CITY OF HARTSVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Building Official Date: April 2, 2025
Department: Business & Professional Services Status: Full-Time
Division: Planning & Zoning Exemption: Exempt
W/C Code: 9410 - 10

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in construction management, engineering or related field; and
• Three to Five years of experience in construction, customer service, code enforcement or related field;
• Certified Building Official (CBO) designation or LLR certification as a building official; or
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Building Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Plans Examiner/Code Enforcement Officer.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, accessibility, and fire safety codes.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for records management.
• Knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Has knowledge of proper English usage and basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of how to personally demonstrate appropriate customer service skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough plan review, note deficiencies and determine proper corrective courses of action.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in uncomfortable physical conditions, including exposure to excessive heat/cold, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, toxic agents, etc., and entering confined spaces and climbing to various heights.
• Ability to communicate professionally with other Town and county departments, property/business owners, architecture/engineering/development and construction/real estate professionals, contractors, etc., in order to accomplish goals and complete projects.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions related to balancing multiple projects within the constraints of time available.
• Ability to react professionally at all times, dealing with sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to prepare required reports and records with accuracy and in a timely manner.
• Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain additional certifications, including but not limited to:
• Certified Building Official (CBO)
• SC Building Codes Council

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs technical work in reviewing plans to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and inspecting new and existing structures for the issuance of permits in accordance with building and other pertinent codes. Work involves performing general clerical and administrative tasks in maintaining departmental operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviews submitted plans prior to permit issuance to verify compliance with building codes, laws, ordinances. Conducts preliminary plan reviews with architects, engineers, and developers.
Conducts residential, commercial, and accessory structure inspections to verify compliance with approved plans, codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Explains permit and compliance process to customers; assists and advises the general public in matters related to construction and code requirements; Provides advice and interpretation of building codes and ordinances in pre-construction conferences with city departments, contractors, and owners.
Investigates complaints regarding unauthorized or non-compliant construction and/or building issues; Investigates violations and take corrective action such as issuing warnings, violations, stop work orders, demolition orders, etc.
Interprets all adopted building codes, policies, ordinances, and procedures for the Inspectors, contractors, and the general public. Refers to building codes, manufacturer’s instructions, ordinances, State law, Internet, policy and procedure manuals, publications and reference texts, etc.
Maintains files and records of all building plans.
Keeps abreast of updates on codes and manufacturer’s specifications. Maintains continuing education requirements; passes certification exams as required. Maintains membership on local and Statewide group related to building.
Performs general administrative/office duties as required, including typing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, establishing and maintaining filing systems, etc.
Receives, reviews, prepares, and processes a variety of reports and records such as architectural plans, engineering plans, special inspection reports, energy conservation reports, permits, etc.
Operates a city vehicle and a variety of equipment and machinery (such as electrical panel boards, HVAC and mechanical systems, plumbing systems, structural framing, computer, printer, wireless router, modem, etc.).
Uses a variety of tools (such as calculator, electrical analyzers, hand tools, pressure gauges, measuring tape, levels, standard office tools, etc.); a variety of supplies (such as inspection forms, writing instruments, paper, hard hats, flashlights, general office supplies, etc.); and a variety of computer software (such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, CitizenServe, ResCheck, ComCheck, etc.).
Interact and communicate with various groups and individuals (such as Building Official, other Town personnel, co-workers, architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public).
Participate in safety training, make suggestions as necessary; serve on committees or inspection teams when appropriate. Works according to good safety practices as posted, instructed, and/or discussed. Reports on unsafe conditions or defects in equipment. Refrain from any unsafe behavior or act that might endanger self or fellow worker(s). Reports all accidents and incidents (including near misses) as soon as they occur. Follows safety rules and regulations and uses personal protective equipment.
Maintains prompt and regular attendance; adheres to City policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.
Provides exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
May be required to report to the City’s Emergency Operations Center for emergency duty anytime the Emergency Operations Plan is activated.