Building Official

The City of Decatur is seeking a knowledgeable and solutions-oriented Building Official to lead our Building Inspections Division and help shape the future of construction and development across our community. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee code enforcement, manage inspections, and guide plan review processes to ensure public safety and compliance with local and state building codes. Youll work directly with developers, contractors, and property owners to support safe, high-quality projects that contribute to Decaturs growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced inspector, architect, engineer, or contractor ready to step into a high-impact leadership role with city-wide influence, a collaborative team, and the opportunity to make a visible difference in how Decatur growssafely, responsibly, and with lasting impact.

W e support our employees with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Relocation Assistance: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Division Leadership & Administration

• Supervises and evaluates the work of building, plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning inspectors within the Building Inspections Division.
• Prepares and manages the division budget in collaboration with the Department Director.
• Develops policies, procedures, and reports related to inspections and enforcement programs.
• Provides technical and managerial support to the Department Director on code development, interpretation, and implementation.
• Represents the division in meetings with other departments, commissions, and outside agencies.
• Manages the Electrical Commission and Housing Board of Appeals; supports other commissions as needed.

Code Enforcement & Inspections

• Interprets and enforces City-adopted codes for contractors, developers, and property owners.
• Performs and oversees inspections of new construction, renovations, demolitions, and existing structures for compliance with applicable building, zoning, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and fire codes.
• Issues permits and certificates of occupancy; requires property boarding, demolition, or utility disconnection for unsafe or deteriorated structures.
• Investigates and resolves complaints involving code violations, unpermitted work, illegal occupancy, and unsafe conditions.

Plan Review & Permitting

• Reviews and approves building plans, calculations, and specifications for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Coordinates and disseminates plan review comments to relevant departments, compiling responses into a cohesive document.
• Oversees and maintains records of plans, permits, and inspections.
• Ensures fair, efficient, and coordinated review processes in collaboration with Planning, Engineering, Legal, Fire, and other departments.

Stakeholder Coordination & Public Engagement

• Meets with developers and builders to advise on permitting processes and code requirements for proposed projects.
• Responds to citizen concerns, explains code requirements, and mediates disputes related to construction compliance.
• Coordinates with industry representatives and the general public to support transparent and effective code enforcement practices.

Research & Code Development

• Conducts research on legislation, national code standards, and construction trends to inform code updates and best practices.
• Reviews fire suppression and sprinkler system plans for compliance with national fire protection standards.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert on technical inspections, permitting requirements, and code interpretations.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• High school diploma and two years of college coursework in construction, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience as an architect, engineer, building inspector, or contractor.
• Three years of supervisory or managerial experience is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• International Code Council (ICC) certifications required:
  • Residential Building Inspector and Commercial Building Inspector (within 12 months of hire)
  • Certified Building Official (within 24 months of hire)
  • Commercial Building Plans Examiner (preferred)

Technical Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of modern construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment across structural, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems for residential, commercial, public, and light industrial buildings.
• Comprehensive understanding of state and local codes governing building, zoning, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire systems.
• Proficient in reading and evaluating building plans; able to detect deficiencies during construction.
• Familiarity with GIS platforms such as OpenGov and general proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Communication and Leadership

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical codes clearly to a wide audience.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, lead teams, and provide direction to contractors, developers, and the public.
• Skilled in preparing accurate technical, regulatory, and operational reports.

More Details

Residency
Candidates must reside within 50 miles of Decaturs corporate limits within 12 months of hire.

Why Decatur?
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable, accessible living within easy reach to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
• Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincolns Tomb, and the familys first Illinois home.
• Shopping and Dining : Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.
• Entertainment Abounds : Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
• Outdoor Recreation: Explore over 2,000 acres of parkland, enjoy Lake Decatur, or play a round of golf or disc golf
• Arts & Family Life: Enjoy murals, sculptures, and attractions like Splash Cove, the Childrens Museum, and Overlook Adventure Park.

To Apply
Are you a skilled building professional ready to take the lead in shaping safe, high-quality development across an entire city? The City of Decatur is looking for a knowledgeable and driven Building Official to manage inspections, guide code compliance, and serve as a trusted resource for builders, developers, and the community. If you're ready to bring your expertise to a leadership role that makes a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply today.

Complete an application at the link below with all requested relevant information. Uploading a resume during the application process can help prefill required sectionsbe sure to review and complete all fields before submitting. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check post offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana.