Building Official

Salary : $74,218.56 Annually
Location : 310 Nolan Street, Big Spring, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00169
Department: Code Enforcement
Division: Public Works
Opening Date: 09/22/2026

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 functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. 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.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Public Works Director assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The employee works independently goals, meet goals, and meet deadlines. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.


GUIDELINES

Guidelines include City codes and ordinances, relevant state and federal laws and regulations, state minimum standard building codes, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPETENCIES

An employee's performance will be evaluated based on the following competencies: job knowledge, teamwork, customer service, flexibility, and work ethic.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of varied technical, administrative, and supervisory duties. The number and diversity of codes and guidelines contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

This position inspects residential and commercial construction projects in the City to ensure compliance with relevant codes. Successful performance in this position helps ensure that construction in the City meets established standards of quality and safety and promotes orderly development within the City.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, local and state elected officials, employees from other departments, utility customers, contractors, property owners, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts typically involve giving or exchanging information, resolving problems, providing services, motivating personnel, and justifying or defending matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light objects, occasionally lifts heavy objects, climbs ladders, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, machinery with moving parts, and inclement weather.


SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position directly supervises Code Enforcement Officers (1), Code/Permit Technician (3), Administrative Assistant (2), City Facilities Crew Leader (1), and City Facilities Maintenance Worker (1).
There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.

The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:

1. Texas Municipal Retirement System
2. Deferred Compensation (Retirement)
3. Health Insurance
4. Dental Insurance
5. Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
6. Cafeteria Plan
7. Workman's Compensation
8. Longevity Pay for years of service
9. Paid Uniforms
10. Stand By Pay
11. Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
12. Paid Holidays
13. Recreation Privileges
14. Wellness Program
15. Tuition Reimbursement Program

Texas Municipal Retirement System
The City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.

• Applicants with prior or current military could receive up to 60 months towards their retirement for TMRS.

Deferred Compensation (Retirement)
The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows:

5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement
2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package

7.70% Total matched funds

Health Insurance
The City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates:
Family Coverage $832.45/Monthly $416.23/Bi-Weekly
Spouse Coverage $614.89/Monthly $307.45/Bi-Weekly
Child Coverage $305.45 /Monthly $152.73/Bi-Weekly

Payment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card.


Dental Insurance
Dental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:

Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-Weekly

Payments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.

Vision Insurance
Vision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:

Employee Only $8.02/Monthly $4.01/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Spouse $15.20/Monthly $7.60/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Children $16.02/Monthly $8.01/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Family $20.42/Monthly $10.21/Bi-Weekly

Payments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks.


Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
The City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability , a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.

Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)
The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.

Workman's Compensation
The City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.

Longevity Pay for Years of Service
City employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.


Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly
1 to 9 $72.00 $2.77
10 to 14 $96.00 $3.70
15 to 19 $120.00 $4.62
20+ years $144.00 $5.54

Uniforms
The City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.

Stand By Pay
City employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Paid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule:

Years of Service
1 to 2 5 days per year
3 to 4 10 days per year
5 to 9 15 days per year
10 to 14 17 days per year
15 to 19 18 days per year
20 to 24 19 days per year
20 + 20 days per year

The City of Big Spring also offers full-time permanent employees paid sick days as part of its comprehensive benefits package. Sick leave is accrued based on the following schedule:

Years of Service
1 to 2 5 days per year
3 to 4 10 days per year
5 to 9 12 days per year
10 + 15 days per year

Paid Holidays
The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day following
Christmas (two days given)

Recreation Privileges
City employees and their dependents receive free admission to Moss Lake. City employees must present their City identification card.

Wellness Program
In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits:

• Tobacco Cessation Program
• Employee Assistance - counseling for chemical and/or alcohol abuse and mental health screenings
• Reduced cost gym memberships to the YMCA of Big Spring

Tuition Reimbursement Program
The City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades.