Building Official and Fire Marshal (In Training)

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Building Official and Fire Marshal (In Training)

Salary

$10,051.22 - $12,866.39 Monthly

Location

Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2024-00042

Department

Community and Economic Development

Opening Date

05/10/2024

Closing Date

5/27/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

BASIC PURPOSE

Reporting to the Community & Economic Development Director, the Building Official and Fire Marshal is responsible for planning, organizing, controlling and directing the administration and enforcement of the adopted building construction codes for the City. This position is responsible for functions that include, but are not limited to, managing the plan review, inspection and permitting functions necessary to meet the City and State mandated regulations; providing technical advice and making interpretations related to various codes, laws and regulations that impact building construction and use to staff, engineers, architects, contractors and the public; managing and maintain technology systems that remain current with changes in technology and regulations; preparing reports for administration, Council, commissions and boards; and providing direct supervision, leadership and coaching to assigned staff and assisting with the development of short and long term strategic plans for the division and/or department.

This position may occasionally act as the Community & Economic Development Director.

Please Note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for June 5, 2024.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

Building Code and Section Operations

• Provides analysis, interpretation and application to various stakeholders of the practices and the intent of the performance-oriented building, fire, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes as appropriate. Analyzes and reviews new federal, state, and city regulations to determine impact on departmental policies and activities and any related codes.

• Develops code changes and updated when needed for further review and approval; reviews code changes developed and recommended by staff; coordinates with departments to work through the impact of any code changes they may be affected by. Explains and interprets code changes to the stakeholders, staff and the public through various meetings (including City Council) as appropriate and necessary.

• Ensures that building plans and constructed building and structures are inspected and conform to code requirement and related regulations.

• Oversees supervision of field inspectors; resolves unusual or difficult situations encountered by inspectors and plan reviews. Ensures issuance of appropriate notices such as: Stop Work Orders, Order to Correct Violation Notices, Notice of Civil Violation Orders and Correction Notices for code compliance and code enforcement. Makes final rulings deeming construction installations as detrimental or dangerous to the health, safety, or welfare of the public; declares buildings as dangerous and orders demolition.

• Researches and resolves problems, complaints and violations regarding buildings, construction and code compliance; determines appropriate action, enforces codes, prepares responses and maintains related records. Confers with and advises staff on problem areas relating to plan review, inspections, permit issuance, code applications, and technical or administrative issues.

• Manages systems maintenance, record keeping methods and computerized permitting programs.

• Negotiates acceptable solutions for code compliance of complex building systems, phased constructions schedules, or other complex or sensitive issues; consults with builders, architects, and engineers regarding code violations, construction methods, and departmental policies.

• Confers with the Planning and Development Services Manager, City Attorney, and City Manager on issues concerning sensitive departmental activities.

• Attends and participates in professional group and department meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment and incorporates new developments as appropriate and assigned. Establishes, evaluates, and updates/revises building, fire, and electrical inspection procedures, practices, and rules in conformance with the City's Community Development departmental policies.

• Investigates and prepares reports on special problems, technical data, and other designated subjects.

• Develops scope of work, architect selection processes, and drafts, finalizes and executes professional services contracts related to area of work.

• Supervises development of residential and/or commercial construction plans and specifications and construction process.

Leadership, Development, and Coaching

• Promotes positive customer service and productive, quality service delivery in support of the vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives of the Department and the City.

• Manages, promotes, and maintains a diverse, positive, respectful, motivated, collaborative, and productive supervisory team.

• Plans, organizes, manages and provides direction on the activities, goals, and objectives and staff of the Building Safety Team.

• Manages the employment and hiring process for assigned area. Supervises, coaches, trains, develops and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training and development plans. Reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations. Provides advice and counsel to staff; develops and/or assists with developmental work plans for staff; and makes recommendations and/or implements corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary or as directed.

Community Engagement and Regulatory Duties

• Collaborates with the Planning & Development Services Manager to ensure City regulatory and permit processes meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and guidelines.

• Serves as an ex-officio member and secretary to the Appeals Board (Hearings Examiner). Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions or committees and organizations (City, County, State or Federal), related to building code development, enforcement and policies; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

• Confers with the fire department for regularly scheduled inspection processes, review of damaged buildings, and administration of those code requirements that impact delivery of fire suppression and emergency response services. Confers with the fire chief for appropriate delivery of fire investigation services.

Budget Management

• Develops, manages, administers/maintains assigned budget(s) including making recommendations to the annual and/or biannual budget in accordance with program goals and objectives and City policies.

• Approves and monitors expenditures and identifies budget needs. Reviews and approves reports, purchases, and payments according to established policies and practices and makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Serves as designated operational command official in the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for the Building Division.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

HS Diploma or equivalent AND ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in building administration, plan reviews and inspection design and construction engineering, or a related field, and knowledge and experience in the codes administered. Must also have a minimum of two (2) years of lead/or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrently.

