Company: City of Newton
Job description:
Primary purpose
The Deputy Commissioner of Inspectional Services is responsible for providing managerial and executive level leadership and guidance in the management of the Inspectional Services Department. Provides supervisor and customer service support for the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and process applications for a variety of development and related permits. This includes responding to inquiries via telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face requests from residents, contractors, public officials, and other City employees. The position will act as a liaison between the department and the community being a front-line responder; and other duties as may be assigned to this staff support team position as required. The Deputy Commissioner is also responsible for general office management as well as supervision of departmental staff. Working hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the need to work hours outside of these hours based on the needs of the department.
Supervision
Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring considerable independent judgment to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, departmental and city policies and the application of best practices in the field of inspectional services.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, establishes own work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental and city policies, standards and expectations.
Supervision Given: Employee is responsible for direct supervision and guidance of employees within the Department of Inspectional Services, with time spent assigning and reviewing the work of subordinates and ensuring staff are adequately training and performing to expectations. Supervisory responsibilities include direct accountability for work results. Also assumes the role of the Commissioner of Inspectional Services in their absence and works closely with the Commissioner ensuring the performance of all employees, volunteers, interns or contractors within the department.
Essential Functions
(The essential functions of duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- The Deputy Commissioner of Inspectional Services shall be capable of performing the duties of the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, in the Commissioner’s absence.
- Performs Plans Examination for compliance with Massachusetts State Building Code, the Newton Zoning Ordinances and of Architectural Access Board Regulations, prior to issuance of building permits.
- Meets with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and lawyers for applicants to examine plans and blueprints and interpret building and zoning code issues.
- Responsible for the general management of the office operations of Inspectional Services.
- Supervision of the front-counter operations, issuance of permits, customer interface, customer relations, organization of personnel and responsibilities.
- Supervises and coordinates the efforts of all field inspectors.
- Assists in planning and coordinating staff meetings and policy changes.
- Supervises the Code Enforcement Official and directs enforcement efforts through the Code Enforcement Official and the Newton District Court.
- Ensures compliance with the terms of Special permit and Variance conditions for permit issuance and Certificates of Occupancy.
- Must possess general knowledge of the quality and strength of building materials; a general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, safe exits and the requirements of section thirteen A of chapter twenty-two and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto pertaining to accessible design standards; and a general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure.
- Performs other duties as required and directed.
Qualifications and Skills
(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Education, Training and Experience:
High school diploma and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the examination of plans associated with the construction and alteration of buildings and structures. Must have a demonstrated ability to supervise and direct personnel under their management. Must possess an in-depth and working knowledge of all International Code Council (ICC) and Massachusetts Building Codes and a working knowledge of plumbing, gas, mechanical and electrical codes. Demonstrated working knowledge of Massachusetts State Law 40A and the Zoning Act. Experience with interpretation and application of municipal ordinances preferred.
Special Requirements:
Must be Massachusetts State certified as Local Inspector in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 143: Section 3. If not certified by the State of Massachusetts, incumbent must be capable of acquiring certification within eighteen (18) months of employment. Prefer Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner. Must possess general knowledge of the quality and strength of building materials; a general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, safe exits and the requirements of section thirteen A of chapter twenty-two and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto pertaining to accessible design standards; and a general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure. Proficient knowledge of office practices and procedures, equipment and techniques, including a variety of software applications such as the Microsoft Office Suite, OpenGov, Munis, etc. Must have the knowledge and ability to interpret and apply the Newton Zoning Ordinances. Must have a working knowledge of Massachusetts State Law 40A the Zoning Act, as it pertains to enforcement and legal/court matters, and knowledge of all other applicable state statutes and regulations. A complete understanding of building construction.
Ability: Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and plans. Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with City officials, the public and members of the building community. Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, write violation notices, reports and business correspondence. Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities under various levels of urgency.
Skill: Must have excellent interpersonal skills, customer service skills, blueprint reading skills, communications skills. Shall possess management and conflict resolution skills while assisting staff and Inspectors as needed on daily basis. Must be able to effectively communicate in writing. Must be able to introduce, advocate, and implement changes to office procedure to effectuate necessary changes. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Job Environment and Physical requirements
(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Work is performed under typical office conditions, with little exposure to occupational risks; has interruptions during the day from inquiries by the general public, employees, and other city personnel. Operates computers, calculators, typewriters, copier, telephone and all other standard office equipment.
Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, equipment, machinery or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up/accessing paper, files, and other common office objects as well as equipment and supplies relating to programs and needs of the Department. Lifts and/or moves objects weighing up to 30 pounds. May be required to stand for long periods of time. Manually operates all office equipment and other necessary equipment. Needs to operate a computer keyboard at an efficient speed.
May have contact with the general public, employees, city department leadership and officials, outside agencies, businesses, vendors, and other governmental organizations and attorneys, etc. Communication is by means of telephone, personal discussion, and correspondence and involves discussing routine information requiring patience and courtesy.
Errors in judgment could result in significant delay or loss of services, serious legal ramifications, adverse public relations, and monetary loss. Will be required to occasionally work outside of the normal business hours in order to meet the demands of the department, attend City Council meetings, etc.
Performance Standard
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
Job type: Full Time
Fully remote: No
Salary range: $96,931 – $107,516
Location: Newton Massachusetts