Chief Building Official

Executive Level Professional Position

This is an executive, level professional position. The incumbent serves as Department Head and performs complex administrative and technical work to implement and enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Property Maintenance Code, unsafe building program, weed overgrowth program and related laws and ordinances. Does related work as required. The Chief Building Official reports to the Senior Director of Community Development and directly supervises the Assistant Chief Building Official, Plans Examiner and the Customer Service Manager and has indirect supervisory responsibility for all employees in the Department. Essential functions include:

• Plans and directs the activities to enforce the building code, property maintenance code, unsafe building program and weed overgrowth program and related laws and ordinances.
• Supervises building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical plan review and inspection activities with responsibility for enforcing the laws, ordinances and codes relating to the construction and maintenance of buildings within the County.
• Interprets the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the issuing of modifications to the Code when warranted.
• Manages the administration and development of policies, procedures and budget.
• Meets with architects, engineers, contractors and citizens on matters concerning the built environment and other related matters.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints regarding construction-related matters.
• Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence on departmental activities.
• Coordinates the functions of the department with other County departments and agencies and other units of government.
• Provides oversight of the department safety program.
• Represents the department in court proceedings.
• Provides technical assistance as needed to County Administration, members of the Board of Supervisors and County staff.
• Provides for emergency response for the assessments of damaged buildings and structures.
• Overall responsibility for tracking building permits for all departments.

Working conditions include:

• Potential danger around construction sites
• Office and field – may work outside in adverse weather conditions
• Driving, walking, crawling, climbing are necessary to perform the functions of this position
• No compensatory leave accrual

Knowledge, skills and abilities required include:

• Comprehensive knowledge of modern building construction practices, methods and materials
• Comprehensive knowledge of building construction engineering and fire protection engineering principles
• Thorough knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and related laws and ordinances
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with contractors, designers, County officials and the general public and to enforce the building code and related laws and ordinances with firmness and tact
• Ability to evaluate works in progress
• Negotiation and enforcement skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite products and other web based applications

Education, experience and training required:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related field required with at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible related experience, three (3) of which must have been in a managerial position – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be acceptable.

Special conditions include:

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License
• Completion of State orientation course for building officials within ninety (90) days of employment
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Certification in accordance with the "Virginia Certification Standards" required within one year of employment
• Work beyond normal work schedule, including callbacks

Benefits:

Hanover County is proud to provide our employees with the following comprehensive benefits package. Hanover provides a benefit package that provides for you in times of need, they offer an ongoing level of financial security, peace-of-mind, and healthy work-life balance. This is part of our goal to make Hanover County an attractive place to work. To see exactly what you will find with our offerings, click the link below: