New Hanover County is seeking an experienced and innovative leader to serve as a Chief Code Compliance Official in the Building Safety Inspections Department. This position is responsible for ensuring that commercial and residential buildings and projects as constructed, comply with the provisions of the North Carolina State Codes, overseeing staff who conduct plan reviews and inspections to support these efforts, and serving as subject matter expert in the building codes certified. The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge and experience working with North Carolina building codes, excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and excellent interpersonal skills sufficient to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders and customers. Duties include the following:

• Supervises two or more full-time staff; prioritizes and assigns work to staff appropriate to their certifications; conducts performance evaluations; ensures staff are trained; and makes hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Oversees building code administration; interprets building codes; files criminal and civil charges; establishes policies for alternate construction methods; and coordinates activities with other agencies such as the State's Department of Insurance and the County's fire and health departments.
• Enforces electrical and mechanical codes and regulations for commercial and residential construction projects.
• Interacts with the general public and members of the construction trades over the phone and at the front counter, answering questions related to codes and inspections.
• Helps coordinate departmental review of commercial building plans; determines size and occupancy information; identifies design problems; ensures compliance with fire safety guidelines; resolves complex code compliance issues that arise; and interprets and applies applicable building codes.
• Performs specialized field inspections; visits construction projects; monitors field inspections performed by other department employees; and investigates accident sites for causes related to building design and construction.
• Conducts complex commercial plan reviews in electrical and mechanical code to determine compliance with the North Carolina Codes.
• Administers the County's journeyman and construction trades training programs; determines appropriate guidelines for education and experience; and establishes standards for certification and licensing.
• Helps prepare the division's annual budget, and monitors ongoing expenditures for staffing, supplies, training, and travel.
• Responds to questions, comments, and issues presented by the general public, contractors, and staff.
• Oversees the division's response to natural disasters; performs periodic assessments of preparedness; establishes recovery priorities; and coordinates appraisals of damages.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

About the Department & County:
New Hanover County's Building Safety Department is comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of intelligent growth and economic development by providing development services and code compliance. The Inspections division completes over 40,000 inspections per year. Our approach focuses on compliance, rather than enforcement, in an effort to remain effective, efficient, consistent, responsive and easy to do business with as we strive to assist New Hanover County be viewed as the model of good governance. The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge and experience with North Carolina codes, and in particular, Building and any other trade discipline; excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and excellent interpersonal skills. The position requires great flexibility to assist with field inspections, when needed for ensuring customer service and satisfaction.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

• Standard or Probationary Level III Code Enforcement Official certification in Electrical.
• Standard or Probationary Level I Code Enforcement Official certification in Mechanical or better.

Applicant Information:
This position is a continuous posting and open until filled, however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Application Status: