Assistant Building Official

Job Title

Under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official, assists in administering and enforcing adopted construction codes, ordinances, and departmental policies. Directs field inspection operations, promotes consistent code enforcement, and supports personnel development, operational efficiency, and customer service. Assumes the duties of the Chief Building Official in their absence or as assigned.

Essential Functions

Direct field inspection operations through Senior Inspectors or other assigned supervisors; coordinate staffing, schedules, workloads, and service priorities.

Supervise, evaluate, and develop assigned personnel; support recruitment, onboarding, performance accountability, and personnel recommendations consistent with City policies.

Resolve escalated inspection complaints and technical disputes; coordinate with City departments, contractors, design professionals, and regulatory agencies.

Evaluate complex code issues and provide technical interpretations within assigned responsibilities; assist with alternative materials, designs, methods, and supporting documentation.

Investigate suspected unpermitted or unlawful construction activity and coordinate appropriate referrals and enforcement procedures, including notices of violation, stop-work orders, and appeals.

Oversee fleet vehicle assignments, usage, and associated reporting for assigned inspection operations.

Identify training needs and implement professional development programs that strengthen technical competency, consistent enforcement, and required certifications or licenses.

Monitor inspection workloads, response times, service quality, and compliance trends; prepare reports and recommend operational improvements.

Implement inspection quality assurance procedures to ensure consistent code application, accurate documentation, and accountability.

Support improvements to permitting and inspection systems, records, and workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, and customer service.

Assist with annual budget development, monitoring, and resource planning for inspection operations.

Participate in code and ordinance amendment development and implementation.

Coordinate Certificate of Occupancy processing, including temporary occupancy eligibility and resolution of outstanding compliance issues under adopted codes and ordinances.

Maintain constructive working relationships with industry stakeholders and the public and communicate departmental requirements clearly.

Maintain knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, construction practices, and emerging industry developments; maintain required credentials and continuing education.

Maintain regular and consistent attendance in accordance with assigned work schedules.

Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, public administration, or related field; a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, inspection, or plan review, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• At least three (3) current International Code Council (ICC) certifications in inspection, plan review, or any combination thereof, required at the time of hire or appointment.
• ICC Certified Building Official (CBO) certification required within one (1) year of hire or appointment.
• Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) Plumbing Inspector License preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License Required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Adopted construction codes, referenced standards, applicable state and local regulations, and related enforcement procedures.
• Building construction methods, materials, systems, inspection, plan review, and code compliance.
• Public administration, employee supervision, performance evaluation, and staff development.
• Budgeting, resource planning, permitting systems, recordkeeping, and operational reporting.
• Administrative procedures for code interpretations, enforcement actions, and appeals.
• Occupational safety policies, procedures, and applicable workplace regulations.

Ability to:

• Interpret and explain complex construction codes, ordinances, and departmental policies; evaluate construction plans and technical documentation.
• Exercise sound independent judgment in resolving technical, administrative, and enforcement matters within assigned responsibilities.
• Plan, supervise, develop, and evaluate personnel; assess priorities and improve inspection operations.
• Communicate clearly in writing and orally, including technical reports, presentations, and complaint resolution.
• Maintain productive relationships with City officials, staff, contractors, design professionals, and the public.
• Perform field inspections and evaluations, including identification of construction-site safety and compliance concerns.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb stairs or ladders, and traverse uneven or unfinished construction areas while performing field duties.
• Frequently lift or carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment and handle documents.
• Operate a motor vehicle and use visual and physical coordination necessary for inspections and related duties.
• Perform office-based work involving extended use of a computer and electronic records.
• Occasionally work at active construction sites with exposure to weather, noise, dust, uneven surfaces, and other ordinary construction-site conditions.

Benefits

The City of Lubbock provides a comprehensive, cost effective, health and welfare package.