Chief Building Official

Salary: $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually
Location : Town Hall - Bluffton, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600119
Department: Growth Management
Division: Building Safety
Opening Date: 06/03/2026


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Job Summary
The purpose of this position is to administer and enforce various Town and state codes regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position also: performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure code compliance; ensures that plan reviews and inspections are conducted on a timely basis; answers technical questions on code compliance; and performs related administrative, and technical work.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as Chief Building Official; ensures compliance with all applicable Town policies and procedures, and other laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Administer and enforce South Carolina, Town of Bluffton building code, applicable local ordinances, and other construction regulations.
• Conducts commercial plan reviews; communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners throughout the process of planning, correcting, and issuing the permit.
• Supervises and manages division employees including building inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff.
• Oversees inspections of residential and commercial properties for compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes in the Town's ordinances related to building inspections, permitting, and any other building safety related ordinance changes.
• Interprets building codes and regulations.
• Meets with contractors and design professionals to coordinate plan review, inspections, and permitting activities.
• Receives and responds to technical inquiries regarding building codes, permitting, and safety compliance; acts as a subject matter expert for the public and building community.
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain awareness of current legislation, trends, and technology in the building inspection and plan review field.
• Receives, reviews, and approves construction/architectural plans, site inspection reports, correspondence, permit applications, etc.
• Ensures timely and accurate issuance of certificates of occupancy; ordinances; plan review reports; inspection reports; citations; performance appraisals; and related division records.
• Collaborates with the immediate supervisor, Town Departments and outside design professionals to resolve complex technical building issues.
• Directs and leads inspectors during damage assessment procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in architecture, structural engineering, building, construction management, building science, or a related field; and five to seven (5-7) years of work experience as a building inspector or in the general construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.


Licenses or Certifications:
Valid South Carolina driver's license (or obtain one by time of hire). Hold (or obtain within 12 months of hire) a Building Official Certification (International Code Council) and maintain required number of CEU's as directed by the State of South Carolina to remain certified as a Building Official. Must have all 8 ICC Certifications to be fully certified in both Commercial and Residential Inspections, and the ability to obtain the Building Official Certification within 12 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of South Carolina-specific building laws, state statutes, and Town of Bluffton ordinances.
• Knowledge and mastery of the standards required for Chief Building Official (CBO) certification through the International Code Council (ICC).
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of a municipal Building Safety Office and its integration within a Growth Management Department.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions within the construction industry to ensure a safe environment for staff and the public.
• Skill in modern office practices and specialized technology used for municipal records management, permitting, and word processing.
• Skill in reviewing complex construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for strict code compliance.
• Skill in developing and delivering high-impact public presentations and translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive, professional working relationships with developers, engineers, Town staff, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain high level of tact and diplomacy when navigating sensitive compliance issues or disputes with contractors and property owners.
• Ability to provide clear instruction, professional advice, and technical guidance to subordinates to foster a high-performing and knowledgeable team.
• Ability to assemble and analyze complex data, identify development trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for Town leadership.
• Ability to maintain professional composure and make decisive, accurate judgments during emergency situations or under high-pressure deadlines.
• Ability to interpret the intent of the code in unique or complex construction scenarios to ensure safety while supporting municipal growth goals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
Positions in this class perform medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 30 pounds frequently. Manual dexterity and mental acuity are essential for data analysis and code interpretation. Field duties require frequent climbing, crawling, crouching, and reaching. Candidates must have the visual and auditory acuity to inspect facilities, identify structural/electrical defects, and communicate safety standards effectively.


Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites, office location with computer, telephone, and other related equipment). When working in the field, there is some exposure to a variety of weather conditions, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, or toxic agents. Job duties may require working on-call after hours as scheduled in order to respond to emergencies.
The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This

description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Health and Dental Insurance
All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, and Town Council members are eligible to participate in the Town's health plan through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). If an employee elects to be covered, the cost for the coverage will be deducted from each paycheck. The Town covers the premiums for the employee portion of the State Health and the State Dental plans. The employee will be responsible for the cost of any additional dependent premiums selected. For more information regarding the health plans click
Paid Time Off (PTO)
All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, will start accruing PTO on the first day of employment. PTO is a cumulative bank of time for sick days, vacation time, and bereavement leave.


Full-time employees will accrue PTO according to the following schedule:

• 0-5 years of employment: 5.2 hours / pay period
• 6-9 years of employment: 6.8 hours / pay period
• Over 9 years of employment: 8.32 hours / pay period

Holiday Pay
The Town of Bluffton offers 13 paid holidays and 1 personal day (8.5 hours):

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Presidents' Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving
• Heritage Day (Friday after Thanksgiving)
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Personal Day

Holiday Pay

The Town of Bluffton offers PTO to employees for absences related to the death of immediate family members and fellow employees or retirees of Town of Bluffton.

