Administrator – Bureau of Construction Services

Agency Summary The purpose and mission of the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (DBNS) is to protect and improve the quality of life of persons and animals in the City of Indianapolis. DBNS is the City of Indianapolis and Marion County’s principal department responsible for business licenses, residential and commercial permits, and the enforcement of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the Consolidated City and County. The department also oversees operations at the city’s animal shelter, Indianapolis Animal Care Services. DBNS is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. Job Summary The Bureau of Construction Services (BCS) Administrator is responsible for the complete oversight, including leadership, management, coordination and day-to-day operations of the Bureau. BCS is responsible for the inspection of permitted building construction projects, as well as the investigation of unpermitted building construction projects. Compliance with building codes and local ordinances directly contributes to the safety and quality of life for the citizens and visitors of the City of Indianapolis. The BCS Administrator is expected to function as an expert in residential and commercial building construction and inspections, involving the interpretation and enforcement of building codes and local ordinances. The BCS Administrator also functions as the day-to-day leader of the Emergency Response Leadership Team (ERLT), which is responsible for on-call responses to potential emergency demolition action under Indiana’s Unsafe Building Law. This position contributes to the strategic direction of the Bureau, the Division, and the Department. Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer . All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve. Responsible for the oversight and leadership of the Bureau of Construction Services (BCS). This includes the day-to-day oversight of building inspection and building enforcement processes. Responsible for hiring/approval and the direct supervision of the BCS Manager and the BCS management team. Identifies opportunities for improvement in inspection and enforcement related processes that may create efficiency and/or transparency. Creates and implements policies pertaining to building inspection processes and other bureau-level processes. Also creates and implements standard operating procedures. Consults with DBNS’ assigned legal counsel prior to the implementation of applicable policies. Assists the Deputy Director of the Division of Construction and Business Services in identifying and implementing bureau-level strategic goals and priorities, including the development of appropriate measurements and reports. Coordinates with the Administrators of other bureaus to make informed decisions on issues that may overlap or effect multiple bureaus. Makes recommendations for potential ordinance changes. Collaborates and seeks guidance from assigned Human Resources staff on issues related to personnel, injuries, accidents, requests for FMLA, etc. Ensures that inspection staff follows safety procedures as described in the Employee Safety Handbook. Investigates employee accidents/injuries and prepares reports. Ensures that staff adheres to the City of Indianapolis and Marion County Employee Manual, as well as the current edition of the AFSCME Union Master Agreement with the City-County. Provides BCS-related information and responses to the Chief Communications Officer and Public Information Officer upon requests for information. Provides responses to members of the City-County Council and the Council’s liaisons upon requests for information. Develops and maintains relationships with representatives of various City, County and State agencies, as well as local utility companies, contractors, trade board members, contractors, architects, engineers, property owners, etc. Communicates and coordinates with the Indianapolis Fire Department’s (IFD) Fire & Life Safety Division regarding building and fire inspections, enforcement actions, and building occupancy related requests. Collaborates with the Marion County Health Department’s Health and Hospital Corporation, and DBNS’ Nuisance Abatement and Unsafe Building sections regarding potential enforcement and/or solutions to buildings which may be considered nuisances or unsafe. Attends and speaks at various meetings and hearings as needed. This may include but is not limited to ERLT related presentations to IFD leadership, BCS related presentations for the DBNS Board, various builders’ association meetings, and testifying at hearings or in court. Provides information to, and seeks legal advice and guidance from, DBNS’ assigned legal counsel, the Office of Corporation Counsel and the Office of the City Prosecutor. Leads day-to-day Emergency Response Leadership Team (ERLT) and BCS management team responses to potential emergency demolition action. Creates the ERLT on-call schedule. Participates in the selection of contracted vendors associated with the emergency demolition process. This includes professional engineers, licensed wrecking contractors, and licensed asbestos inspection/abatement contractors. Leads BCS in Rapid Damage Assessments (RDA’s) during severe weather events and other emergency situations in which there is widespread structural damage to buildings. Verbal and written communication skills: this position requires effective and professional communication both internally and externally. The BCS Administrator is the head of the Bureau and is the last line of defense to resolve issues before they escalate outside of the Bureau and the Department. Must be able to clearly articulate, both verbally and in writing, policies, procedures, deficiencies in building code compliance, and potential avenues toward resolution or compliance. Customer service: quality customer service is essential. The Administrator must lead by example and provide customer service that is second to none. Working relationships require a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness, especially where significant building code/life safety considerations are present. Documentation and organizational skills: strong documentation and organizational skills are essential to the success of the Administrator and the Bureau. These are imperative skill sets when it comes to building inspections and related processes. Time management: must be able to prioritize and work on a wide variety of tasks on a daily basis. Ensures the prioritization of emergency situations and life safety building code concerns. Attention to detail: the Administrator must have great attention to detail in the review and application of codes, ordinances, policies and procedures, as well as in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures. Exercises independent judgement when making decisions and determining compliance with building codes and local ordinances. Decisions are controlled through the application of laws, rules, regulations, standards, building codes, local ordinances, and City and Department policies and procedures. Errors in judgment may result in significant financial h