Project Officer III - Building Inspections

Description

The Project Officer III for Building Inspection Services supports the coordination and execution of daily projects and operational activities within the Building Inspections Department. Working under the supervision of the Building Inspections Director, this role provides assistance across all departmental divisions, including permitting, inspections, plan review, and code enforcement, as well as other tasks as assigned. This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual who can collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners. While direct supervisory responsibilities are not a primary function, the Project Officer contributes to the smooth operation of departmental services by facilitating communication, tracking project progress, and helping to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. The role involves frequent interaction with County staff, contractors, design professionals, government officials, and members of the public, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. The Project Officer plays an essential role in supporting the department’s mission and enhancing service delivery through efficient coordination and project support.
HIRING SALARY: $85,508 - $111,987 (Estimated Annual Salary

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:
Assist in coordinating and tracking projects across permitting, inspections, plan review, and code enforcement divisions.Provide project and administrative support to the Director.Monitor project timelines and milestones to ensure compliance with departmental goals and regulatory deadlines.Serve as a liaison between the Building Inspections Department and other County departments, external contractors, and the public.Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation for meetings, inspections, and enforcement actions.Coordinate project documentation, permits, inspection schedules, and review submissions to ensure they are complete and accurate.Support code enforcement efforts through data entry, research, documentation, and communication with property owners or contractors.Participate in project meetings, take minutes, and follow up on action items.Assist in maintaining digital and physical records for all building inspection activities.Respond to inquiries from contractors, residents, and County officials regarding the status of projects or permits.Oversee and reviews budget to ensure accuracy and support department financial goals.Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals and projects as needed.

• Compliance:
• Provides expert technical knowledge of the plan review process for both commercial and residential projects, ensuring strict adherence to adopted codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Assists departmental accreditation and rating efforts including IAS (International Accreditation Services) and BCEGS (Building Codes Effectiveness Grading Schedule), participating in site assessments and permit fee evaluations.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive reports on plan review activity, performance metrics, and resource allocation to optimize workflow and departmental outcomes.
• Conducts inspections as required, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
• Working knowledge of building permitting and inspection process.

Understanding of project coordination principles and best practices in a government or regulatory environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering Technology, or a related field.

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Two (2) years or more of experience in Permitting, Inspections, Planning, Construction, or related administrative support roles.

Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect strongly preferred.

• Certifications:
• Must have or obtain at least two of the following certifications within six months of hire:
  • Residential Plans Examiner
  • Building Plans Examiner
  • Plumbing Plans Examiner or Commercial Plumbing Inspector
  • Mechanical Plans Examiner or Commercial Mechanical Inspector
  • Electrical Plans Examiner or Commercial Electrical Inspector
  • Certified Floodplain Manager
  • Residential Building Inspector
  • Commercial Building Inspector
  • Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II or Fire Plans Examiner
• Remaining certifications must be completed within one year of hire.

Additional required certifications:

• Valid South Carolina Driver's License
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certifications
  • IS 100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • IS 200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
  • IS 700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS 800: An Introduction to National Response Framework
• Ongoing professional development and certification maintenance annually.
• Registered Architect and/or Engineer (PE or EIT preferred)
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge:
• Comprehensive understanding of the International Code Council (ICC) family of codes and state-specific building regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of South Carolina construction codes, licensing laws, State Fire Marshal regulations, and environmental permitting processes.
• Familiarity with federal floodplain management regulations and community rating systems (CRS), BCEGS, and IAS standards.
• Experience with federal and state grant applications and damage assessment protocols.
• Strong grasp of building department legal frameworks including inspections, recordkeeping, and ordinance enforcement.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and office software suites (Microsoft Office, Corel, GroupWise).

• Skills:
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Advanced mathematical and analytical capabilities for plan review and data interpretation.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and decision-making under pressure.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Expertise in reading and interpreting complex plans and construction documents.
• Ability to detect, document, and specify corrective actions for code violations and discrepancies.
• Competence in computer-based data management, including spreadsheets and word processing.

Skill in maintaining detailed records and tracking project status.

• Abilities:
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and departments.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and professionally to stakeholders of all experience levels.
• Navigate and resolve challenging or confrontational situations with tact and professionalism.
• Apply in-depth technical codes and regulatory standards accurately to various construction scenarios.
• Collaborate effectively with elected officials, design professionals, contractors, and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and departmental needs.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.

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• Charleston County Government

• 843.958.4719

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