Building Manager

About The Position

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises the staff and operations of the Building Division, including permit center and office operations, plan review, and building inspection and enforcement; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Building Division in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general direction from the Chief Building Official, Town Planner, or the Community Development Director. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

This is a supervisory classification responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff and providing support to the Building Division in a variety of areas with significant accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures for assigned operations, short- and long-term planning, and coordination of key programs/projects with other Town divisions and departments, external agencies, and the public. This class is distinguished from the Chief Building Official in that the latter has full management authority for planning, organizing, and overseeing the full scope of the Building Division and requires a Building Official Certification.

Examples Of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in the Community Development Department; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Provides information and assistance at the front counter, on the phone, and through e-mail by answering questions and providing information regarding community development, building, and permit issuance processes, fees, and procedures; provides information regarding applicable local, state, and federal regulations and building codes, ordinances, standards, and guidelines.
• Develops requests for proposals for professional services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with Town specifications and service quality; reviews, approves, and ensures work is completed on time and in conformance with budgets, schedules, and scope of work.
• Assists in coordination of major projects and activities with other Town departments, local jurisdictions and agencies, and regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Supervises and assists with difficult permit center and office operations, plan review, and building inspection and enforcement issues; researches issues, evaluates alternatives, and makes recommendations; meets with property owners, developers, and/or contractors to explain Town requirements, policies, and procedures; provides clarification and responds to questions.
• Collaborates and confers with property owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, the general public, and Town staff in acquiring information and coordinating assigned programs; provides information regarding assigned programs and functions; facilitates community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files.
• Represents the divisions in meetings with the public, private land developers, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues; interprets, explains, and applies applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of contract development and administration.
• Operations, services, and activities of municipal permit center and office support, plan review, and building inspection and enforcement programs.
• Principles and practices of construction management and/or project management.
• Practices of researching complex issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff and technical reports.
• Techniques for effectively representing the Town in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Town staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Participate in developing, standardizing, and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of department goals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Read, understand, examine, and interpret plans, specifications, and related construction documents, maps, and related technical documents.
• Understand, interpret, apply, and ensure compliance all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and Town in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Apply and uphold the Town-wide and departmental goals and the Town Employee values of Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, Commitment, and Excellence.
• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, diverse abilities, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation of Town staff and community served.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical Demands:

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer;
• this is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Other Necessary Requirements:

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications