City of Reading – Chief Building Official
815 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601
JOB SPECIFICS
Title: Chief Building Official Department: CD/Building & Trades
FLSA Classification: Exempt Classification: N/A
Schedule: Full Time/On call for emergency Salary: DOQ
Revision Date: 08/07/2023
POSITION BACKGROUND
The Chief Building Official interprets and enforces the provisions of the PA Uniform Construction Code (PA UCC) and serves as the Building Code Official (BCO) for the City of Reading. The Chief Building Official/BCO is responsible for the oversight of a team of clerical staff and all Certified Code Officials that enforce the PA UCC within the City of Reading government. Works closely with other Division and Department managers to maintain continuity within the government continuing the efforts toward improving the community.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Write modifications to the City of Reading Building Code.
• Develop procedures for obtaining Building/Trades construction permits.
• Serve as liaison to the City of Reading, One Stop Program.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Develop and manage the Building/Trades Division budget.
• Provide technical information and informed opinions to design professionals, contractors, lawyers, developers, real estate agents, and building owners on building code issues and other related regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with staff and all City of Reading departments to ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations, statutes, and ordinances relating to the daily operations of the department and the building industry.
• Review building plans and construction permit applications for compliance with the PA Uniform Construction Code.
• Issue permits for construction, repairs or alterations as required by the PA Uniform Construction Code.
• Conduct inspections with Building/Trades staff to ensure code compliance.
• Issue Certificates of Occupancy.
• Investigate unsafe building conditions and provide resolutions in accordance with the City of Reading Building Code.
• Develop and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
• Respond to emergencies, as needed, requested by other City of Reading departments, sometimes after hours.
• Develop improvement programs within the City to encourage repurposing blighted properties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Requirements/Experience
• Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design preferred, or comparable degree or comparable experience required.
• Must possess current Commonwealth of PA, Department of Labor and Industry or International Code Council Certifications as a Building Code Official, Commercial Building Inspector, Building Plans Examiner, and Commercial Accessibility Inspector as required by PA Act 45 of 1999 as amended, known as the PA Uniform Construction Code.
• Valid PA Driver’s License.
• At least 3 years’ experience in architectural design or equivalent experience, including supervisory experience.
• Strong plan review background, plus interpretation of ICC codes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office, standard office equipment, and computer aided design (CAD).
• Familiarity with materials and methods used in building construction and equipment installations.
• Must have knowledge of the stages of construction and understand when violations and defects may most easily be observed and corrected.
• Detailed familiarity of The PA Uniform Construction Code and the City of Reading Construction ordinance.
• Mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.
• Geographical knowledge of the City of Reading.
• Able to objectively interpret and consistently apply code requirements and related standards in accordance with the City of Reading Construction Ordinance.
• Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.
Qualified, interested candidates must submit an application and current resume at www.readingpa.gov.
Questions – Email joe.ayala@readingpa.gov