Assistant Building Official

The Assistant Building Official supports the Building Official in managing the daily operations of the Building Safety & Inspections Division within the Community Development Department. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with building codes through comprehensive plan reviews and on-site inspections. The Assistant Building Official oversees inspection scheduling and procedures, enforces all applicable codes with consistency, fairness, and integrity, and fosters a high standard of customer service and public engagement.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plan Review and Permit Oversight: Conducts timely and accurate electronic plan reviews for all construction types, including commercial, industrial, multi-family, and single-family residential projects. Coordinates reviews with other departments to ensure approvals before permit issuance. Verifies permit accuracy, modifies fees as necessary, and ensures permits reflect actual work.
• Code Interpretation and Customer Communication: Serves as a resource to architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners, providing clear explanations of code requirements. Promotes code understanding and compliance through effective, respectful communication and public engagement.
• Inspections and Field Oversight: Performs on-site inspections to verify compliance with applicable codes. Stays informed of active projects and construction trends, ensuring field work reflects current regulations, materials, and methods.
• Industry Knowledge and Code Updates: Maintains up-to-date knowledge of construction innovations and their impact on building codes. Monitors changes in design, materials, and practices to evaluate compliance strategies and recommend adjustments.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Promotes teamwork and collaboration among inspection staff. Provides mentoring, coordinates professional development, and ensures inspectors and permit technicians are equipped with necessary materials and information to perform their duties effectively.
• Inspection Scheduling and Permit Workflow: Provides work direction to permit technicians and inspection scheduling. Identifies and implements process improvements to maximize efficiency and accuracy in review and inspection workflows.
• Enforcement and Complaint Resolution: Ensures consistent and fair code enforcement. Investigates complaints and concerns related to building code administration and enforcement; issues Stop Work Orders when warranted.
• Departmental Support and Acting Capacity: Assumes the duties of the Building Official in their absence, exercising sound independent judgment aligned with city ordinances and departmental policies.
• Project Coordination and Assignments: Coordinates project lists and assigns lead inspectors for large-scale construction projects. Leads pre-construction meetings and ensures alignment between stakeholders at project initiation.
• Operational Coordination and Logistics: Coordinates continued education and certification tracking, motor pool scheduling for fieldwork, and resource allocation to support field and office operations.
• Communication and Internal Collaboration: Freely shares information to support informed decision-making and team cohesion. Encourages collaboration across departments to support shared goals and high-quality service delivery.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years post-secondary training in architecture, engineering, construction, or building inspection technology, or 5 years inspection & plan review experience.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Minnesota State Building Code, the International Building Code, and other codes related to construction, including, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and accessibility codes.
• Minnesota certification as a building official.
• Valid driver’s license
• A commitment to and belief in Minnetonka’s shared values
• An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related area.
• National Certifications.
• Current state delegation status for building & mechanical plan review and inspections.
• Demonstrated experience supervising technical or inspection staff in a municipal or construction setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Minnesota State Building Code, International Building Code, and related mechanical, plumbing, fire, and accessibility codes.
• Principles and practices of building construction, inspection, and structural design.
• Local, state, and federal regulations related to building safety and code enforcement.
• Modern methods, materials, and techniques used in all phases of construction.
• Building permit procedures, plan review protocols, and inspection processes.
• Construction site safety and risk management.
• Public administration principles relevant to community development and code enforcement.

Skill in:

• Conducting detailed and accurate plan reviews and on-site inspections across all building types.
• Interpreting and applying complex code language to a wide variety of construction scenarios.
• Communicating technical information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation when addressing non-compliance or customer concerns.
• Utilizing permitting and inspection software and electronic plan review systems.
• Leadership and mentoring, including supervising staff and coordinating project teams.
• Time management and task prioritization in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.

Ability to:

• Make sound, independent decisions within established policies, codes, and procedures.
• Maintain a professional, fair, and consistent approach to code enforcement.
• Foster collaborative working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, and the public.
• Adapt to changes in building codes, construction trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze problems, identify solutions, and implement improvements in processes and procedures.
• Represent the City and the Community Development Department positively in all interactions.
• Assume the responsibilities of the Building Official in their absence, with confidence and competence.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility & Movement: Regular walking and use of hands to handle, feel, or operate tools and equipment. Occasional standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Lifting Requirements: Ability to occasionally exert up to 50 pounds of force.
• Sensory Requirements: Standard visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perceive normal conversation levels. Vocal communication is essential for expressing information clearly.
• Manual & Technical Tasks: Must be able to prepare and analyze written documents and digital data, use measuring devices, operate vehicles or equipment, and observe surroundings for safety and compliance.
• Environmental Conditions: Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Occasional work in high or precarious places, near moving mechanical parts, and in areas with fumes, airborne particles, or risk of electrical shock.
• Noise Levels: Work occurs in environments with moderate noise, such as business offices or light traffic areas.