Building Department | Inspector of Buildings
$119,141.28-$169,566.48 + $5,000 Sign-On Incentive
The Town of Edgartown seeks a qualified and dedicated Inspector of Buildings to lead essential administrative and inspection operations. This role involves ensuring compliance with the State Building Code, local zoning bylaws, and other applicable regulations. Key responsibilities include reviewing construction plans, inspecting new and existing buildings for code adherence, issuing permits and certificates of occupancy, and serving as the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Additionally, the role involves investigating complaints, maintaining accurate records, preparing budgets, and working collaboratively with municipal departments and boards.
The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of building materials, construction methods, and state regulations. A Construction Supervisor's License, Building Official certification, and a valid driver's license are required. The role requires exceptional communication skills, the ability to interpret regulations tactfully, and the capacity to manage both administrative and fieldwork responsibilities.
s are available at edgartown-ma.us or in the Human Resource Office. The Town of Edgartown is an equal opportunity employer. Position is open until filled with priority given to applications received on or before July 1, 2026.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Inspector of Buildings
DEFINITION
Position performs complex administrative and inspection work related to the enforcement and interpretation of the State Building Code, the local zoning bylaw, the Zoning Enforcement Act and other applicable regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Examines and reviews plans for building construction or alteration to determine compliance with state codes, local zoning bylaws, and other applicable regulations; reviews and approves or denies applications for building permits;
Inspects new buildings and alterations to buildings under construction and upon completion for conformity with structural requirements, approved plans, and zoning restrictions; issues certificates of occupancy for new construction;
Oversees administrative functions of the Building Department; reviews all incoming and outgoing correspondence; maintains records, collects fees and prepares annual department budget; verifies monthly balances, prepares weekly payroll and certifies time;
Responds to questions from property owners, banks, real estate firms, and the general public relating to the mode or manner of construction and materials to be used, and the location, use, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures;
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under administrative direction, the incumbent works from statutes, policies, goals, and objectives; establishes short-range plans and objectives, departmental performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results; consults with the supervisor only where clarification, interpretation, or exception to policy may be required or as requested by the supervisor. The incumbent exercises control in the development of departmental policies, goals, objectives and budgets and is expected to resolve all conflicts which arise and coordinate with others as necessary.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
The manager is accountable for the direction and success of programs accomplished through others. Responsible for analyzing program objectives, determining the various departmental work operations needed to achieve them, estimating the financial and staff resources required, allocating the available funds and staff, reporting periodically on the achievement and status of the program objective; and recommending new goals. The incumbent typically formulates or recommends program goals and develops plans for achieving short and long-range objectives; determines organizational structure, operating guidelines and work operations; formulates, prepares and defends budget and manpower requests and accounts for effective use of funds and staff provided; coordinates program efforts within the unit and with other departments; delegates authority to subordinate supervisors and holds them responsible for the performance of their unit's work; reviews work in terms of accomplishment of program objectives and progress reports, approves standards establishing quality and quantity of work; and assists or oversees the personnel function, including or effectively recommending hiring, training, and disciplining of employees.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Duties include responsibility for technical processes, service delivery, and contribution to plans and objectives and fiscal responsibility for the department, including buildings, equipment and staffing utilization. Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment could jeopardize department operations or have financial and legal repercussions.
JUDGMENT
The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations.
COMPLEXITY
The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Relationships are constantly with co-workers, contractors, builders, architects, the public, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Incumbent has access at the departmental level to sensitive and confidential information.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Must be certified as a Building Official in accordance with state statute. Must have a construction supervisors license. Must have a valid driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS
Must have knowledge of the materials and methods used in building construction and the State Building Code, applicable State statutes, rules, regulations, and local zoning bylaws’ fire prevention and ventilation as it applies to building construction.
Must have skill effectively working with internal and external customers and stakeholders; supervisory skills; communications skills.
Must have the ability to understand architectural drawings; understand engineering terminology and mathematical concepts; understand court procedures related to building and zoning issues; enforce and interpret regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; deal appropriately with the public and members of the building community
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Working conditions involve occasional exposure to elements found in the field, such as work sites, walking property to inspect, construction sites, etc. Incumbent may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to emergency situations or to attend evening meetings.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills
Administrative work is performed in an office setting requiring sitting, standing, walking. When in the field, may require some agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain, or standing or walking most of the work period. Must be able to climb ladders and staging.
Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes. Must be able to read and understand plans.
