Job Details

Code Official

An interest in local government? Do you value integrity, trust, respect, accountability, creativity, collaboration? If you answered "yes" then the City of Hampton has an opportunity for you! Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.

The City of Hampton is seeking a Code Official to manage and oversee the City's property maintenance/zoning enforcement program to ensure compliance and enforcement of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances. Serves as the City's Code Official and assists the director in planning, coordinating and directing the activities of the Community Development Department. This position serves as a member of the department leadership team and performs duties under the limited supervision of the Director of Community Development who provides guidance, advice and assistance as necessary. Requires independent judgement in accomplishing assigned duties.

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED, supplemented by some technical, vocational or trade school courses.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Public or Governmental Administration or related field of study preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years direct work experience as an inspector in one or more of the following codes compliance or building inspection areas: structural, land use, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building, zoning or property maintenance.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience as a supervisor in one or more of the areas listed above.
• A combination of education and experience considered in lieu of the qualifications outlined above.
• Thorough knowledge of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances related to zoning, codes compliance and property maintenance code compliance and enforcement; thorough knowledge of legal procedures as related to the enforcement and administration of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
• Must possess a Certified Zoning Official certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) or a Zoning Inspector certification issued by the International Code Council and possess or obtain a Certified Zoning Administrator certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) within twelve (12) months of employment in this position.
• Must possess or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment in this position the following certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD): Property Maintenance Official.
• Must successfully pass a background check prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, blueprints and specifications; ability to foster effective working relationships with diverse populations of contractors, property owners, city officials, general public and other City personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to effectively plan, implement and communicate goals and objectives, schedule and assign work and motivate and develop personnel.
• May be subject to call-out in order to respond to calls for service after normal business hours.
• This is an exempt position.
• The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Examples of Work:

• Works collaboratively with the Zoning Administrator and Building Official to interpret and clarify zoning ordinances, property maintenance codes, city ordinances, and rules and regulations in order to provide clear and consistent enforcement guidance for team members.
• Coordinates the City's demolition program to include review of structures for demolition and oversight of compliance and scheduling requirements.
• Develops departmental standard operating procedures (SOP's). Trains inspectors in the proper methods and procedures for ordinance and code interpretations and inspection enforcement protocols.
• Creates scope of work and administers the City's weed and debris, towing and overgrowth contracts.
• Oversees inspection of relevant codes and ordinances associated with site plans and subdivisions to ensure compliance with approved plans. Requires tracking and oversight of all new development within the City.
• Serves as the City's Code Official.
• Provides oversight of the Consolidated Enforcement Team.
• Oversees environmental inspections and enforcement. Requires technical environmental knowledge and skills related to wetlands and Chesapeake Bay Preservation District regulations.
• Supervises, coaches and mentors inspectors by providing leadership, guidance and clearly communicating performance expectations and providing performance feedback to team members. Initiates and recommends personnel actions such as hiring, employee evaluations, training and employee discipline and counseling.
• Consults with inspectors to interpret ordinances and codes, and reviews code violations. Mediates resolution of conflicts between inspectors and citizens, permit holders and contractors.
• Serves as an integral member of the department's emergency response team. Serves as the field coordinator for the Damage Assessment Teams and assists the Building Official and Director in managing the department's damage assessment responsibilities during emergency response.
• Assists in development and administration of the departmental budget; initiates appropriate adjustments, as necessary, throughout the fiscal year. Assists in evaluating existing administrative policies, practices and techniques and recommends improvements.
• Attends a wide variety of meetings and serves on various task forces and committees such as Public Nuisance Abatement Team, Night Club Task Force and Strategic Acquisition Review Committee.
• May represent the department on City Code, Virginia Maintenance Code and Zoning Ordinance matters before various Boards and Commissions, community groups, business groups and City Council, as well as testifying at the General Assembly on matters related to property maintenance on behalf of the City.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits Overview:

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Medical Insurance
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts

• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Trust Mark Universal Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Virginia 529
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include: Maternity Leave, Parental Bonding Leave, Care for Sick Parent Leave, Birthday Leave, Personal day (available every quarter)

• The eleven paid holidays each year include: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Employee's birthday

• A tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax retirement plan, Roth IRA, is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-###-####). For more information, see the VRS website.
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is the Minnesota Life Insurance Company. Tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-###-####). For more information, see the ICMA-RC website.
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• Medical/Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential