Job Details

The Building Official is responsible for interpreting, administering and enforcing the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes and ordinances and acts as the authority regarding adopting these codes within the City of Kalamazoo.  This position is also responsibleas the liaison to the Building Board of Appeals and is a member of the Site Plan Review Committee, Project Review Committee, and Projects meeting to support and shape development within the City of Kalamazoo. The Building Official manages the staff whose work includes plan review, inspections, scheduling, and permits. The Building Official also manages the division budget. Within CPED, the Building Official is a member of the department management team and works collectively with other division managers to support CPED in achieving its goals and those of the community. 

Examples of Duties

• Overseas the trade inspection team completes plan reviews, issue permits, complete inspections, and enforces the required city, state, and federal codes.  
• Responsible for reviewing and interpreting codes to ensure they are fairly and correctly enforced; meets with contractors, engineers, architects and residents to review and explain codes. 
• Manages more than $3 million operating budget, including vendor selection, contract coordination, and revenue and expenditure forecasting. Administer the Foundation for Excellence grants and other funding as necessary, overseeing the associated reporting, compliance, and stakeholder coordination.
• Manages flood plain activities within the jurisdiction.  
• Manages the administration of recording, inspection scheduling, billing, and issuing of permits. 
• Serves asliaison to the Building Board of Appeals. 
• Supports CPED divisions and other departments with code questions and interpretations.  
• Participate in weekly development process meetings including the Site Plan Review Committee, Project Review Committee, and the Project meetings. 
• Participates in special projects, such as Kalamazoo’s pre-approved plan program, policy review, and procedures related to demolitions or building rehabilitation. 
• Supervises and evaluates building trades staff including the delegation of work, performance reviews, training and development, and discipline in accordance with City Charter, Human Resources policies, procedures, and union contracts. 
• Manages contractor and vendor purchase orders ensuring fiscal accountability, budget integrity, and compliance with procurement policies.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned. 

Essential Qualifications

• Registration with the State of Michigan as a Building Official in accordance with PA 407. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience, with experience managing budgets and project coordination.
• Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively and positively communicate with the public and staff. 
• Ability to solve challenges creatively and think outside the box to support both safe development in Kalamazoo and meet unique challenges like the housing shortage. 
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines.  
• The ability to prepare reports, research information, gather technical information, analysis and interpret data.  
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills. 

Acceptable Training and Experience

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged.  Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.