Job Description

The City of Harrisonburg Community Development Department's Building Official position offers qualified candidates the opportunity to become a leader in a collaborative teamwork environment while making a direct impact in the City. If you have p rior experience in codes enforcement, inspections, and supervision, consider applying today!

Click here to find out more information in the recruitment brochure, and be sure to revisit the City's website to submit your application for consideration.  (Download PDF reader)

The Building Official is a full-time exempt position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $39.07 - $43.95 per hour (equivalent to $81,265 - $91,416 annually); however, exact salary will be dependent on the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City Policy.

As the City’s Building Official, you’ll be responsible for strategically planning, coordinating, and overseeing inspection activities across various domains, including building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and property maintenance, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, ordinances, and building codes within the City. This role involves the meticulous review and approval of building and construction permit applications, plans, and specifications, ensuring all submissions adhere to required standards. The Building Official also plays a crucial role in collaborating with architects, engineers, property owners, and City staff in project reviews and discussions, ensuring effective communication and comprehensive project evaluation.

In addition to overseeing the issuance of building permits and evaluating substantial permit applications, the Building Official investigates complaints related to inspection activities, taking appropriate actions as necessary. This position approves certificates of occupancy and requires the preparation of evidence and court testimony in cases of code violations. The role includes reviewing and determining the acceptance or rejection of requests for modifications of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), issuing warnings, and enforcing stop-work orders if warranted. As the Building Official, you’ll also be tasked with preparing various reports and correspondence related to inspection and code compliance, managing the division’s budget, and serving as the Code Official for Property Maintenance Code enforcement. Additionally, the Building Official fulfills all responsibilities associated with a Building Codes Combination Inspector and Plans Reviewer, supplementing the division’s operations as needed.

A detailed list of essential functions along with the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the

Minimum Qualifications

 

• Associate’s/Technical degree supplemented by coursework in engineering, regional or urban planning, architecture, a variety of inspection specialties, or a related field. Extensive experience (6+ years) in building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other codes enforcement and inspections work, and moderate (1-3 years) supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet these requirements.


• Valid driver's license.

Special Requirements:

• Certifications from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development as a Combination Residential Inspector and Residential Building Plans Examiner or the ability to obtain certifications within eighteen (18) months of hire date.


• Certifications from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development as a Building Official, Combination Commercial Inspector, Property Maintenance Inspector, and Commercial Plans Examiner or the ability to obtain certifications within thirty-six (36) months of hire date.

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results: 

• Criminal Background Investigation; and


• DMV Driving Record Review.

 

Supplemental Information

 

To Apply:  All  candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 07/10/2025) 

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 15.5 holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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