Assistant Building Official

Department: Building Inspections Reports to: Building Official

Summary: Assists the division head with the overall operation of the Inspection Division. Assists with the administration and enforcement of the ICC Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fire Prevention Codes and the National Electric Code. Supervises permit applications and issuance, field inspection, and investigations of violations.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews plans and specifications for compliance with city building code; approves, rejects, or annotates corrections on plans in accordance with standards established by the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, National Electric Code, and Fire Prevention Code.
• Confers with and advises contractors, owners, and architects relative to the interpretation and application of all construction codes.
• Plans, assigns, supervises, and participates in the inspection of buildings in the process of construction, alteration, or repair to ensure compliance with the various codes.
• Coordinates the work of the electrical, plumbing, building, and mechanical inspectors, gives advice and assistance on special problems as needed. Coordinates field inspections and does yearly evaluations of all inspectors.
• Supervises office personnel engaged in the issuance of approved building and other permits.
• Has extensive public contact concerning building projects, building, and housing regulations. Prepares correspondence relating to all phases of inspection activities.
• Represents the division on interdepartmental committees in the absence of the Building Official.
• Participates in severe storm spotter program, coordinates spotters as required.
• Represents the municipal government at public meetings and at conferences with other public or private groups in the absence of the Building Official.
• Support the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required, AND five (5) years of construction or code administration; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of all major types of building construction, materials, methods, and engineering practices.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal building and related ordinances.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints, and compare them with the construction in process.
• Thorough knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical practices, and basic fire prevention in respect to the construction or modification of all types of structures.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1), ICC Commercial Building Inspector (B2), or a minimum of two (2) ICC trade inspector certifications (Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical) preferred.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed indoors, outdoors, and at City facilities; requires constant physical efforts, and the ability to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects; may be exposed to safety hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including the use of safety equipment.