Building Official

Building Inspector

This position conducts building inspections and supervises the enforcement of building codes and city ordinances. This person is responsible for enforcing all Federal, State, and Local codes related to Health, Safety, and Nuisances. The position also oversees the City Facilities Department.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review plans for residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with building, safety, and accessibility codes.
• Prepare and issue permits for residential construction.
• Inspects new residential and commercial construction in the city, including building foundations, rough structures, and finished structures, for safety and compliance with standard codes.
• Enforces soil erosion and sediment control ordinances.
• Travels city streets to locate non-permitted construction and other code violations; conducts site inspections when complaints are received.
• Interprets and explains building and zoning ordinances, codes, and regulations to builders, contractors, and homeowners.
• Answers zoning questions, receives requests for conditional use, variances, and changes, and collects applicable fees.
• Reviews standard building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire prevention, and other codes to remain abreast of code changes.
• Prepares reports and maintains inspection records.
• Supervises the work activities of the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and Code Enforcement Officers.
• Supervises and assigns work for the City Facilities Department. Oversees the control and use of all materials, supplies, and equipment used in the maintenance, construction, and repair of City facilities.
• Serves as Project and Construction Manager for the City of Big Spring when required.
• Organizes and conducts various board meetings to include the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Supervises the work activities of the Permitting Office.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related occupational field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

A minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, code administration, construction, plan review, or a closely related field is required. Supervisory or management experience is preferred.

Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the vehicle or type of vehicles operated.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain, within one year, the appropriate state certification for the type of inspection(s) conducted, including:

• ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager
• Registered Code Enforcement Officer
• Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Plumbing Inspector License
• ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector License
• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester License
• ICC Certified Building Official certification

Knowledge of the techniques and materials used in building construction and inspection.

Knowledge of the state laws, local ordinances, and construction and trade codes governing the building inspection and planning administration processes.

Knowledge of the geography of the City, including roads, streets, subdivisions, and zoned areas.

Knowledge of planning and zoning principles, techniques, and practices.

Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge of codes and laws governing utility installations.

Knowledge of administrative duties associated with Permitting duties.

Skill in interpreting blueprints and maps.

Skill in operating general office equipment and gauges, circuit testers, levels and other tools and equipment used in the building inspection process.

Skill in supervising the work of others.

Skill in dealing with the public.

Skill in oral and written communication.