Deputy Building Official

Benefits

Full Benefits: Health Insurance (90% City-paid) including Medical, Vision, Dental; City/Employee paid PERS Retirement, City-paid Basic Life, LTD and ADD; Vacation, Personal and Sick Leave Accruals; Holiday Pay; Stability Pay 5 years; Astoria Aquatic Center family pass

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy Building Official supports the administration and enforcement of state-adopted construction codes and local ordinances for the City of Astoria. This position functions as a professional-level inspector and plan reviewer with increasing responsibilities, providing assistance in permit processing, code interpretation, field inspections, and enforcement of structural, mechanical, plumbing, and fire/life safety regulations. Under the supervision and mentorship of the Building Official, the Deputy will gain the experience, training, and certifications necessary to qualify for promotion to Building Official within 6 to 12 months.

This is a developmental role for a highly qualified building professional with strong technical skills and some existing certifications who is ready to advance into a leadership position. The Deputy Building Official contributes to a positive, collaborative work environment, provides excellent customer service, and plays a key role in supporting safe, sustainable development within a historic and active coastal community.

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 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

• Assist in the administration and enforcement of Oregon Building Codes including Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, and Fire & Life Safety.
• Conduct field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans, codes, and regulations.
• Perform plan reviews and coordinate with the Building Official and permit coordinator on permit issuance.
• Respond to inquiries from contractors, architects, property owners, and the general public regarding code requirements and construction standards.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, plan reviews, violations, and correspondence.
• Assist in code enforcement efforts, including the investigation of unpermitted construction and preparation of documentation for potential citations.
• Support use and data entry in the Oregon ePermitting system.
• Participate in staff meetings, technical trainings, and code update briefings.
• Collaborate with the Community Development team, Fire Department, and Public Works on matters related to building safety and permitting.
• Stay current with changes to the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Residential Specialty Code, and related administrative rules.
• 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:

• Building construction methods, materials, and terminology.
• Oregon Specialty Codes, especially Structural, Mechanical, and Residential.
• Permit and inspection processes used in municipal development review.
• Historic preservation principles (preferred).
• Construction site safety and field inspection techniques.

Skills and Abilities:

• Interpret technical codes, drawings, and specifications.
• Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Use permitting software and mobile inspection tools.
• Organize and prioritize workload with attention to detail.
• Exercise judgment and diplomacy in potentially sensitive enforcement situations.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Willingness to obtain additional certifications and pursue professional advancement

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May serve as Acting Building Official during absences and may supervise contract inspection personnel under direction of the Community Development Director.

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.

1. Associate's Degree in Building Inspection Technology, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. At least three (3) years of relevant experience in building inspection, plan review, or construction.
3. Possession of at least two Oregon Inspector Certifications (e.g., Residential Structural, Mechanical, or Plans Examiner), or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
4. Commitment to obtaining Building Official certification within 12 months of hire (City-sponsored.
5. Possession of or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
6. 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

1. Oregon A-Level or Residential certifications in Structural, Mechanical, or Plans Examination.
2. Experience in local government permitting or inspection roles.
3. Experience with historic buildings or preservation-sensitive environments.
4. Familiarity with the Oregon ePermitting system.

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.