Description:

Functioning under the direction of the Mayor, the Building Official holds a senior management position within the Building Department. Duties involve enforcement activities under local, state, and federal guidelines, codes and city ordinances. Supervises the Deputy Building Official and support staff; works closely with the City Planner and serves as an advisor to  code enforcement officer, the City's Planning, Zoning, Board of Adjustments, and Historic District Commissions, and as the City's housing official. Works with the City Engineer on capital projects; works with developers and architects on new projects within the city from concept to completion; supervises or calculates the appraisal of all City properties; responsible for public safety pertaining to the legal securing or demolition of unsafe structures; meets with Mayor regularly to keep him informed of progress on all projects related to appraisal, building construction, renovations, capital projects, and upcoming projects. Provides interpretation and dissemination of local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines related to building and development. Must meet City bonding requirements.

Examples of Duties:

Administers the provision of the Building, Electrical, Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes.

Responsible for the enforcement of all relevant codes and ordinances related to development and building. Completes inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and that approved plans are being followed. May establish          sub-specialty positions, such as electrical inspector, plumbing inspector, and mechanical inspector.

Reviews blueprints, plans and specifications for proposed construction and renovation of buildings. Approves building permits for construction. Responsible for the collection of permit fees and for receiving and handling complaints regarding codes and their enforcement

Inspects buildings under construction, existing buildings for structural safety, and existing areas and plans of new
construction for compliance, when applicable. Issues notice of code and regulation violations.

Investigates complaints in regard to defective construction work, hazardous debris in yards, zoning violations and unsanitary conditions in and around buildings.

Prepares and oversees the building department and building maintenance budgets. Keeps records of departmental activities as required.

Maintains ongoing contact with individual supervisors and/or line staff to establish accountability and develop goals for use in performance evaluations.
Coordinates projects with City Engineer and the Mayor.
Responsible for supervision of construction and maintenance projects on city-owned facilities, roadways and property. 
Attends and participates in regularly scheduled planning and reporting meetings of the City's Management Team, and meetings of the City Council and other Boards and Commissions as required.

Performs such other duties as may be directed by the Mayor

NOTES: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

An officer or employee connected with the department, except one whose only connection is as a member of the board established by this code, shall not be financially interested in the furnishing of labor, material, or appliances for the construction, alteration, or maintenance of a building, structure, service, system, or in the making of plans or of specifications thereof, unless he is the owner of such. This officer or employee shall not engage in any other work, which is inconsistent with his duties or conflict with the interest of the department.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Building Official must have considerable practical building knowledge, which vary from basic construction principles to highly complex requirements. Must have sufficient technical code knowledge to direct subordinates and to effectively communicate with contractors and design professionals.  Must have considerable knowledge of the legal process pertinent to imposition of regulations related to development and construction. Must understand the legal basis for codes and their application and limitations within the mechanism of the law as the law pertains to the actions of those administering and enforcing codes. Must have knowledge of code enforcement, notice and orders, stop work notices, correction notices, right of entry, hazard abatement. Must maintain effective working relationships with customers and with staff. Excellent organizational skills and communication skills, including written and verbal, are required.

Acceptable Training and Experience:

A bachelor's degree in civil or mechanical engineering, and at least five (5) years' experience as an: architect, engineer, inspector, contractor, or superintendent of construction;


OR

At least ten (10) years' experience or equivalent as an architect, engineer, inspector, contractor, or superintendent of construction, five (5) years of which shall have been in responsible charge of the work; OR

Any combination of experience and training which would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required.

Certificates and/or Licenses:

Certification as a Building Official through a recognized certification program.

Possess a valid Louisiana driver's license with a good driving record.

Supplemental information:

The City of Hammond is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Hammond ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. The City of Hammond prohibits any such discrimination, harassment, and/or abuse.