Building & Permit Services Division Manager

Full Job Description

The City of Eugene is seeking a Building and Permit Services Director to lead a large, dynamic team responsible for complex operations that are vital to our community’s livability and economic prosperity. As a key member of the Planning and Development Leadership Team, this position oversees the operations of the Building and Permit Services Division, including plan checking and building permit approval, field inspection, business license, code compliance, the rental housing program, and administrative support and operations of the City’s Permit and Information Center. The position partners closely with other City Divisions and Departments and outside agencies and organizations to help achieve strategic City objectives in service to our community.

Accepting Online Applications Only

Information on How to Apply

Building and Permit Services (BPS) Director leads and manages the activities and operations of the Building and Permit Services Division, including plan checking and building permit approval, field inspection, business license, code compliance, the rental housing program, administrative support and operation of the City's Permit and Information Center; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex support to the Executive Director of the Planning and Development Department.

Housing and economic development are top priorities for the City of Eugene and the BPS Director is a key leader in the City’s pursuit of creating economic prosperity and diverse types of housing for our community.

An ideal candidate will seek to build strong, cooperative relationships and improve processes to support enhanced livability for all.

While Eugene is a mid-sized City (population 176,000) it offers attractive opportunities for a building professional to oversee the permitting and inspection processes in support of advanced, innovative buildings and structures.

Over the past few years BPS has worked with developers, local government, and higher education partners on innovative buildings like the world-renowned Hayward Field track and field stadium, Matthew Knight Arena, Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, the Downtown Riverfront redevelopment and numerous 10+ story housing developments.

In the coming months and years projects such as the new state of the art University of Oregon indoor practice facility, ongoing downtown investments, redevelopment of the historic Steam Plant and more are anticipated.

An ideal candidate for the City of Eugene’s Building and Permit Services Director:

The Department: This position resides in the Planning and Development Department (PDD), which includes the following four divisions: Building and Permit Services, Community Development, Planning, and Administration and Curbside Services.

PDD staff work creatively and collaboratively to address the daily needs of our customers and community including working on identified urgent community needs like housing and homelessness, downtown vibrancy, vitality and livability, building permits, code compliance, economic development, and community planning.

The primary focus of this position is leading and managing the Building and Permit Services Division with approximately 60 employees.

Additionally, this position is a member of the PDD Leadership Team comprised of the Executive Director, managers of our four divisions, the Communications & Engagement Manager and the PDD Executive Assistant.

Please also see our BPS Division Manager brochure. [insert link]

Classification: Building and Permit Services Division Manager
Salary: $62.11 - $83.84 hourly / $129,188.80 - $174,387.20 annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Department, Division: Planning and Development, Building and Permit Services
Position Information: Non-Represented, Exempt
Work Location: The Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, OR, may be eligible for some remote work. Must reside in the State of Oregon and be able to report onsite in Eugene, Oregon for work as needed
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility per business need
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Requirements

• Manages, directs and organizes a comprehensive building and permit services division including the staff and activities of the plan checking and building permit approval, field inspection, land use management, business license, code compliance, the rental housing program and administrative support sections, and operation of the City's Permit and Information Center.

• Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the Division's work plan; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.

• Coordinates work planning and problem-solving with division managers of the Planning and Development, Public Works, Fire/EMS, and other City departments or agencies that are involved in the development permitting process; facilitates alignment of permit service delivery in the furtherance of a joint mission to promote safe, efficient and effective development.

• Prepares various reports for the Executive Director - Planning and Development; oversees the development and presentation of annual reports on cost effectiveness of various programs; develops and reviews staff reports related to building inspection, building code enforcement and plan review.

• Recommends goals and objectives; assists in the development of policies and procedures for division activities; evaluates the effectiveness of division activities; modifies strategies to achieve goals.

• Responsible for the selection, supervision and evaluation of assigned staff; assigns work and ensures appropriate training is provided; investigates complaints; recommends and administers disciplinary actions; handles sensitive personnel matters and recommends grievance responses; exercises full supervision over employees.

• Researches and utilizes equity and inclusion principles and practices in managing the programs and leading staff within Building & Permits Services including how the City can build relationships with and support groups that have historically been marginalized or unable to access our services.

• Serves on a variety of City committees and task teams; provides staff support for advisory groups for program areas.

• Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Building and Permit Services Division Manager

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Minimum Qualifications
Experience

Six years of experience in the design, construction and inspection of public, commercial, industrial and residential buildings, planning and development, or public or business administration, or a closely related field; including three years of supervisory responsibility.

Five or more years of experience managing large groups/teams is preferred.

Education

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in architecture, civil engineering, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.

Background
Must pass a background check.

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of building and permit services program development and administration.
• Principles of the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Municipal organization structure, functions, and programs.
• Principles and practices of municipal government budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and methods of supervision, employee training and motivation, and performance evaluation.
• Impact of culture’s role in working relationships.
• Modern Office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Skills In:

• Managing and directing the work of large teams responsible for a variety of complex functions.
• Oral, written, and interpersonal communication and presentations, including the ability to present a variety of complicated administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Research and analysis of problems, identification of alternative solutions, projection of consequences, recommendations of proposed actions, and implementation of actions in support of goals.

Direction, management, and review of technical work completed by BPS staff. Coaching, mentoring and developing employees while holding staff accountable in an empathetic yet firm way.

Assessing workload of individuals, reassigning staff and evaluating and modifying work assignments as necessary. Monitor performance and provide coaching and guidance as needed.

• Developing and maintaining a diverse workforce and a harassment-free environment.
• Providing courteous customer service and effectively working with supervisors, co-workers, employees, union representatives, and other organizations representing various diverse backgrounds.
• Relationship-building, consulting, and collaborative team building; interpreting context and adapting behavior to cultural context.

Ability To:

• Organize, direct, and implement a comprehensive building and permit services program.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Understand and apply City organization goals and Council policy.
• Deal constructively with conflict and develop consensus.
• Coordinate with various City departments, partners, community members and other interested groups, gaining cooperation through discussions and collaboration.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including community members, staff, employees, partners, and public officials, including identifying and responding to issues and concerns
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative, statistical, and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Analyze, interpret and check complex plans, specifications, calculations, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret building and local code policies and procedures to contractors, homeowners and the community.
• Prepare and analyze ordinances, code amendments administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.

Additional Information

What to Expect from our Selection Process: Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Non-Represented Retirement Program: Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296.

If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement page.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee.

We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.