OR

An Associate’s degree in in construction, construction management, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field AND eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in building administration, plan reviews and inspection design and construction engineering, or a related field, and knowledge and experience in the codes administered. Must also have a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrently.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in construction, construction management, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field AND six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in building administration, plan reviews and inspection design and construction engineering, or a related field, and knowledge and experience in the codes administered. Must also have a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrently.

• May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.

At the Deputy Building Official Level ($8,667.13-$11,094.65):

HS Diploma or equivalent AND eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in building administration, plan reviews and inspection design and construction engineering, or a related field, and knowledge and experience in the codes administered. Must also have a minimum of two (2) years of lead/or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrently.

OR

An Associate’s degree in in construction, construction management, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field AND six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in building administration, plan reviews and inspection design and construction engineering, or a related field, and knowledge and experience in the codes administered. Must also have a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrently.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in construction, construction management, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field AND four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in building administration, plan reviews and inspection design and construction engineering, or a related field, and knowledge and experience in the codes administered. Must also have a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrently.

• May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of land use planning and permitting.

• Knowledge of civil engineering plan review, stormwater systems, and utility infrastructure.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation

• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier.

• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

• Emergency Management (NIMS/FEMA) certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

• Must have a Certification from ICC as a Building Official.

• Must possess an ICC Certification as Plans Examiner and a Building Inspector.

AT THE DEPUTY BUILDING OFFICIAL LEVEL:

• Must possess an ICC Certification as a Building Official within twenty-four (24) months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• State and federal regulations related to land use development and planning processes; e.g. State Growth management Act, Critical Areas Management, and S.E.P.A requirements and guidelines.

• Building code inspection and enforcement regulations and standards, including regulations associated with Fire Marshal responsibilities.

• Economic models, demographics, retail marketing data, and relationships in regard to overall community health.

• Public administration principles, practices, methods, procedures, and techniques.

• Effective management and organizational principles and practices.

• Permit application process and administration.

• Principles and techniques of project management, and research/investigatory methodology.

• Disaster response and planning procedures.

• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.

• Management and training best practices, methods and techniques.

Skill in:

• Leading and coaching professional level staff.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff and other City Departments, City Council, Planning Commission, and community groups.

• Developing policies and procedures, researching solutions, analyzing and organizing complex technical information, and utilizing creative thinking.

• Troubleshooting and solving complex technical problems and using good judgment in decision making.

• Dealing courteously and effectively with irate, disgruntled, and sometimes hostile individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills.

• Administering and managing comprehensive and responsive building code enforcement program.

• Conducting effective and accurate field inspections, and operating various survey equipment and tools.

Ability to:

• Remain current on legislative changes and environmental regulations that affect planning in Washington State.

• Incorporate public administration principles, practices, methods, procedures, techniques, and effective management and organizational principles and practices into leadership behaviors.

• Manage the diverse work activities of numerous highly skilled staff in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale, and departmental effectiveness.

• Initiate leadership in developing and maintaining a working environment that is characterized by efficiency, cooperation, and positive interpersonal working relationships that extends to all City departments.

• Resolve complex problems and mediate or facilitate cooperation among conflicting parties.

• Model and initiate a quality customer service attitude throughout the Department.

• Portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring appropriate to position.

• Communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner, both orally and in writing, while maintaining composure, tact, patience and courtesy at all times, including under pressure or during controversial public meetings.

• Make clear and effective presentations to the public and elected officials.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and other City Departments, City Council, Planning Commission, and community groups interested in growth and development issues in the community.

• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations related to area of responsibility.

• Develop and monitor section and program/project operating budgets, costs and schedules.

• Plan and organize work, meeting schedules and timelines.

• Evaluate the impact of new or proposed legislation, rules and regulations on building code operations and recommend needed changes.

• Manage databases and produce detailed presentations or reports as requested.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.

Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page here (http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-departments/human-resources/union-contracts-and-policies) .

Medical Insurance Benefits:

• Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.

The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.

• Vision - VSP with low co-pays

• Dental – Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee’s household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.

Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• Employer paid life insurance plan

• Employer paid long term disability plan

• Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan

Leave Benefits:

• Vacation (which increases with years of service)

• 96 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Non-Supervisory Employees, LPOG Represented Employees

• 128 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis After Second Year of Employment for LPMA Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees

• 135 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Supervisor or Management Employees

• 11 Paid Holidays

• Floating Holidays

• 2 Floating Holidays for Non-Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees

• 1 Floating Holiday for LPOG & LPMA Represented Employees

• 8 Hours Sick Leave on Accrual Basis Per Month

• Jury Duty/Military Leave

• Bereavement Leave

*All benefits and accruals outlined in collective bargaining agreements can be found here: Policies, Union Contracts, Pay & Benefits - City of Lacey (https://cityoflacey.org/union-contracts-policies-pay/)

Investment and Retirement Programs:

• State retirement pension plan – Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

• 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS

• Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) – Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.

• HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family’s medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.

• 1-2% Benefit - Employer provides contributions between 1-2% (depending on position type) of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.

Voluntary Benefits:

• Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.

Wellness Program:

• The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.

Flexible Working Arrangements:

• In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.

• City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):

• Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.

*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.