DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston/jobs/newprint/4835638)

Apply



DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT

Salary

$99,327.80 - $138,246.68 Annually

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Executive Level

Job Number

36363

Department

Houston Public Works

Division

Houston Permitting Center (HPC)

Opening Date

02/17/2025

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

JOB CLASSIFICATION: DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT

DIVISION: HOUSTON PERMITTING CENTER

REPORTING LOCATION: 1002 WASHINGTON AVENUE, HOUSTON, TX 77002

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00AM - 5:00PM*

*Subject to change

OVERVIEW

Houston Permitting Center’s Building Code Enforcement Branch administers & enforces over 400 permit types for the City of Houston and its jurisdictions, annually reviews over 65,000 commercial & residential plans, and performs over 800,000 inspections annually related to permitting & regulatory operations. All 400+ members of the Building Code Enforcement Branch are service providers committed to safe & sustainable development through the permitting and regulation of public and private construction.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Assistant Director to lead key enforcement teams within Building Code Enforcement. This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with building codes, ordinances, and regulations while promoting public safety and integrity in Houston’s built environment.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Deputy Assistant Director will provide leadership, oversight, and direction to Building Code Enforcement Investigations, Neighborhood Protection and Programmatic Inspection teams. This role will be responsible for managing operations, ensuring compliance, and leading enforcement efforts across multiple specialized teams, including:

• Occupancy & Habitability Inspections – Ensuring buildings meet safety and habitability standards.

• Building Code Enforcement Investigations – Overseeing investigations into unpermitted trade work, illegal occupancy, and other code violations.

• Sign Administration – Regulating signage in compliance with city ordinances and ensuring adherence to safety and aesthetic standards.

• Neighborhood Protection – Addressing property maintenance violations and ensuring compliance with community preservation standards.

The selected candidate will be pivotal in guiding teams, setting priorities, and driving key objectives that align with the department’s mission. The position also requires fostering cross-departmental collaboration to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in enforcement efforts.

Key Priorities include, but are not limited to:

• Leadership & Team Development – Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to enforcement teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

• Code Compliance & Enforcement – Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of building codes, ordinances, and regulations to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of Houston’s building environment.

• Stakeholder Engagement – Communicate effectively with property owners, developers, city officials, and the public to ensure transparency in enforcement procedures.

• Operational Efficiency – Oversee and enhance processes related to permit issuance, compliance inspections, and investigations to improve service delivery.

• Integrity & Professionalism – Uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability in all decision-making processes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has some discretion about standing, walking, etc.

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier 1 Level

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Seven years of progressively more complex/responsible administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a supervisory capacity.

A Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field closely related to the work being performed may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).

PREFERENCES

The ideal candidate for this position will possess a strong technical background in building code enforcement, exceptional leadership abilities, and a strategic mindset to drive efficiency and innovation within the department. An ideal candidate should possess the following:

ICC Certifications – Certified Building Official (CBO), Code Enforcement Officer, or ICC certifications in building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing trades.

Code Expertise – In-depth knowledge of IBC, IRC, Houston Construction Code, and related regulations. Strong understanding of permit issuance and regulatory compliance.

Enforcement & Compliance Knowledge – Experience in code investigations, occupancy and habitability inspections, and sign regulation enforcement.

Strategic Leadership – Proven ability to develop and implement enforcement strategies for efficiency and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement – Expertise in dispute resolution, community relations, and balancing enforcement with development goals.

Effective Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal skills for policy guidance, enforcement updates, and stakeholder outreach.

Disaster & Emergency Experience – Experience handling unsafe structures, natural disasters, and emergency regulatory actions.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 30

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Wellness

• Supplemental Insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability

• Retirement pension

• 457 deferred compensation plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• 10 days of vacation each year

• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

• Compensable Sick Leave

• Personal Leave

• Flexible schedules

• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions

• Professional development opportunities

• Transportation/parking plan

• Section 125 pretax deductions

• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma / GED

• Associate's Degree

• Bachelor's Degree

• Master's Degree or higher

• None of the Above

  03

  If you answered that you have a college degree what was your field of study?

• Related field of study (Ex. Construction, Building, Safety, Engineering, and similar career fields of study).

• Non-related field of study

• I do not have a degree

  04

  Which best describes your years of experience that relates to the duties of this position?

• I have no experience that directly relates to the duties of this position.

• Less than 5 years

• 5 - 6 years

• 7 - 8 years

• 9 - 10 years

• 11 years or more

  05

  In 250 words or less, describe your experience with the administration, enforcement, and/or development of building codes. If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

  06

  Which best describes your years of experience in a managerial and/or executive leadership capacity?

• I have no managerial experience

• Less than 3 years

• 3 - 4 years

• 5 years or more

  07

  Are you a current employee at the Houston Permitting Center?

• Yes

• No

  08

  Briefly describe your strategy for ensuring transparency and accountability in enforcement decisions.

  09

  What steps do you take to stay current with changes in building codes and enforcement regulations?

  10

  Briefly describe how you ensure fair and consistent enforcement of building codes across different types of properties.

  11

  Provide a recommendation on how a city should manage the balance between strict code enforcement and economic development in the city.

  12

  Do you have a current/ valid Texas Driver's License?

• Yes

• No

  Required Question