SUB-CODE OFFICIAL (R25)

Code: 15100 State Competitive Range: R25 (FY 2027) Work week NE: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $79,843.57 - $117,227.97/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the general supervision of a Construction Official or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, serves as a subcode official for a particular subcode in assigned units; conducts plan review, inspection and compliance functions for high rise and hazardous structures OR conducts field accident investigation, supervises field inspections and plan review work for amusement rides OR conducts field inspections and shop inspections and plan review work for boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration systems; ensures conformance with the particular subcode; may supervise inspectors; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Serves as the chief enforcing authority of all matters regarding the assigned subcode in the unit.
• Reviews plans and/or supervises the review of plans for code compliance of Class 1, 2 and 3 structures, or carnivals and amusement rides, or boilers and pressure vessels as provided in the Regulations for the Uniform Construction Code.
• Ensures that established inspections schedules are maintained, and establishes inspection schedules for field staff to ensure that all buildings, amusement rides and boiler and pressure vessels are inspected at critical points, as provided in the regulations and division procedures.
• Ensures that all required inspections are performed within the time limitations established in the regulations.
• Calculates the fees for permit applications, and/or reviews the calculations, and forwards to the construction official or other supervisory personnel for proper accounting.
• Reviews requests for variations of the particular subcode as necessary to ensure that, where granted, the variation or exception will not jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of intended occupants and the public generally, and forwards to the construction official or other designated supervisor for release.
• Checks and/or supervises the checking of materials to be used in the construction, and inspects and/or supervises the inspection of the placement for materials to ensure that they are of the type, quality, and grade specified in the approved plans and specifications, and that they meet the necessary performance standards established in the Uniform Construction Code Regulations and the particular subcode.
• Prepares inspection reports showing the progress of work on each project relative to construction code compliance, weather conditions, and the percentage of work completed.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations, and for effectively recommending the firing, hiring, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Inspects unsafe or illegal Class 1 structures, and supervises inspection of Class 2 and 3 structures, carnivals and amusement rides or boiler and pressure vessels and makes a determination pursuant to the law, regulations and department policy as to actions to be taken.
• Surveys the area of assigned jurisdiction or illegal construction or ride activity and takes appropriate action where necessary.
• Issues on-site warning citations and stop work orders in cases of serious violation of the public or of building occupants.
• Trains new inspecting personnel and conducts in service training programs for new regulations, laws and standards.
• Conducts investigations of carnival and amusement ride accidents and/or incidents.
• Authorizes issuance of final approval for the components covered by the particular subcode for Class 1, 2, and 3 structures, or carnival and amusement rides or boiler and pressure vessels when all requirements of the particular subcode and the regulations have been met.
• Authorizes issuance of certificates of occupancy for Class 1, 2, and 3 structures when all requirements of the particular subcode and the regulations have been met.
• Maintains required inspection records and files.
• Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of inspection reports noting violations, and makes recommendations concerning the assessment of penalties.
• Maintains the records, reports and files required to show the details of each project inspected.
• Testifies at court and in administrative hearings and/or court proceedings.
• As may be required, serves subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of violations.
• Acts as a witness for the State at informal hearings and/or court proceedings.
• Prepares reports of program activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Ten (10) years of experience in construction project management work such as a construction manager, construction official, general contractor, architect, or engineer with field responsibilities for all levels of construction, OR as an electrician, plumber, building trades craftsperson, fire protection specialist, or in amusement ride development, construction, or inspection, or boiler/pressure vessel maintenance, inspection or construction.

License

S:

Applicants must possess a valid High Rise and Hazardous Specialist (HHS) code enforcement license in either building, fire protection, electrical, or plumbing, or boiler/pressure vessel and refrigeration, or elevator, or amusement rides issued by the Department of Community Affairs, appropriate to the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the form, content, interpretation, and application of plans and specifications. Knowledge of the subcode requirements of projects as expressed in the approved plans and specifications. Knowledge of the qualities, limitations, and proper use of modern building construction materials, equipment, and methods. Knowledge of materials, supplies, equipment, and methods and standards to be observed in conducting physical inspections of work compliance with approved plans, specifications, and the Uniform Construction Code. Knowledge of applicability of the construction code to alterations, replacements, and damages as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision. Knowledge of the requirements for granting exceptions or variations. Knowledge of the regulations concerning violations notices and orders. Knowledge of the various problems encountered by contractors in performing construction work and the respects in which deviations from plans, specifications, and standards are likely to occur. Knowledge of the particular subcode for which the individual is responsible. Knowledge of the basic classification to structures into class categories as defined by the building subcode adopted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.4. Knowledge of field inspection and controlled inspections techniques needed to ensure that the materials installed at the site are of the same strength and quality as assumed by the design calculations, and that they are installed in a manner which will achieve and preserve that strength. Ability to organize inspection work, analyze inspection problems, and develop appropriate work methods. Ability to read and interpret preliminary and detailed construction blueprints, plans, and specifications. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Ability to verify the materials installed are the same strength and quality as assumed in the design calculations. Ability to resolve problems in the administrative or coordination of programs, plans, or projects. Ability to ensure that the necessary information is shown on plans and conforms with the requirements of the particular subcode. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex laws, regulations, policies, standards, procedures, and apply them to specific situations. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to supervise the maintenance of records, reports and titles. Ability to prepare clear reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees must continue to complete the continuing education requirements to maintain their HHS license. Applicants must also possess a valid Sub-Code Official license in the appropriate discipline (building, electrical, fire protection, plumbing, elevator, amusement rides, or boiler/pressure vessel and refrigeration) issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Appointees must continue to complete the continuing education requirements to maintain their Sub-Code Official license. The eligibility requirements for a Sub-Code Official license are listed in accordance with NJAC 5:23-5.7. The ten (10) years of required experience (or substitution) is NOT in addition to the education and experience requirements needed to obtain the HHS and Sub-Code Official licenses. Note: The following are EXCEPTIONS to the 10-year experience requirement in accordance with NJAC 5:23-5.7. Applicants for Sub-Code Official in Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Elevator, Amusement Rides or Boiler/Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration may substitute a combination of education and experience as follows. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Architectural or Engineering Technology or other area related to building construction and five (5) years of experience in construction, design or supervision in building construction work; OR A license as an Architect or Professional Engineer and three (3) years of experience in construction, design or supervision as a licensed engineer or registered architect. Applicants for Sub-Code Official in Fire Protection must have a minimum of the following: Three (3) years of experience as a fire prevention official, fire protection official or as a firefighter. Applicants possessing multiple Sub-Code Official licenses who obtained the technical license in that Subcode area under the provisions of N.J.A.C 5:23-5.5(d)1 must possess the following experience. This applies to individuals who are currently licensed as a building, plumbing or electrical Sub-Code Official and who obtained a Sub-Code Official license in another Sub-Code area (excluding Fire or Elevator): One (1) year of experience in that specific Sub-Code area as an inspector or in the construction, design or supervision as a licensed engineer or registered architect, provided that such person possesses a license as an engineer or architect issued by the State of New Jersey at the time of application. OR Two (2) years of experience in that specific Sub-Code area as an inspector or in construction, design or supervision with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in architecture or engineering or in a major area of study directly related to building construction; OR Three (3) years of experience in a skilled trade directly related to that specific Sub-Code area; OR Three (3) years of experience as an inspector in that specific Sub-Code area; Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. SC4025N/AR26-SCNE25N/AR25- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. MER 08/04/2010