Assistant Building Official at City of Fort Lauderdale, FL

About the Department

The Development Services Department’s Building Services Division is seeking an Assistant Building Official.

Note: This posting will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

The Assistant Building Official plays a vital leadership role in supporting the enforcement and application of the Florida Building Code and applicable City ordinances as they relate to permit issuance, plan review, and construction inspections. This position also assists in the enforcement of relevant State statutes pertaining to Project Designers and Construction Contractors, and contributes to the administration of policies and procedures for Building Services Division staff.

As a member of the Division’s leadership team, the Assistant Building Official provides guidance and direction to professional, technical, and administrative staff, ensuring consistency, accountability, and high-quality service delivery. The position also serves as a key resource to the Building Official in overseeing City-wide building safety and compliance, supporting the Division’s mission of protecting the community through resilient development and construction practices.

Work is evaluated through conferences, direct observation of results achieved, and thorough review of reports and records.

This job classification may be governed by the Personnel Rules, as it is not represented by a collective bargaining unit.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.   The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Represents the Building Services Division and prepares knowledgeable reports, presentations and data to both internal and external stakeholders
• Develops, writes and implements policies and procedures for Permit Services Technicians, Inspectors, and Plans Reviewers
• Interprets and recommends changes in legal provisions governing construction and use of buildings
• Enforces regulations and laws of the state and federal government relative to coastlines, seawalls, floodplain and natural resources
• Responds to walk-ins, phone and email inquiries for status of permits, complaints, and other permitting concerns
• Receives complaints from citizens, contractors, architects, attorneys, etc., investigates and provides resolutions
• Makes Florida Building Code interpretations
• Attends permitting, inspection, and plan review meetings
• Supervises staff and oversees hiring process
• Visits job sites to address code compliance issues, stop work orders, fire damage assessments or to verify project completion for Certificate of Occupancy issuance
• Occasionally oversees building inspectors site visits
• Attends Emergency Preparation meetings and drills as part of essential staff in preparation for emergency and hurricane threats
• Performs the duties of the Building Official in his/her absence
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field
   • OR ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, plan review, and inspection services
     

   • PLUS at least five (5) years of professional experience working in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) (Broward and/or Miami-Dade Counties)

2. OR be a Licensed Architect or Engineer

   • PLUS three (3) or more years of professional practice within the HVHZ

PLUS

3. A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory/management experience

4. Must possess (or be able to obtain within 60 days of hire) a Building Official Certification by the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA).

5. Must also hold Building Code Administrator Certification from the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board (BCAIB).

6. Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and maintain an acceptable driving record, or be able to obtain one by the date of hire.

7. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204).to the online application. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Previous experience as an Assistant Building Official, Building Official, or Chief Inspector

2. Strong working knowledge of the Florida Building Code

3. Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service

4. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

NOTE:    Required certifications must be kept current to continue employment in this class.

Other Qualifications

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204). to the online application.

Apply Now