Assistant Director of Building Safety and Zoning Enforcement

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

• This work involves the inspection of buildings for compliance with building codes and other related codes & regulations as applicable.
• Employees in this class examine construction plans.
• The position does involve a high degree of responsibility since error in judgment might endanger the lives of city inhabitants.
• The position works in conjunction with licensed professional engineers and/or architects insofar as structural features of the construction are involved.
• The work involves inspection and administrative work to assure compliance with the zoning regulations of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Work involves the enforcement of planning and Zoning Commission policies, directions and state laws.
• Overseeing the Department of Building Safety in conjunction with or in the absence of the Director of Building Safety and Zoning Enforcement.
• Does related work as needed.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Review projects for compliance with the City of Kingston Zoning Code.
• Meets with Developers to discuss/answer any zoning concerns.
• Scheduling of inspections and inspectors.
• Review complaints and investigations.
• Answer general code questions.
• Meet with Architects and Engineers and may assist with performing construction inspections.
• Complete other administrative duties as needed.
• Manage the staff and operations of the Building and Safety Division in conjunction with or in the absence of the Director of Building Safety and Zoning Enforcement.
• Schedules work to meet commission deadlines and provides timely service to applicants, distributing time between the office and the field.
• Reviews applications and plans to assure compliance with zoning regulations.
• Makes on-site inspections as necessary.
• Approves applications meeting the regulations and directions of the planning and Zoning Commission and issues appropriate approval documents such as Zoning Permit, Permit Renewal, and Zoning Certificate of Occupancy.
• May receive and investigate complaints of zoning violations.
• Follow up to assure that violations are corrected.
• Issues cease and desist orders.
• Plans work to provide regular and periodic on-site inspections of properties throughout the City to ensure that Commission approvals are being complied with.
• May be required to attend monthly meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Speaks on relevant agenda items as required.
• Provides information and technical assistance to members of the general public, property owners and developers and their representatives. Works to resolve citizen complaints.
• Prepares and submits various reports to the Director, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Maintains daily activity log,
• Assist with the training of staff members in all administrative and code-related duties.
• Assist with staff performance evaluations.
• Assist with preparation of departmental budget.
• Assist with preparation of Department of State, Federal, Local, and other required reporting.
• Assist with the creation of compliance design guides for construction projects and department programs.
• Assist with the approval of department purchases and expenditures.
• Assist with the process of interviewing and hiring perspective employees.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the local zoning ordinances;
• Good knowledge of the provisions of the multiple residence laws;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with the public, contractors and public officials;
• Ability to read plans and specifications;
• Courtesy; Firmness; Tact; Good judgment; Good powers of observation; Good physical condition.

ACCEPTED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from High School or possession of a High School Equivalency diploma and
• Three (3) years’ of experience as a Municipal Code Enforcement Officer which included one (1) year of supervisory experience; OR
• Six (6) years’ experience in building construction & general concepts of zoning, including related laws and regulations which included one (1) year of supervisory experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION:

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT:

• Must obtain NYS Building Safety Inspector Certification within eighteen (18) months from date of permanent appointment.
• NYS Registered Design Professional preferred.

We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the most qualified people for positions in local government. Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service system. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, a mechanic or a supervisor for a department. Different jobs have different requirements. Some jobs require that you take an examination to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. There are three types of positions that have no examination requirements: Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person they want to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry. Non-competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements that you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply. Labor positions have no requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs. If you are interested in a position with the City of Kingston, whether it be a tested or non-tested position, you must complete the Application for Examination and Employment which can be found on our website at