Deputy Planning Director - Permits & Inspections

Posting Type: Closed Competitive

Who Can Apply: Applicants for a closed competitive posting are required to meet the following: Candidates must be a current or former City of Omaha employee in any of the following categories: Part-time, Seasonal, Classified, Unclassified, or Probationary, who has worked, at the time of application, at least 1,040 cumulative hours within the last 5 years and has been employed by the City at sometime within the last 18 months and who meets the qualifications as set forth in the posting.

Work Type: Full-Time

Nature of Work: This is administrative and professional work that involves directing employees engaged in all functions of the Building and Development Division of the Planning Department. Work involves supervision of professional and technical personnel in the areas of plan review, code development, computer technology, permit issuance, contractor licensing, construction inspection, code enforcement, and numerous other miscellaneous permit functions. An incumbent in this classification works with considerable independence and reports to the Planning Director.

Education and Experience: The knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and/or experience.

Bachelor's degree in engineering with a structural or mechanical emphasis in architectural engineering, architectural design, construction technology, or a related field AND Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in work involving building plans and designs, building structural design, construction and inspection, with a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a manager or supervisor in a permits and inspection function for a state, county, or municipality.

Special Qualifications: Must be licensed as a professional engineer or architect in the State of Nebraska or must be certified by the International Code Council as a Master Code Professional or a Certified Building Official at the time of application. Must be able to transport oneself or coordinate transportation to work sites throughout the City during the course of the work day.

Pay Range: $105,144.00 with step increases to $160,180.80 Annually

Benefits: Forty-hour work week. Paid leave per year: twelve days vacation; five days management; fifteen days sick; and fifteen holidays. Employee's group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental, for individual or family. Defined benefit pension plan, plus Social Security, and more. See hr.cityofomaha.org for detailed information.

How to Apply: Completed City of Omaha employment applications must be submitted using the online application from the City website. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check and ensure that any and all required application materials and supplemental forms are received by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department by the stated deadline. You may confirm receipt of any materials and forms by contacting the Human Resources Department. If the materials are not received in the Human Resources Department by the stated deadline, they will not be considered. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Examination Information: The examination will consist of a training and experience form designed to assess job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position. The training and experience form will be given to candidates once their application has been received, reviewed by a recruiter, and accepted to test for the position. The form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources Department by September 10, 2026 (passing score 60%). Final eligibility list will be the training and experience form weighted 100%.

Veteran Points: Not applicable to this posting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Knowledge of and ability to operate a computer or other technology using standard or customized computer or systems software applications appropriate to the assigned tasks
* Knowledge of modern construction practices, methods, materials, and equipment as applied to review and approval of plans and building specifications and to division inspections
* Knowledge of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering and practices for all types of structures and occupancy classifications
* Knowledge of municipal building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, zoning, special and miscellaneous permits, and related ordinances
* Skill in making complex engineering and mathematical calculations and in the use of engineering devices and reference materials
* Ability to learn and adapt to advances in computer and electronics device technology and software
* Ability to administer sound principles and practices of organization, personnel, and financial management to the operation of a large municipal division
* Ability to administer testing for and issuance of a variety of professional and/or trade licenses required by City codes and ordinances
* Ability to supervise subordinates including assigning work, providing direction, monitoring performance, and recommending the hiring, disciplining termination of employees
* Ability to communicate administrative and construction code requirements in a clear and professional manner
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the general public
* Ability to understand written or oral instructions
* Ability to adhere to safety policies, procedures, and guidelines
* Ability to sit from 76 to 100% of the time; and reach, stand, and walk up to 25% of the time
* Ability to move objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds up to 33% of the time

Essential Functions: Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

* Oversees the daily operation of a Planning Department division and coordinates its activities with other divisions within the Planning Department, other City departments, and government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
* Manages the annual budget and expenditures of the Building and Development division
* Administers and oversees the permit, inspection, plan review, contractor licensing, and computer technology functions of the division
* Directs the enforcement and interpretation of the city's building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, licensing, property maintenance, sign, and other codes.
* Assigns work, provides direction, monitors performance, and recommends the hiring, disciplining, and termination of subordinate employees
* Organizes and oversees the activities of subordinates engaged in supervising the inspectors for building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, housing, rental, zoning and sign inspections.
* Authorizes the finalization of permits at the close of the construction process.
* Determines building valuations for the purpose of assessing permit fees.
* Serves as the in-house expert on the interpretation of technical language, reports, and construction drawings.
* Administers and oversees the property maintenance, rental property registration and inspections, demolition program, and abandoned and vacant property functions of the code enforcement division.
* Possesses deep knowledge of adopted building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, accessibility codes and related laws.
* Responds to written and telephone inquiries from the public, and communicates with contractors, architects, engineers, and the public regarding construction code requirements and proper design and construction methods.
* Participates in the adoption of construction codes, coordinates the review committee process for code changes, and approves final proposals for presentation to the City Council.
* Enforces building codes and standards, state laws, and local ordinances in a fair and impartial manner.
* Explains and provides teaching for city-required continuing education credits (CEUs) as it relates to city contractor licensing.
* Coordinates damage assessment of buildings and structures in the event of disasters and trains support staff in damage assessment procedures.
* Addresses community groups, industry groups, and state agencies regarding administrative and code issues.
* Serves as the city's Building Official and as a representative to the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and other professional organizations.
* Coordinates with: Fire Prevention Bureau staff to verify that plans are in conformance with fire/life safety codes; Public Works staff to ensure compliance with easements and circulation requirements; and utility providers to ensure conformance with easements and existing/planned utility infrastructure.
* Maintains regular job attendance in accordance with a schedule established for the position by the supervisor.
* Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work without sponsorship. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct pre-employment inquiries or evaluations of candidates for employment as it deems appropriate for the particular position. Pre-employment inquiries may include, without limitation: verification of employment history and educational attainment; review of driving, credit, and criminal convictions; hearing, drug, functional capacity, psychological, vision, and medical tests; and/or any other relevant background information deemed appropriate to determine the suitability of the applicant for the position. Failure to provide the information requested in the application and hiring process in a truthful, timely, accurate, and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of a conditional offer of employment, or termination.

Reasonable Accommodation: The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment@cityofomaha.org.

For a complete description of this job classification, visit hr.cityofomaha.org

Contact Points:

City of Omaha Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183

Phone: (402) 444-5300
Fax: (402) 444-5314

Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: employment@cityofomaha.org