Chief Building Official

General Statement of Duties: Performs complex technical and administrative work planning and administering the activities of the Building Department; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:  This is responsible administrative and technical work in directing all activities and programs of the Building Department.  Work in this class involves responsibility for planning, developing staff and coordinating with other departments in the efficient administration of all ordinances and provisions of the municipal building and mechanical codes, and zoning ordinances, to assure adherence to specified standards of materials, workmanship and safety, and for the enforcement of zoning and related ordinances.  Supervision is exercised over a staff of inspection and independence within the framework of established policy, and is responsible for maintaining the codes current with new advances and trends.  Supervision is received from the Director of Development Services who reviews work through conferences and reports, and by the effectiveness of the inspection program.  The incumbent participates on Zoning Appeals Board and Board of Building Codes.

Essential Functions of Position:

• supervises, directs and participates in the enforcement of the building and mechanical codes, and zoning and sign ordinances for safety, health and welfare of the public;
• confers with property owners, architects, engineers, attorneys, contractors and other interested parties pertaining to proposed construction as related to municipal building and mechanical codes, and zoning ordinances;
• establishes all building and related code and zoning ordinances interpretations, and formulates divisional policies;
• prepares and recommends amendments to and revisions of building, mechanical, licensing, and related codes and ordinances;
• consults with contractors, architects, engineers and various civic groups relative to proposed changes in municipal codes and ordinances via the adoption of detailed local codes and ordinances or of national codes "by reference";
• issues building permits and licenses;
• reviews zoning controls and receives applications for zoning appeals;
• makes final decisions in disagreements between staff and applicants for permits;
• personally makes some of the more difficult inspections and/or in the absence of the staff;
• supervises substandard housing and sign inspection program;
• attends meeting of Board of Zoning Appeals;
• supervises maintenance and repairs of municipal building;
• maintains all architectural renderings on proposals and on all municipal buildings;
• performs related tasks as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Comprehensive knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods, and stages of construction when possible violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected; comprehensive knowledge of engineering as applied to designs of reinforced concrete, steel, timber and other structures, and skill in making complicated engineering and mathematical calculations, and the use of engineering devices and reference materials; thorough knowledge of municipal building and related codes, and zoning and related ordinances; thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles as applied to building and utility design; ability to read and accurately interpret plans, specifications and blueprints; ability to assign, supervise and review the work of a moderately large staff of subordinates inspectors and to give advice on difficult inspections, procedural and related problems; ability to make inspection of a variety of public industrial, commercial and residential buildings for conformance with municipal codes, ordinances, regulations and construction standards; good professional judgment.  Extended periods of sitting at a workstation or desk and walking.  Manual dexterity to work efficiently on computer keyboard for data entry.  

Strong customer service and communication skills are a must.

Acceptable Experience and Training:  Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with major course work in structural engineering or architecture and extensive experience in the design, construction or inspection of building structures; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

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Johnson City is the largest city in the Northeast Tennessee Region with a population of 71,275, and the Northeast Tennessee Tri-Cities area has a combined statistical area population 510,400. The city spans 43 square miles and is the eighth-largest city in Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Appalachian Mountains in Washington County, this thriving urban community has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best and most popular small metro areas boasting an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and outstanding schools, parks, sports, and fitness facilities. The city is directly accessible from interstates 26 and 81 and is a short drive to access commercial air service at the Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).

Johnson City provides a full service municipality providing public works, public safety, parks and recreation, planning, transit/school transportation, water, wastewater, and solid waste services.  These services are provided by over 1,000 full- and part-time employees with an additional 150-200 temporary seasonal employees. The City’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget (which includes the City School budget) is approximately $322.7 million.

Johnson City is the home of East Tennessee State University, which has a current enrollment of approximately 15,000 students.  The City operates under the Commission-Manager form of government with a Mayor and four City Commissioners.  The City Manager is appointed by a five-member City Commission.

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• City of Johnson City, TN

• 423-434-5972