all code requirements for the safety, health and general welfare of the public.
• Interprets and enforces the Massachusetts State Building code and the applicable sections of Massachusetts General Law, and the Town of Needham By-Laws.
• Assists the Building Commissioner in oversight and preparation of the department’s annual operating and capital budgets, customer service and the supervision of the administrative support positions for the department.
• Develops informational materials for office use and to assist homeowners, property owners, contractors and design professionals; updates department’s web page.

• Must be certified from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Safety as a Local Inspector at the time of hiring.
• Must attain Massachusetts State Certification as Building Commissioner within 12 months of appointment.
• Valid driver’s license.

The following additional requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job:

• Five (5) to Seven (7) years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design.
• Knowledge of building construction equivalent to two years of college.
• Knowledge of standard accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, energy, accessibility, and safe egress.
• Skill in preparing and overseeing a departmental budget.
• Skill in interpreting and enforcing building codes and zoning laws.

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and application materials by clicking “Apply.”

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on February 24, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at personnel@needhamma.gov.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us attswanson@needhamma.gov.