Chief Inspector

Department of Community Development

Full-Time, Exempt

Pay Grade 18

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Chief Inspector

Performs various functions relating to the enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) that ensure safety to the life and property from all hazards incident to building design, construction, use, repair, removal or demolition. Provides technical direction, training and guidance to both residential and commercial inspectors. Coordinates daily inspections.

This position may be underfilled depending on qualifications.

The Expectations

• Supervises, trains, schedules, and evaluates the efficient and effective work of both residential and commercial inspectors for compliance with relevant codes and policies.
• Reads and interprets building plans, specifications, and onsite work for compliance with and all Code references.
• Performs multi-disciplinary and complex inspections including but not limited to residential and commercial building, electrical, mechanical, gas, fire suppression, and plumbing inspections and re-inspections for compliance with approved plans.
• Investigates complaints of unsafe structures or other problems and issues stop work orders or other notices of correction dependent upon the site conditions and findings.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence and reports to communicate the work efforts of the Building Division to both internal and external customers, agencies, colleagues and organizations.
• Maintains all records in compliance with County policies and the records retention requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Gathers evidence and testifies in court as needed relative to code violation cases.
• Provides every customer with a professional, empathetic, and responsive experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and assigns work to the Building Division staff of up to 15 people including inspectors, supervisors, and certified professional staff.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Education:

• High School graduation or equivalent
• Certifications required for a Combination Residential Inspector and a Combination Commercial Inspector, as outlined by the Virginia Certification Standards.
• Fire Protection Inspector certification is preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
• Minimum of 6 years of experience as licensed residential or commercial building inspector, combination inspector, or construction-related position
• Special Requirements: Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge required:

• Thorough knowledge of technical, legal and administrative aspects of residential, commercial, and industrial codes including but not limited to building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, gas, and fire suppression codes and enforcement practices
• Extensive knowledge of sound building, permitting and construction techniques, inspection principles and methods, and practices
• Principles and practices of building, planning, engineering and zoning in local government settings.

Skills required:

• Strong leadership and management skills emphasizing team building and cross -divisional efforts
• Superior emotional intelligence and effective exercise of professional judgment
• Experience leading organizational change
• Working knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office Suite tools, and other tools essential to effective performance of this position

Abilities required:

• Exceptional and accurate verbal and written communication skills in preparing reports, presentations and studies, and conveying complex and challenging topics
• Deal with sensitive and sometimes adverse situations and individuals using tact and diplomacy , especially with building industry, members of the public, fellow employees, agency representatives, and elected officials
• Provide effective and efficient technical guidance to all inspectors
• Deal effectively with building industry experts, professionals, the public, staff, elected and agency officials
• Read and interpret building plans and federal, state and local codes

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Physical conditions:

• Frequent visits to construction project locations, traversing uneven terrain and obstructions, and climbing up and down ladders is required
• Office work
• Driving a county vehicle on a regular basis on roads and construction sites
• Frequent movement among offices
• Some lifting of light objects

Work contacts:

• Frequent and regular contact with local government senior officials, commissions, boards, and agencies
• Regular contact with the public, building and development professionals, and community business groups
• Occasional contact with the courts, fire and police officials is required

Interactions:

• Technical discussions
• Persuasive presentation
• Stressful or adversarial interactions
• Potential for conflict
• Use of tact and diplomacy

THE SALARY RANGE

The hiring range for position is $70,000+, depending upon qualifications.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Tuesday, February 28, 2023

PROCESS: For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this role.

Virginia Values Veterans

Albemarle County is a V3 certified organization.

EOE/EEO

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.