New Hanover County is seeking an experienced and innovative leader to serve as a Chief Code Compliance Official in the Building Safety Inspections Department. This position is responsible for ensuring that commercial and residential buildings and projects as constructed, comply with the provisions of the North Carolina State Codes, overseeing staff who conduct plan reviews and inspections to support these efforts, and serving as subject matter expert in the building codes certified. The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge and experience working with North Carolina building codes, excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and excellent interpersonal skills sufficient to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders and customers. Duties include the following:
- Supervises two or more full-time staff; prioritizes and assigns work to staff appropriate to their certifications; conducts performance evaluations; ensures staff are trained; and makes hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
- Oversees building code administration; interprets building codes; files criminal and civil charges; establishes policies for alternate construction methods; and coordinates activities with other agencies such as the State's Department of Insurance and the County's fire and health departments.
- Enforces electrical and mechanical codes and regulations for commercial and residential construction projects.
- Interacts with the general public and members of the construction trades over the phone and at the front counter, answering questions related to codes and inspections.
- Helps coordinate departmental review of commercial building plans; determines size and occupancy information; identifies design problems; ensures compliance with fire safety guidelines; resolves complex code compliance issues that arise; and interprets and applies applicable building codes.
- Performs specialized field inspections; visits construction projects; monitors field inspections performed by other department employees; and investigates accident sites for causes related to building design and construction.
- Conducts complex commercial plan reviews in electrical and mechanical code to determine compliance with the North Carolina Codes.
- Administers the County's journeyman and construction trades training programs; determines appropriate guidelines for education and experience; and establishes standards for certification and licensing.
- Helps prepare the division's annual budget, and monitors ongoing expenditures for staffing, supplies, training, and travel.
- Responds to questions, comments, and issues presented by the general public, contractors, and staff.
- Oversees the division's response to natural disasters; performs periodic assessments of preparedness; establishes recovery priorities; and coordinates appraisals of damages.
- Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
- Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
About the Department & County:
New Hanover County's Building Safety Department is comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of intelligent growth and economic development by providing development services and code compliance. The Inspections division completes over 40,000 inspections per year. Our approach focuses on compliance, rather than enforcement, in an effort to remain effective, efficient, consistent, responsive and easy to do business with as we strive to assist New Hanover County be viewed as the model of good governance. The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge and experience with North Carolina codes, and in particular, Building and any other trade discipline; excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and excellent interpersonal skills. The position requires great flexibility to assist with field inspections, when needed for ensuring customer service and satisfaction.
New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, equity, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees' backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, and supports equitable and inclusive policies and growth opportunities. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.
Living in New Hanover County, NC:
New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.
* * * *
Work Schedule
Hours are 8:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday.
Must be available to work during emergency situations.
Salary Information:
The hiring range for this position is $65,232 - $110,895 plus a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on qualifications. Bilingual candidates are eligible for a differential (5%) when performing Spanish language interpretation during the course of work.
Sign On Bonus:
Candidates accepting employment into this position are eligible to receive a one-time sign-on bonus of $2,000. The sign-on bonus may be increased up to $5,000 depending on the certifications the candidate has been pre-approved with.
New Hanover County Offers:- Employer paid 401k contributions;
- Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
- Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
- Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
- Paid parental leave;
- Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
- Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
- Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
- Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
- And so much more!
Please check out our careers page at for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work. Minimum Qualifications:
High School diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in the trade areas of assignment, with demonstrated ability to perform supervisory duties or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Must have excellent proficiency with computer systems, specifically Microsoft Office products, iPads, and laptops, as well as have the ability to learn other software systems. Knowledge and experience using OneSolution, ENERGOV, or a similar program used to process permit applications and inspection requests is a plus.
Skilled in reading architectural drawings and schematics; Providing customer service; Preparing and delivering presentations; Assessing damages and estimating repair costs; Interpreting and applying building code provisions; Preparing and monitoring budgets; Supervising and evaluating employees; Using a computer and related software applications; Performing investigative work; Using specialized testing equipment; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
