Township Building Official - Meridian Township

Under the supervision of the Community Planning and Development Director, serves as the Township's designated Building Official, performing and overseeing building and rental inspection, code interpretation and plan review services.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Oversees, manages, and coordinates inspections and plan reviews. Develops and implements procedures according to Township policies and professional standards. May assist in developing a proposed ordinance language. Maintains records and prepares reports.
2. Assigns work, supervises personnel, evaluates performance, mentors, and oversees training and professional development. Recommends disciplinary action according to established procedures.
3. Interprets, administers, and enforces building codes and ordinances in accordance with professional standards. Oversees the issuance of permits and certificates of occupancy.
4. Advises the general public, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, and municipal officials on various building codes, and inspection procedures.
5. Reviews and inspects plans and specifications new buildings or the remodeling of existing buildings for compliance to relevant state building codes.
6. Conducts and oversees site inspections of excavations and structures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes and ordinances.
7. Notifies applicants of any deficiencies or discrepancies from code and provides follow-up inspections of unsafe structures or sites. If necessary, issues "Stop Work Order" or suspends, cancels, or revokes permits.
8. Maintains cooperative relationships with other departments, peer agencies, private contractors, property owners, architects, and other parties to coordinate building, zoning and related departmental functions.
9. Maintains records of permits issued and denied, inspections, complaints and their investigations and prepares reports and correspondence.
10. Keeps apprised of developments and changes in laws, building products and techniques.
11. Keeps abreast of professional developments, new administrative techniques, legal issues and other current events through continued education and professional growth.
12. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate. Maintains active status for all required state certifications.
13. Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements include the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in construction technology or a related field. In the alternative, the Township may consider a candidate with four years of experience as a building official in lieu of the combined Bachelor's with five years building inspector experience.
• Five years of experience as a building inspector for a municipality.
• Certifications by the State of Michigan as a Plan Reviewer, Building Inspector and Building Official.
• A State of Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of state building codes and related laws.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of plan review, site inspection, and code enforcement.
• Skill in effectively utilizing permit software.
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and enforcing related codes and ordinances.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting site plans, building plans, complex construction drawings and specifications.
• Ability to perform site inspections and visual reviews of permit applications, plans and drawings.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with builders, architects, planners, property owners, the public, other professional contacts, and municipal officials.
• Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, and work effectively within deadlines, and changing work priorities.
• Ability to work efficiently with limited supervision.
• Ability to convey and understand information effectively and promptly through speaking, hearing, reading, and writing.
• Ability to gather and analyze data for the purpose of preparing accurate and timely reports, memoranda, letters, and responses to requests for information.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and view construction sites or documentation. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light to moderate weights.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a business office setting and in the field. In the course of field activities, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and may become loud in field situations.