Building Official

POSITION SUMMARY

The Building Official is responsible for the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of state-adopted construction codes and related local ordinances. This includes oversight of all building division operations related to structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, accessibility, energy, and specialty codes, as adopted by the State of Oregon. The position directs, evaluates, and coordinates the plan review, permitting, inspection, and code enforcement activities for new construction, alterations, repairs, and the ongoing maintenance of buildings and structures.

The Building Official provides technical expertise and policy leadership to ensure safe, code-compliant development throughout Astoria. They collaborate closely with the public, builders, architects, engineers, and other City departments, and serve as the designated authority in interpreting complex code applications, including alternate methods and materials. The position also includes supervisory responsibilities for contract inspectors and coordination with state and county agencies. A strong emphasis is placed on customer service, education, and facilitating development while preserving Astoria's historic and built environment.

HIRING PROCESS

The City has one vacancy which will be filled as Building Official or Deputy Building Official depending on the selected candidate's qualifications. For information on the Deputy Building Official recruitment, visit: . Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the recruitment may close early to begin interviews. We encourage you to submit your application right away in order to be considered.

Feel free to contact Community Development Director, John Roberts, with any questions about the position.

SCHEDULE

The regular schedule for this position is full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administer, interpret, and enforce the Oregon State Building Code, including Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, Energy Efficiency, and Fire & Life Safety Codes.
• Serve as the City's designated Building Official under OAR ...; maintain Oregon certification as Building Official.
• Oversee all permit processing, plan review, and inspection activities; manage compliance with local and state building codes and City ordinances.
• Conduct field inspections of construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans and all applicable codes.
• Provide guidance and final interpretations on complex code questions and applications, including alternate materials and methods.
• Coordinate plan review processes across departments; ensure timely and consistent permit issuance.
• Serve as primary liaison with the Oregon Building Codes Division, Clatsop County (for electrical), and contract inspectors.
• Track and manage enforcement cases related to illegal construction, dangerous buildings, and other code violations; issue stop work orders and citations as appropriate.
• Represent the City in legal proceedings related to code enforcement; prepare case documentation and provide testimony.
• Maintain and administer the Oregon State ePermitting system and related databases.
• Monitor and analyze trends in building activity and construction practices; recommend updates to local code provisions or procedures
• Provide education and outreach to homeowners, contractors, and design professionals regarding code requirements and permit procedures.
• Participate in interdepartmental and interagency coordination on safety, zoning, historic preservation, and fire prevention matters.
• Maintain records, generate reports, and ensure documentation of inspections, plan reviews, and enforcement actions.
• Attend and present at meetings, including Planning Commission, City Council, and local construction associations as needed.
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Respectfully takes direction from supervisor.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for various work areas.
• Follows policies, procedures, and guidelines as described in the City of Astoria Personnel Manual and other documentation related to this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Oregon Specialty Codes (Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, Energy, Fire & Life Safety, Accessibility).
• Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) and statutory requirements for municipal code enforcement.
• Local zoning regulations, historic preservation overlays, and property maintenance codes.
• Construction materials, methods, and sequencing for residential, commercial, and historic structures.
• ePermitting systems and construction management software.
• Records management, public records law, and inspection documentation best practices.

Skills and Abilities:

• Interpret and apply complex codes and standards with consistency and accuracy.
• Read and evaluate plans, specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse stakeholders.
• Maintain professionalism and calm demeanor in enforcement situations or disputes.
• Provide leadership and guidance to internal and contracted inspection staff.
• Use technology for permit processing, mobile inspections, reporting, and customer service.
• Work independently and manage competing priorities in a dynamic regulatory environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise contract building inspectors, plan reviewers, or temporary building division staff. Provides direction and quality control for contracted plan review services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate's Degree in Building Inspection Technology, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, and five (5) years of relevant experience in construction, building inspection, or plan review. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Certification as a Building Official by the State of Oregon or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Possession of or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Post-job offer a background check (including state and federal criminal records, social security number trace, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records checks).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Oregon A-Level Structural Inspector certification
• Oregon A-Level Mechanical Inspector certification
• Oregon Fire & Life Safety Plans Examiner certification
• Residential Plans Examiner and Inspector certifications (1 & 2 Family)
• Manufactured Dwelling Inspector certification
• Experience working in historic communities or reviewing historic structures

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Field works requires travel to inspection sites with exposure to construction hazards, weather extremes, uneven terrain, and occasionally entering confined spaces or climbing ladders. May involve lifting objects up to 25 pounds. Administrative work requires regular use of standard office equipment and telephones, as well as prolonged periods of computer use.