TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION

Title: Building Official

Nature of Work

The Building Official is a senior management position under the general supervision of and reporting to the Town Manager. This position is responsible for managing and planning the operations of the offices of Building Inspection and Rental Registration.

Essential Functions

1. Manage and perform field inspections and develop reports of same on all Residential, Commercial, and Industrial new, remodeled, and/or altered installations to verify compliance with all applicable State codes and Local Ordinances.
2. Review plans, process applications, issue permits, and notices of violation.
3. Coordinate the activities of the building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, zoning and minimum housing inspectors.
4. Investigate and resolve complaints that are received in the department and issue notices of violation, if needed.
5. Responsible for Enforcement of Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
6. Responsible for compliance with and oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain Regulations.
7. Work as close liaison with other Town officials in matters of mutual concern for all related department activities.
8. Manage the maintenance of department records including fees, charges, violation notices, and compliance orders.
9. Research codes; confer with Town Manager, Town Solicitor, Police and Fire Chiefs, Community Development, and Engineering departments as needed.
10. Attend Municipal Court, Zoning Board of Review, Town Council and other meetings as related to building/housing/rental registration codes and ordinances as needed.
11. Stay abreast of all building codes, FEMA regulations, Town ordinances, Zoning ordinances, legal decisions, and other building and housing related standards and developments.
12. Enforce zoning and minimum housing standards and rental registration laws and ordinances.
13. Resolve departmental personnel matters.
14. Prepare yearly department and capital budgets.
15. Review weekly payroll reports, purchase orders, and State permit fees.
16. Perform other duties as may be assigned and are consistent with this position.

Critical Skills, Experience, and Knowledge

1. Extensive knowledge of laws and regulations pertinent to the State building codes and Town ordinances.
2. Extensive knowledge of modern materials, methods, and procedures used in the building trade.
3. Proficiency in the ability to read building construction plans and specifications; able to recognize deviations from such plans in the field.
4. The ability to work and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with the public, complainants, tenants, contractors, landlords, violators, officials and other inspectors.
5. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
6. Working knowledge of computer-based systems, including spreadsheets, word processing, and database applications.

Minimum Required Qualifications

1. Certified as a Certified Building Official (CBO) by the State of Rhode Island.
2. Preferable certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager through the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
3. Five (5) years’ experience in construction with thorough knowledge of generally accepted commercial and residential building practices.
4. Official State certification as per the State Building Code.
5. Five (5) years’ relevant supervisory experience as a Building Official.
6. Associate of Science degree in engineering, construction methods, or related field. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
7. Valid Rhode Island Driver’s License, with no restrictions that would limit or adversely affect insurability.

Physical Environment/Working Conditions/Physical Demands

1. Working in a normal office environment with light to moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.
2. Working in the field, including construction sites and high traffic zones, with exposure to outside atmospheric conditions; occasional fumes, noxious odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.
3. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools, or machinery; electrical shock, falling from high, exposed places; explosions and/or toxic or caustic chemicals.
4. Finger and hand dexterity to handle, feel, or operate tools and equipment and to operate standard office equipment. Working conditions may vary from moderate temperatures and light (office environment) to inclement weather and night (field environment).
5. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, make color distinctions, and have normal depth perception; ability to smell fumes like odorous gas; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
6. Sitting; ascending and descending stairs, scaffolding, and ramps; and maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
7. Moving about on hands and knees; bending body downward and forward, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles; reaching with hands and arms and pushing, and carrying and/or lifting up to ninety (90) pounds.