Chief Building Inspector

Chief Building Inspector

The City of Sunny Isles Beach is offering a $10,000.00 sign-on bonus for the position of Chief Building Inspector.

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of complex technical and administrative work in a typical office setting. Supervises the inspection and enforcement of an assigned activity in the Building Department.

Illustrative Examples of Essential Duties

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of inspectors and plans reviewers to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and standards.
• Exercises independent judgment under the general direction of the Building Official and participates in administrative staff meetings.
• Establishes and implements policies, procedures, and best practices for inspection and enforcement activities, subject to approval by the Building Official.
• Identifies training needs, arranges or conducts professional development, and monitors employee performance, punctuality, conduct, and code knowledge.
• Recommends personnel actions including hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination.
• Administers the City's building inspection program, including inspections of buildings, structures, construction materials, and premises for compliance with city, county, state, and federal codes and regulations.
• Oversees plan review activities for building safety, structural integrity, fire protection, public safety, and floodplain compliance.
• Confirms all required inspections are completed and documentation is in place prior to issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
• Investigates complaints related to construction, repairs, alterations, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures.
• Issues citations, stop-work orders, and recommends condemnation or demolition when necessary to protect life and property.
• Coordinates prosecution of violations and represents the Building Official at hearings and appeals, including the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals
• Supervises the permit issuance process and reviews plans and specifications for compliance prior to permit approval.
• Discusses plan requirements and code interpretations with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and property owners.
• Ensures construction sites are reviewed for feasibility and compliance prior to and during construction activities.
• Interacts courteously and tactfully with managers, co-workers, industry professionals, and the public.
• Provides guidance and answers inquiries regarding code requirements, permitting, inspection procedures, and safety regulations.
• Treats every resident, design professional, contractor, and business partner as a valued customer, consistent with exceptional public-service standards.
• Assist administering the local National Flood Insurance Program and ensures compliance with FEMA and floodplain management regulations.
• Coordinates implementation of the Florida Building Code, State of Florida Model Energy Code, and coastal construction requirements.
• Assists with the development and revision of building code policies and legal provisions related to construction and building use.
• May represent the Building Department in the absence of the Building Official or Assistant Building Director.
• Prepares and submits activity reports, inspection records, and case documentation.
• Identifies and recommends cost-control measures to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Continuously monitors and improves departmental procedures to support quality, safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The Chief Building Inspector must possess comprehensive knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including accurate recordkeeping, filing systems, and professional correspondence formats. Strong command of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation is required, along with solid skills in business writing, report preparation, and public communication. Proficiency in basic mathematics and familiarity with adult learning and training principles are essential. The position requires the ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex documents, building plans, specifications, and technical materials, as well as the ability to clearly explain building codes, ordinances, regulations, and inspection procedures to staff, design professionals, contractors, and the public.

• Extensive knowledge of building construction methods, materials, and inspection practices is necessary, including thorough understanding of the Florida Building Code, National Fire Protection Association standards, relevant state statutes, and local county and municipal ordinances. Familiarity with OSHA safety standards, accessibility codes, and the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals functions and certification requirements is expected. The individual must demonstrate strong leadership, including skill in selecting, training, motivating, evaluating, and disciplining personnel, while maintaining professionalism and fairness in resolving employee issues and public concerns.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, with the ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex or controversial topics to staff, management, public boards, and community groups. The position requires the ability to manage sensitive inquiries with tact, objectivity, empathy, and integrity, and to build and maintain positive working relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders. Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the capacity to make difficult decisions in high-pressure situations are critical. The incumbent must be able to plan and direct a coordinated inspection program, interpret technical terminology, and apply established codes and standards while adapting to new challenges. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and familiarity with permitting and construction software systems are required.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required, supplemented by ten (10) years related experienced as a licensed General Contractor, Florida Registered Architect, or Professional Engineer. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, construction administration, plan review, is required, including supervisory experience and demonstrated knowledge of high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) standards and high-rise construction.

Licenses and/or Certifications

• Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
• The essential job functions of this position will require the employee to perform the following physical activities. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis: The employee is frequently required to communicate effectively with staff, contractors, and the public in person, by phone, and in writing. Duties regularly involve reading, reviewing, and presenting documents, as well as operating a computer and keyboard. The employee must be able to use hands and fingers to handle materials, operate equipment, and perform inspection tasks. Work involves frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, or balancing during site inspections. The employee must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The position requires the ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 30 pounds occasionally. Visual abilities include close vision, color perception, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

• There is a one-year probationary period.
• It is the responsibility of the incumbent to maintain their licenses and/or certifications as a job requirement.