Salary: $86,081.09 - $110,818.84 Annually
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number:
Department: Permits & Inspections
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under limited supervision, this position performs supervisory, technical and enforcement duties to ensure enforcement and compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Virginia Industrialized Building and Manufactured Home Safety Regulations, Virginia Amusement Device Regulations, and the Flood Proofing and Elevation (FEMA) regulations. Reports to the Building Official.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provides assistance to the Building Official in the overall management and administration of codes compliance operations; provides assistance with and interprets and enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to ensure compliance and consistent inspection practices; reviews and or oversees commercial and residential building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical, and fire protection plans for compliance with codes; reviews site plans to ensure compliance with flood elevation requirements; prepares and recommends formal building code changes; interprets building codes and clarification of building related issues.
Reviews and approves construction drawings and plans; grants building releases for electricity and certificates of use and occupancy; inspects city-owned properties for violations of the building code; completes appropriate paperwork; performs routine and non-routine inspections of various properties, to include city owned properties, for violations of the building code, to include electrical, plumbing, building and mechanical inspections; addresses building code inquiries, inspection requests and citizen complaints.
Responsible for effective supervision and administration of budget preparation and monitoring of expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities; and establishes systems for ensuring city and departmental personnel policies and procedures are appropriately administered.
Provides expert court testimony on building code interpretation and enforcement procedures, as necessary; acts as Secretary to Portsmouth Board of Building Code Appeals; delivers presentations to various committees, civic groups and organizations regarding building codes; serves as a member of various committees, panels, commissions, etc., and provides input based on expertise and observations, as appropriate.
Conducts research, and prepares correspondence and reports to provide information for effective management decisions; conducts informative workshops on code changes for Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Developers and the general public; serves as a technical advisor to city departments, to include the Department of Planning, Public Works, Engineering and the Economic Development.
Resolves non-routine situations; confers with supervisors and Inspectors to discuss new code interpretations, clarifications and changes; provides guidance to Inspectors on appropriate enforcement and provides assistance to Permit Technicians in the issuance of permits.
Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Work: Has considerable knowledge of the extensive inspection practices and procedures of the department. Has considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing building safety and public safety. Has considerable knowledge of the departmental procedures used to perform building inspections. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and procedures associated with the organization, planning and supervision of staff. Is able to perform building and device inspections and supervise staff responsible for building and device inspections. Is skilled in the use of a ruler, architect/engineering scale and various types of office equipment. Is skilled in the writing and review of technical reports. Is able to make effective oral and written presentations. Is able to exercise independent judgement and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within division and department, and with the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the administrative, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the division.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all division employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other divisions and persons to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, the Directors of other departments, professionals and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates an expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving divisional and city objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff. Ensures staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the city. Directs the development and training of division personnel in to ensure they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment that encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance and does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment that is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the division. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the division and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a comprehensive understanding of city policies and functions regarding the department. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities, and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews division policies to ensure any changes in city philosophy or practice are incorporated. Understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and division morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance the same.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Management, or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspections, electrical, mechanical or a plumbing trade, or a related field, and 2-3 years of supervisory management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master Tradesman License in Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing/Gas Fitting or NICET III certification in fire protection systems preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must obtain International Code Council and/or the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) certification as a Combination Inspector (commercial and residential); International Code Council and/or the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) certification as a Building Plans Examiner; and International Code Council and/or the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) certification as a Building Official; and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) certified Amusement Device Inspector certification required within three (3) years of hire.
Certification in Federal Emergency Management Agency Independent Study (FEMA IS) 100, 200, 700, 800 required within one (1) year of hire.
A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
This position is considered essential personnel and requires attendance and work during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

Physical Demands
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery including computers, calculators and copiers, etc. Must be physically able to operate an automobile. Must be capable of pushing and pulling up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10 lbs. of force constantly and/or a negligible amount of force constantly pounds of force frequently to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physi