Item 3.12 Approve a Job Description and Authorize Recruitment Building Official
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Administration Assistant City Administrator/ Human Resources Hille October 12, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 3.12 – Job Description
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council approve a job description for the Building Official and authorize recruitment.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
This recommendation aligns with the proposed staffing plan and reflects the continued growth and increasing demand
of the City’s Building Safety division.
The Building Official role has historically functioned as a contracted position, which previously fluctuated throughout the
years based on demand. While effective in the past, the demand and increase in permits has made this role a full-time
role with the City. As a result, the department needs additional direction and oversight of policy, procedures, staff, and
contract management.
The proposed Building Official position shifts the focus from task execution to full operational oversight. This includes
planning and prioritizing work, managing staff through scheduling, evaluations, and development, and overseeing
projects to ensure timelines, quality, and coordination across departments and contractors. The role will also take on
greater administrative responsibility, including supporting budgeting, tracking expenditures, and recommending capital
improvements, while providing additional leadership capacity within the department. This transition is driven by both
growth and operational complexity. As the City grows and permit levels increase, consistent supervision, training, and
accountability become increasingly important to maintain efficient, safe, and high-quality operations.
The proposed change also supports the City Council’s strategic goal of empowering the organization by strengthening
internal leadership, improving decision-making, and enhancing accountability.
The Administrative and Public Works Subcommittees were presented with this potential recruitment as part of the
staffing plan and 2027 Budget presentations.
The draft recruitment schedule is currently as follows but is subject to change:
- Recruitment Authorization: 10/12/2026
- Position Posted: 12/1/2026
- Position Closes: 12/22/2026
- Tentative Interviews: Week of January 11
- Council Review: 1/25/2027
- Tentative Start: February
The initial job description was reviewed at the Administrative Sub-committee on September 8, 2026, with
recommendation for consideration of approval by the City Council. The position was scored at Grade 13, with additional
staff research of similar positions in other comparable communities aligning the market for this position.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Job Description – Building Official (DRAFT)
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the Building Official Job Description and to authorize the recruitment process.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Building Safety (42410)
Yes (2027)
Position Description
Position: Building Official
Department: Public Safety
Position Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: 13
Approved: DRAFT
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Performs skilled technical work to ensure compliance with the State
Building Code, City Code Ordinances, and Rental Ordinance requirements.
Immediate Supervisor: Fire Chief
Supervises: Building Permit Technician and Administrative Assistant
Provides Work Direction to: None
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Building Code and Plans:
a. Serve as City of Otsego’s Certified Municipal Building Official for the effective
implementation and enforcement of codes, ordinances, and laws related to
construction and building projects
b. Responsible for proper review of construction plans, review and approval of permits,
inspection of structures, authorization of Certificates of Occupancy, and coordination of
permit requirements with other City departments to ensure compliance with applicable
building and related code requirements
c. Ensures the effective implementation and enforcement of codes, ordinances, and laws
to protect the safety and welfare of the community.
d. Conducts plan reviews to ensure compliance with Minnesota State Building Code,
International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International
Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Pluming Code (UPC), International Property
Maintenance Code (IPMC), and other applicable code requirements.
e. Meets with architects, engineers, developers, builders, and property owners to educate
and advise on code requirements related to construction design, materials and
practices.
f. Issue or approve stop of work orders when necessary.
g. Keep current on changes to relevant codes and industry issues and maintain required
licenses/certifications.
2. Building Permits and Inspections:
a. Performs building inspections, rental inspections, and property maintenance
inspections.
b. Coordinate and oversee the work of the consulting inspectors and manage consultant
contracts.
c. Ensure building permit application materials are properly completed
d. Ensure all issued permits and licenses , inspection activity, and any other action related
to building code conformance are properly recorded and maintained
3. Other Permits and Reports:
a. Transmit applications for site grading permits to the City Engineer and City Planner
b. Oversee the statistical and building reports as required by State and City
c. Oversee the building activity reports and information to the County Assessor
4. Policies and Procedures:
a. Review and recommend departmental operations to improve efficiency and work flow
b. Establish and oversee policies, procedures and practices for the department
c. Monitor operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules and
ordinances
5. Supervision:
a. Perform annual performance review for all department staff
b. Ensure staff is adequately trained and department is cross trained
c. Administer discipline in accordance with City policies and procedures
d. Recommend pay adjustments to Human Resources for department staff in accordance
with City policies and procedures
e. Ensure staff attends safety training and follows safety procedures
f. Assign work and ensure that it is done professionally, efficiently, accurately, and timely
g. Interview and recommend staff hiring with assistance of human resources staff
6. Budget and Financial:
a. Prepare and recommend annual Inspections Division budget to supervisor.
b. Administer adopted budget consistent with City policies and procedures.
c. Prepare fee and permit analysis, recommends fee adjustments.
7. Other Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Coordinate with Fire Department on multi-department efforts
b. Assist City Engineer on development activity
c. Assist in development and maintenance of emergency action plan procedures and
policies
d. Work with Fire Marshal for Fire Code and public safety initiatives
e. Prepare memos for and make presentations to the City Council and other boards and
commissions
f. Attend City Council and other board and commission meetings as requested
g. Provides strong communication, teamwork and works closely with other departments
for the betterment of the City
h. Address resident questions and concerns
8. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with supervisor, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Demonstrated knowledge of City operations, ordinances, policies and procedures relating to
building permits
• Knowledge and ability to understand and interpret Minnesota State Building Code and City
of Otsego Code and Ordinances.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience and proficiency in word processing, data base,
spreadsheet, presentation, and other office software programs necessary to provide
administrative support
• Knowledge of electronic methods of records retention and records management
• Knowledge of construction process and building code for residential and commercial
construction.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors,
owners, architects and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, effectively, and precisely both verbally and in
writing
• Ability to research and analyze data, search records, determine alternatives, and make
recommendations or implement changes as needed
• Basic understanding of erosion control methods and effectiveness in maintaining
compliance without disruptions.
• Basic understanding of City of Otsego Zoning Ordinances.
• Ability to complete tasks as assigned and in a timely manner.
• Strong time management and planning skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize your and the department’s work
• Ability to diffuse conflict and tense situations with public in person or over the phone
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong sense of honesty, integrity, and credibility
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Five (5) years of building inspection experience
2. Five (5) years of commercial and residential plan review
3. Certification as Building Official by the State of Minnesota
4. Valid Driver’s License
5. High school diploma/GED
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Experience using GovWell permitting software
2. Experience working for a growing city
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most work is inside in a normal office setting and frequent visits to construction sites or similar conditions.
Work is done alone, with others and with the public. Work includes exposure to outside and inclement
weather, occasionally fire damaged structures. Field work may involve areas with poor footing, uneven
surfaces, and falling materials. This includes medium physical strength work occasionally.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): talking, hearing
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): sitting, standing, walking, repetitive motions,
eye/hand/foot coordination
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): lifting, carrying, reaching
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing,
stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling, grasping, feeling
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodations are offered to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
_______________________________________________
Employee Name
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date