SUBCODE OFFICIAL
In New Jersey, Subcode Official is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The FY2027 range lands between $79,844 and $117,228, and state payroll currently lists about 64 people in the title, most of them at Community Affairs.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Subcode Official appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Community Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Community Affairs | 64 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 64 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $100,622. The agencies employing the most are:
- Community Affairs (64)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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, ensures conformance with the assigned subcode; serves as a subcode official in assigned units performing duties in at least one of the following areas: i. conducts plan review, inspection and compliance functions for high rise and hazardous structures; ii. conducts field accident investigation, conducts field inspections and plan review work for amusement rides; iii. per N.J.A.C. 5:18, conducts Liquefied Petroleum Gas inspections and/or plan review; Performs other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Serves as an enforcing authority of all matters regarding the assigned subcode in the unit. Reviews 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 of the New Jersey 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. Inspects Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas installation; conducts plan review; conducts periodic audits of LP Gas facilities in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:18 et seq. 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 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, or welfare of intended occupants and of the public generally, and forwards to the construction official or other designated supervisor for release. Checks materials to be used in the construction, and inspects 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 New Jersey 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. Inspects unsafe or illegal Class 1, 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. Within the Elevator Safety unit, conducts inspections and/or elevator plan review, in accordance with related rules and regulations. Maintains required inspection records and files. Prepares 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. May be required to 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. 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.
Requirements
LICENSES: Administrative License: Applicants must possess a valid Subcode Official license in building, electrical, fire protection, plumbing, elevator, amusement rides, or boiler/pressure vessel and refrigeration, issued by the New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 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 to the requirements of the relevant 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 maintain records and reports. 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.
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 Subcode Official license. Technical License: Applicants must possess a valid High Rise and Hazardous Specialist (HHS) construction code enforcement license in building, fire protection, electrical, plumbing, elevator, amusement rides, or boiler/pressure vessel and refrigeration, issued by the Department of Community Affairs, appropriate to the position. Appointees must continue to complete the continuing education requirements to maintain their HHS license. SPECIAL NOTE: Appointees to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Unit will be required to complete specialized training. 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.