Building Official

SUMMARY
Oversee the permitting, plan review, and building inspection functions of the Building
Inspections Division within the Community Development Department. Ensure enforcement of
and compliance with state and city building codes and local ordinances for both residential and
commercial properties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Supervise city staff and contracted personnel in the Building Inspections Division:
o Manages day-to-day operations of assigned staff, including assigning work, setting
schedules, and approving overtime.
o Selects, interviews, and recommends candidates for hire; oversees onboarding and
completes probation evaluations.
o Provides direct supervision, including training, performance feedback, and approval of
time records and leave requests.
o Recommends promotions, commendations, and disciplinary actions; administers
performance improvement plans and formal reprimands.
o Exercises independent judgment in personnel decisions and ensures compliance with
organizational policies and labor standards.
• Plan, assign, assist with, and oversee all building code administration and enforcement
functions including structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire safety, and contractor regulations
to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local construction regulations.
• Interpret and enforce city, state, and federal codes and ordinances.
• Assist staff, contractors, property owners, and the public with code-related questions and
resolve enforcement violations.
• Prepare and issue building, plumbing, mechanical, and fire permits for residential and
commercial construction.
• Maintain and oversee the City’s building permit record system and building related
documentation.
• Prepare reports and recommend updates to fee schedules.
• Monitor, evaluate, and enhance building related programs to protect public health and
welfare. Recommend new policies or programs and revise or discontinue outdated ones
based on regulatory requirements and community needs.
• Attend City Council, Planning Commission, and other relevant meetings as required.
• Participate in the development, revision, and adoption of building codes and ordinances at
the local, state, and national levels.

• Foster positive community relations and represent the City in a professional manner when
engaging with residents, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Support the dual-role function of the Building Inspections Division, contributing to both
building code enforcement and fire responsibilities.
• Provide input to the Community Development Director on staffing, budgetary needs, and
program development.
OTHER DUTIES
Performs additional duties and related tasks as required, or as directed by the Community
Development Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
• Certification as a Building Official (by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry).
• Associate’s degree (or similar 2-year degree) in construction, a construction trade,
building inspection technology, structural engineering or architecture from an
accredited vocational school, college or university.
• A combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to the position
requirements may be considered.
• Five years or more of progressive experience in municipal inspection environment.
• Ability to obtain State of MN Delegation Agreement to review and inspect state projects
within 5-7 years of hire.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, across email, phone, and inperson interactions.
• Experience with electronic plan review and managing electronic documents. Proficient
in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to produce reports, business correspondence,
and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from diverse groups,
including managers, staff, clients, customers, the Planning Commission, City Council,
and the general public.

• Skilled in solving practical problems and handling a variety of variables in situations with
limited standardization.
• Proficient in basic math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division,
using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and the ability to compute rates, ratios, and
percentages.
• Ability to make decisive judgments and exercise good judgment under both normal and
high-pressure situations.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations, anticipate needs, and
evaluate alternatives.
• Knowledge of computer operations and relevant software applications.
• Familiarity with methods, techniques, tools, materials, and equipment used in building
construction.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret building plans.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Hold a Municipal Delegation Agreement or meet the minimum qualifications to obtain one
for plan review and inspections.
• Familiarity with BS&A building permit software.
• Supervisory experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Normal hearing, or the ability to correct hearing to normal levels.
• Vision must be 20/40 or corrected to 20/40, including distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, balance, and reach as required by
the job.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds.
• The job may require frequent outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes, airborne
particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibrations, and high noise levels.
WORKING ENVIROMENT
• The majority of work is performed in an office setting, where duties such as reviewing plans,
processing permits, preparing reports, and handling administrative tasks take place.
• Site visits to construction and inspection locations are required, which may involve exposure
to varying weather conditions (e.g., rain, heat, cold, snow) and construction site hazards.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, heights, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or
caustic chemicals, and vibration, and high noise levels especially during site inspections.
• The role requires regular walking, standing, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 30
pounds.
• Some travel within the city or surrounding areas is required for site inspections, meetings,
and other official duties.
• The role may involve moderate stress due to the need to manage multiple inspections,
projects, and deadlines.
• Close collaboration with contractors, city officials, and the public is required, necessitating
strong interpersonal communication skills.