Assistant Building Official

Job Description

Job Description

ASSISTANT BUILDING OFFICIAL

SUMMARY
This position is responsible to perform work to support administration of the Connecticut State Building Code and other codes referenced in the Building Code. The Assistant Building Official supports the Building Official in reviewing, interpreting and enforcing applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. The position involves a thorough knowledge of the Connecticut State Building Code and other codes referenced in the Connecticut State Building Code. Due to the nature of this department, customer service skills need to be exercised with the public.

Department: Building

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday; 35 hours

Location: JW Municipal Center, 196 North Main Street, Southington, CT

Union: UPSEU Local 424- Unit 35

Reports to: Chief Building Official

Grade/Salary: $43.46 hourly; Grade 11

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the general supervision of the Building Official, assists in administering the Building Code including permitting, enforcement and inspections.

• Serves as a visible representative for the Town of Southington while performing all work-related duties at all times.

• Reviews building permit applications, including related construction plans and documentation and reviews for code compliance. Provides timely action on applications for building permits. Evaluates construction costs and reviews estimates related to building permit applications.

• Assists in administering the building code including reviewing applications, permitting, enforcement, and various inspections as assigned by the building official.

• Issues building and demolition permits, issues certificates of approval/occupancy. Oversees construction work in progress for conformity with codes and regulations. Evaluates the results of various tests, such as special inspection reports and Geotechnical reports, to assure compliance with the state building code.

• Performs all necessary inspections throughout the construction of residential, commercial and industrial projects.

• Reviews and interprets code provisions with architects, engineers, contractors and with the general public.

• Educates contractors and the public on permit requirements, codes and licensing requirements. Assists the building official with maintenance of permitting guidance documents.

• Responds to and investigates complaints of code violations. Manages enforcement actions by issuing verbal and written orders and determines the proper requirements to address code compliance issues arising from unpermitted or after-the-fact work completed.

• Prepares plan review letters and provides required inspections for projects.

• In absence of the building official, is the contact for emergency calls from dispatch when applicable building related emergencies arise, whether during or outside of regular hours.

• Assists building official with maintenance of permit records and digital records for the building department.

• Assists Administrative Staff when necessary and performs administrative work as needed.

• Utilizes town issued cellular phone and tablets while in field to coordinate work with customers and staff and uploads inspections and related reporting in real time for efficiency purposes.

• Attends training programs, training seminars and reads technical reports to keep informed on changes in State of Connecticut Codes and applicable laws and regulations.

• Collects payment via check, cash or credit card and records into departmental software for building permit fees and State of CT Educational fee that are required for issuance of approved permit applications.

• Enters required data into departmental software/database/programs.

• Receives and responds to phone inquiries, voicemails and emails.

• Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.

• Other duties as assigned by Building Official.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess superior customer service skills with an emphasis on the ability to clearly communicate code requirements in an objective and educationally focused delivery.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques of the Mechanical, plumbing and electrical trades.

• Thorough knowledge of applicable codes, reference standards, municipal ordinances, state laws and other related regulations

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with builders, architects, property owners, representatives of the State and municipal government, along with the general public.

• Inspectors shall attend a minimum of thirty (90) hours of approved continuing education programs over consecutive three-year periods or as mandated by licensures.

• Skilled in applying knowledge of all applicable CT State Building Codes.

• Ability to use measuring equipment, tape measures, levels, laser levels and electrical testing equipment.

• Familiarity with the functions, operations, policies, practices and terminology within a municipal building department.

• Proficient computer knowledge and experience working in Microsoft office suite products.

• Ability to compose letters and memoranda with detail and accuracy.

• Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with policies and regulations.

• Manage duties independently during high-volume times throughout the work day.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook Mail.

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, permitting software and data management including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Education and/or Experience:

Assistant Building Official must be a high school or equivalent graduate with greater than three (5) years employment in building construction, architecture, civil engineering, or allied field. Applicant must hold and maintain a Building Official or Assistant Building Official license under the provisions of the General Statutes of Connecticut

Additional Licenses and Certificate:

• A valid Connecticut State driver’s license.

• Building Official or Assistant Building Official License.

Physical Demands:

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds of dead weight with knees extended and bending from the waist down. This position faces exposure to extremes in weather when performing inspection.

Benefits:

• CT Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) Pension Plan.

• Benefit time includes 3 personal days per fiscal year, accrued vacation time, accrued sick leave and holidays consisting of 12 full days and 2 half days.

• Insurance package includes: medical, dental, vision, prescription and life.

• Tuition and book reimbursement.

Terms of Employment:

In accordance with the working agreement between the Town of Southington and the United Public Services Employees Union, Local 424-Unit 35.

Evaluations:

Performance to be evaluated annually by the Building Official or his/her designee.

Job Posted: 5/15/26

Job Closes: 5/29/26

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual(s) currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.