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Building Commissioner

Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000 (Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience)

The Town of Seekonk is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable professional to serve as its next Building Commissioner. This leadership-level position is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Building Department, administering and enforcing the Massachusetts State Building Code, zoning bylaws, and applicable state and local regulations. Reporting directly to the Town Administrator, the Building Commissioner will lead departmental operations, supervise staff, manage permitting and inspection activities, and work collaboratively with residents, contractors, developers, municipal departments, boards, and regulatory agencies to support safe, compliant, and responsible growth throughout the community.

The ideal candidate will have municipal building inspection, code enforcement, construction management, or related experience, along with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Preference will be given to applicants who currently possess a Massachusetts Building Commissioner License through BBRS, as this certification is required to perform the full scope of Building Commissioner duties, including issuance of Certificates of Occupancy. The Town of Seekonk offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing community. This position is an individual employment contract opportunity.

How to Apply
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be addressed to Shawn E. Cadime, Town Administrator. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

View our current Benefits Magazine: 2026 Seekonk Benefits Guide

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Building Commissioner is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts State Building Code, applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Town's Zoning ByLaws, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair, demolition, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures.

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Town Administrator, the Building Commissioner oversees all operations of the Building Department, supervises departmental staff, manages departmental budgets and records, and ensures that construction within the Town complies with all applicable codes, laws, and regulations. The Building Commissioner also oversees municipal building and facility maintenance operations as assigned and works collaboratively with residents, contractors, developers, Town departments, boards, and regulatory agencies to promote safe and compliant development throughout the community.

SUPERVISION: Works under the general administrative supervision of the Town Administrator and under the policy direction of the Board of Selectmen. The Building Commissioner is responsible for the overall supervision, direction, and management of all Building Department personnel, including full-time, part-time, and per diem employees. This includes administrative staff, building inspectors, and other assigned departmental personnel. The Building Commissioner is responsible for establishing work priorities, assigning duties, coordinating departmental operations, providing guidance and oversight, and participating in the hiring, training, evaluation, and performance management of department staff in accordance with Town policies and procedures.

JOB ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed under varying conditions; spends a significant portion of work hours outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions; may work in high precarious places or be exposed to risks related to working near moving mechanical parts. Errors could result in injury to the employee or others, delays or loss in service, damages to buildings or equipment, and legal or financial repercussions for the Town. Duties may involve work at heights, in confined or cramped quarters, or work around machinery and its moving parts. Operates computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, and other standard office equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Code Administration and Enforcement

• Administer and enforce the Massachusetts State Building Code, Massachusetts General Laws, the Town of Seekonk Zoning Bylaws, and all applicable local regulations.
• Interpret and apply state building codes, zoning regulations, accessibility requirements, and related statutes.
• Review applications, construction documents, plans, and specifications for new construction, renovations, additions, repairs, demolitions, and other building projects to determine compliance with applicable codes.
• Issue building permits, certificates of occupancy, and other required permits and approvals.
• Calculate and collect applicable permit and inspection fees and maintain accurate departmental records.
• Make determinations regarding methods of construction, building materials, and code compliance.

Inspection Services

• Perform field inspections throughout all phases of construction to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable building, zoning, accessibility, and life safety codes.
• Conduct final inspections and issue Certificates of Occupancy when appropriate.
• Investigate complaints regarding alleged code violations or unsafe structures and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Issue notices of violation, stop-work orders, enforcement orders, and other regulatory actions as authorized by law.
• Ensure adequate safeguards are maintained during construction activities and that buildings provide safe means of egress and comply with applicable health and safety standards.
• Perform annual inspections of restaurants, liquor establishments, schools, places of assembly, and other occupancies as required by state law and local regulations.

Department Administration

• Direct and manage the daily operations of the Building Department.
• Supervise and evaluate departmental personnel, including the Local Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing and Gas Inspector, administrative staff, and other assigned personnel.
• Participate in hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management of department employees.
• Prepare departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and oversee financial management of the department.
• Prepare reports, including annual reports, budget requests, and other administrative or regulatory documentation.
• Recommend permit and licensing fee schedules to Town leadership as appropriate.
• Prepare payroll and attendance records in accordance with Town procedures.

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to residents, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, Town boards, and other stakeholders regarding applicable building and zoning requirements.
• Work collaboratively with municipal departments, state agencies, and public safety officials to ensure coordinated project review and code enforcement.
• Attend meetings of municipal boards and committees as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Town Administrator.

The work is performed in both an office setting and in the field. The position requires walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and ladders, entering construction sites, and exposure to varying weather conditions. The employee may occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience

The applicant must have graduated from High School, a two-year trade school or combination of both and must have at least five (5) years' experiences in the supervision of building construction or design; Must have valid MA Motor vehicle license. Must pass a background and criminal history (CORI) review.

Required Certifications

Certification as a Massachusetts Building Commissioner by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), or the ability to obtain certification within eighteen (18) months of hire. Preference will be given to candidates who currently possess a Massachusetts Building Commissioner Certification issued by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). Candidates with an active Commissioner's License will be prepared to immediately assume the full responsibilities of the Building Commissioner, including the authority to perform all duties required under the Massachusetts State Building Code, including the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for completed projects. Candidates without current certification must have the ability to obtain certification within eighteen (18) months of hire. Certification in accordance with 780 CMR and applicable BBRS requirements for Building Commissioners and Inspectors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code, International Building Code, Energy Code, accessibility requirements, and applicable Massachusetts General Laws.
• Thorough knowledge of zoning administration and municipal permitting processes.
• Knowledge of modern construction methods, materials, building systems, and inspection practices.
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Ability to investigate code violations and exercise sound judgment in applying and enforcing regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with residents, contractors, elected officials, employees, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and municipal staff.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees.
• Strong organizational, administrative, budgeting, and recordkeeping skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and municipal permitting software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to attend meetings outside normal business hours as required.
• Ability to perform site inspections in varying weather conditions and navigate construction sites safely.
• Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Physical Skills: The work is performed in both an office setting and in the field. The position requires walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and ladders, entering construction sites, and exposure to varying weather conditions. The employee may occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Motor Skills: Position requires minimal motor skills for activities such as: operating a personal computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, and moving objects.

Visual Skills: Position requires routine reading of documents, blueprints, and reports for understanding, color vision is required.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Seekonk is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Posted 7/23/2026