CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT: Building and Code Enforcement
POSITION: Building Commissioner
STATUS : Full-time
CATEGORY : Salary, Up to $94,100
FLSA : Exempt
REPORTS TO : Chief of Staff
JOB SUMMARY
The Commissioner of Buildings oversees building and code compliance within the City, performing such duties according to the International Codes adopted by the State of Indiana and the Elkhart City Council. The Building Commissioner will also oversee the Permit Center as well as the Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Inspectors.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the city's Rental Registration and Inspection Program and ensure all rental inspections are completed on schedule.
- Oversee the city's four neighborhood code officers, including proactive enforcement and reactive complaint response
- The Building Commissioner is authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of the adopted codes of building laws, and orders issued under I.C.22-13-2-11 and I.C. 22-12-7.
- The Building Commissioner is committed to ensuring that all building construction occurring within the City meets local, state and federal construction standards for the health and safety of the citizens of Elkhart as applicable within City limits.
- The Building Commissioner’s charge is to administer and enforce the regulations governing the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, demolition and use of all structures in the Elkhart City Limits.
- Provide leadership to staff of the Building and Code Compliance Department.
- Prepare and oversee the use of the departmental budget.
- Research, understand, and maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of local, state and federal codes and statues pertaining to Building Inspection (interior and exterior) rules, regulations and ordinances.
- Responsible for the enforcement of Indiana Code 36-7-9 Chapter 9 of the Unsafe Building Law, including but not limited to emergency action, Order To Take Action Hearings, compliance agreements, and maintaining financial records.
- Present information to the public and attend public meetings.
- Perform other duties as needed or requested by the Mayor or Chief of Staff.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises all day-to-day building inspection activities to ensure that the public health and safety is protected.
- Researches, understands, and maintains an up-to-date working knowledge of local, state and federal codes and statues pertaining to Building Inspection (interior and exterior) rules, regulations and ordinances. Researches building code standards and, as necessary, prepare and submit recommendations for new standards or amendments to the Indiana Association of Building Officials.
- Prepares accurate and timely reports on inspection activity and statistics for Director.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
No person shall be appointed Commissioner of Buildings unless he has:
- at least ten (10) years of practical experience in the design and construction of buildings, or
- has at least five (5) years practical experience in the design and construction of buildings and is a graduate engineer from an accredited college, or
- has at least five (5) years progressively responsible administrative or management experience in construction, inspection, code enforcement or related field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of Codes regarding building construction, Property Maintenance, Unsafe Building Laws, Zoning and Code Enforcement
- Sufficient knowledge of accounting procedures to supervise the implementation and maintenance of financial budget.
- Ability to assign and direct the activities of subordinates.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office, Excel, Access and financial software.
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to represent the Office in hearings and trials pertaining to Building and Property Maintenance Codes.
- Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the general public and fellow employees.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS
- Capable of traveling to construction sites (requires a valid Indiana driver’s license).
- Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders, stoop, crouch, and bend in order to conduct building and site inspections.
- Knowledge of Building Codes to solve problems on site.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is divided between office and construction sites. Inspections are performed inside and outside in all weather and building conditions, including cold, dampness, dirt, noise, odors, and exposure to hazards conditions.
POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS
- The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
- Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.
POLICY STATEMENT
- The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
- This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and other duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
- This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