Paid Parental Leave

The Town of Bluffton will provide up to six weeks or two weeks of paid parental leave upon the occurrence of a qualifying event to employees who occupy a full-time position.
Milestone Anniversary Bonus

Employee will receive a monetary bonus once they have reached a milestone anniversary (5,10,15,...).

Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts are a tax-saving way to pay health care and dependent care expenses that you would typically pay out-of-pocket. Expenses such as deductibles, co payments, coinsurance, prescriptions, dental procedures and eyeglasses can quickly add up, and dependent care expenses can add up even more. The FSA's let you pay these expenses with pretax dollars.

Contributions are deducted from your pretax pay in equal amounts during the year. This means you save money, as contributions are not subject to Social Security tax, federal income tax or state income tax.

Medical Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Account enrollments are only valid for one year and be re-enrolled during the Annual Open Enrollment Period in order to continue. Your account(s) will not automatically renew each year.
Pension Plans: South Carolina Retirement System or Police Officer Retirement System
All regular full-time and part-time employees and Town Council are required by law to join the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Seasonal and temporary employees have the option to opt out of the memberships.


The Town offers two plans for employees, the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and the Police Officer Retirement System (PORS). Each employee/participant is required to contribute a certain percentage of their gross salary to the Retirement System. The actual contribution amounts are subject to change per legislation but will be provided upon hire date. The employee contributions are deducted on a pre-tax basis. Employee contributions earn interest.

More information on these programs can be found in the Retirement Handbook on PEBA's
Disability
Eligible employees enrolled in the State Health Plan have basic long-term disability protection at no cost. The Basic Long-Term Disability Plan protects a part of your income if you become disabled. It includes: a 90-day benefit waiting period; a monthly benefit of 62.5 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $800 monthly benefit; and a maximum benefit period to age 65 if you become disabled before age 62. If you become disabled at age 62 or older, the maximum benefit period is based on your age at the time of disability.
Supplemental Long-Term Disability (SLTD)
This optional disability insurance plan provides more protection for you and your family. Supplemental long-term disability is a voluntary benefit for which the employee pays. This benefit provides: Competitive group rates; Survivors benefits for eligible dependents; coverage for injury, physical disease, mental disorder or pregnancy; a return-to-work incentive; SLTD conversion insurance; a cost-of-living adjustment; and lifetime security benefit. There are two options either a 90-day or 180-day benefit waiting period that includes: a monthly benefit of 65 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $8,000 monthly benefit; and a minimum $100 monthly benefit. For more details visit PEBA's
Workers' Compensation
Town employees are covered by workers' compensation for on-the-job injuries. Benefits are governed by state law and not set by the Town.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP is a confidential counseling, assessment and referral program designed to help you manage your life. Just as health insurance is designed to address your physical well being, your EAP is designed to address your emotional and mental health, as well as manage your work/life issues to achieve a healthy balance. EAP also provides legal and financial consultation services, as well as the Work Life Benefit which provides assistance with elder care, childcare, adoption, education, and other work life matters. All calls made to the EAP are kept private and confidential.
Sun Life - Supplemental Insurance
The Town of Bluffton also offers Supplemental Insurance coverage through Sun Life to employees which includes: Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, and Short Term Disability. Everyone's benefit needs are different so these are optional to each employee to select (if they choose) benefits that are right for their personal situation.
On-Site Medical Bus
An onsite medical bus through Beaufort Memorial Health available for employees with health insurance. This on-site medical bus comes to a Town facility one a week for employees to use throughout their workday.


Educational Assistance and Educational Bonus Policies
The Town supports continuing education efforts made by Town employees through the reimbursement of tuition and training for certifications related to positions. Further, in our efforts to provide excellent levels of service to our citizens, the Town of Bluffton continuously strives to train and educate its employees and believes that the organization benefits from having a workforce that achieves certain academic attainment and certain specialized training and certifications.
Wellness Programs
The Town encourages employee wellness and encourages them to take advantage of some of the incentives available to them through Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA).


PEBA Perks provides a comprehensive range of activities, programs, services, and information designed to help State employees, retirees and their covered dependents enjoy a happier, healthier life. As a part of the employee insurance program, PEBA Perks focuses on disease prevention, early detection, disease management, and offers educational resources on diverse issues such as diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight management, stress management, and nutrition.
Discretionary Awards
It is the policy of the Town to provide employee recognition and incentive awards to an employee or team upon Supervisor recommendation. This program is intended to reward staff employees whose achievements have resulted in a particular benefit to the Town of Bluffton. Awards are in the Town's discretion, and no employee is entitled to an award.