Chief Building Inspector and Health Officer

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Chief Building Inspector And Health OfficerCity of Claremont

Chief Building Inspector & Health Officer

Job Summary Under the general direction of the Planning & Development Director, the Chief Building Inspector and Health Officer administers, coordinates, and oversees the Citys building inspection, code enforcement, and assigned health officer functions. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal building, zoning, health, and safety codes and regulations to protect public health, safety, and property.

This position supervises a Deputy Building Inspector and part-time Health Officer. This is a mid-management position responsible for the administration of assigned program functions within the Planning & Development Department. The incumbent provides advanced technical expertise, oversees inspection and enforcement activities, coordinates with other City departments and external agencies, and exercises professional judgment within established laws, codes, policies, and procedures.

The position performs both administrative and field-based work, including direct involvement in complex, unusual, or escalated inspections and enforcement matters.

Essential Job Functions (The following functions are considered essential to the position. The examples listed may not include all duties.)

• Administers and oversees building inspection, plan review, and code enforcement activities for residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects to ensure compliance with adopted building, fire, energy, accessibility, zoning, and related codes.
• Reviews construction plans and specifications; conducts and/or oversees on-site inspections; verifies required approvals; determines occupancy classifications; evaluates construction methods and materials; and ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Serves as the Citys technical authority on building and related codes; interprets code requirements; provides guidance to staff, contractors, design professionals, property owners, and the public.
• Enforces applicable City, State, and Federal regulations, including but not limited to ICC Building Codes, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy Codes, accessibility standards, and applicable health and safety regulations.
• Coordinates reviews and inspections with other City departments, including Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Administration, to ensure comprehensive project review, impact fee coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Represents the City in legal matters and court cases in connection with violations and/or lawsuits brought by and against the City.
• Participates in and supports the Technical Review Committee and other interdepartmental or interagency review processes related to development and construction projects.
• Oversees the maintenance of accurate inspection, permitting, and enforcement records; ensures proper documentation and record retention in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Conducts meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, and members of the public to explain permitting processes, inspection requirements, and code compliance issues.
• Performs or oversees inspections related to assigned Health Officer responsibilities in accordance with New Hampshire statutes and City designation, including but not limited to food establishments, nuisance complaints, environmental health concerns, and public health matters as assigned.
• Coordinates with state agencies, including the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Disease Control, and other regulatory bodies, regarding public health issues, communicable disease matters, and regulatory compliance, as directed.
• Performs school, childcare, and daycare facility inspections as required by state certification and licensing programs; prepares and distributes required reports.
• Supervises and provides technical guidance to assigned inspection staff; assigns work, reviews inspections and reports, supports training and certification efforts, and assists with performance feedback.
• Maintains required professional certifications and participates in continuing education to remain current with evolving codes, regulations, and best practices.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and recommendations related to inspections, enforcement actions, and program activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in construction management, engineering, building trades, or a closely related technical field; and a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal building inspection or code enforcement; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Licensing & Certification The following certifications are preferred at the time of hire. The City recognizes that qualified candidates may not possess all certifications upon appointment. Where required for the performance of official duties, the City will support and fund required training and examination costs during the employees tenure, subject to municipal requirements and budget availability.

Preferred certifications include:

• Certification as a Building Inspector in the State of New Hampshire through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
• International Code Council (ICC) certifications applicable to building inspection (e.g., Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Plans Examiner, etc.)
• Health Officer appointment eligibility under New Hampshire RSA 128 and related public health statutes
• Certification or training in public health inspection, code enforcement, zoning administration, or related regulatory functions
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) training (ICS-100, ICS-200, and related coursework)
• Valid New Hampshire drivers license

Candidates must be able to obtain any certifications required by the State of New Hampshire or municipal authority within a timeframe established by the City.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building construction and related trades.
• Applicable building, zoning, health, and safety codes and regulations.
• Plan review and inspection procedures.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, and administrative practices.
• Computer applications related to inspections, permitting, and records management.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply construction codes, plans, and specifications.
• Exercise sound professional judgment within established regulations and policies.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, well-organized reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, officials, contractors, and the public requiring professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and best practices.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a regulatory environment.

Skill in:

• Organizing and prioritizing work.
• Technical review and problem-solving.
• Use of standard office equipment and inspection tools.

Supervision

• Received: Works under the general direction of the Planning & Development Director.
• Exercised: Supervises assigned inspection staff, including Building Inspector(s) and Health Inspector(s), as applicable.

Licensing & Certification

• Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operators license.
• Must maintain any required approvals and designations as required.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Personal computer
• Microsoft Office software
• Permitting and inspection software
• Motor vehicle
• Telephone
• Calculator
• Copy machine
• Applicable codes, manuals, and inspection tools

Typical Work Environment

• Inside: 40%
• Outside: 60%

Summary of Occupational Exposures Exposure to construction sites, weather conditions, and typical office environments.

Date Posted: 03-19-2026 Expire Date: Open until filled

Contact Name: Shannon Thibodeau Contact Email: hr@claremontnh.com

Documents:

• Chief Builing Inspector_Health Officer.pdf