CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL (R27)
New Jersey treats Construction Official as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
Eligibility comes down to a valid NJ driver's license. The FY 2027 range lands between $87,507 and $128,719.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →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 supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, performs work involving the enforcement and administration of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act and Regulations including the supervision and conduct of complex plan reviews and/or inspection of structures in the Class 1, 2, and 3 categories; or per N.J.A.C. 5:18, supervises Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas inspections and/or plan review; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does related work as required.
Examples of work
In the Bureau of Local Code Enforcement: Serves as the chief administrator of the municipal enforcing agency in the assigned municipalities and coordinates the activities of a team of subcode officials, and may serve as the chief enforcing authority on all matters pertaining to a particular subcode. Establishes procedures and monitors the application intake process to ensure all necessary forms are available to the public, all applications are complete as to form, and persons requesting assistance on procedures are helped. Issues construction permits upon receiving approval of all appropriate subcodes; issues final approval and certificates of occupancy for the inspected building components for Class 1, 2, and 3 structures. Reviews plans for Class 1, 2, and 3 structures, and/or supervises the review of plans for code compliance of Class 1, 2, and 3 structures as provided in the regulations for the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Establishes inspection schedules for field staff to ensure that all buildings being constructed within the assigned municipalities are inspected at critical points during construction, as provided in N.J.A.C . 5:23-2.6. Calculates the fees for permit applications and/or reviews the calculations and ensures the fees collected are properly accounted for as required by regulation. In the Bureau of Construction Project Review: Examines and/or supervises the examination of project applications for compliance with appropriate subcodes and regulations adopted pursuant to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Examines plans and/or supervises the examination of Class 1, 2, and 3 plans to verify code compliance of unique structural design and analysis techniques relating to heavily loaded and technically advanced structural systems. Coordinates the activities with the special plan review section assigned to complex projects requiring special examination and testing methods to determine compliance with appropriate subcodes where the proposed techniques are not specified in the code. Provides technical support on complex matters involving Class 1 structures to architects, engineers, and builders by providing information and assistance on regulation requirements applicable to proposed or submitted plans. Reviews and/or supervises the review of requests for variation on Class 1 and 2 structures, and authorizes and/or prepares recommendations for the Supervisor, Construction Plans Approval Section. Makes the final determination on issuance of plan releases for the portion of the plans covered by the appropriate subcode. Reviews the calculation and collection of plan release fees for the portion of the plans covered by the appropriate subcode pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.8. GENERAL: Acts as a witness for the state in informal hearings and/or court proceedings. May supervise and administer LP Gas inspections and/or plan review; supervises audits of LP Gas facilities in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:18 et seq. Within the Elevator Safety unit, conducts inspections and/or elevator plan review, in accordance with related rules and regulations. Prepares financial and other reports of the program unit. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of correspondence. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Maintains and/or supervises the maintenance of essential records and files. May be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Requirements
License
Applicants must possess a valid license as a Construction Official issued by the N.J. Department of Community Affairs. Applicants must possess a valid license as a Subcode Official issued by the N.J. Department of Community Affairs. Applicants must possess a valid High Rise and Hazardous Specialist (HHS) code enforcement license in building, plumbing, electrical, elevator, or fire protection issued by the N.J. Department of Community Affairs. 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 the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the form, content interpretation, and application of plans and specifications. Knowledge of the subcode requirements of construction projects as expressed in the approved plans and specifications for Class 1, 2, and 3 structures. Knowledge of the qualities, limitations, and proper use of modern building construction materials, equipment, and methods. Knowledge of materials, supplies, equipment, and construction methods and standards to be observed in making physical inspection of work for compliance with approved plans, specifications, and the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act. 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 of variations as contained in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.5. Knowledge of the regulations concerning the scheduling and requirements for inspections as contained in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.6. Knowledge of the rules concerning violation notices and orders as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.9. Knowledge of the various problems encountered by contractors performing construction work and the aspects in which deviations from plans, specifications, and standards are likely to occur. Knowledge of specific subcodes based on the area of responsibility. Knowledge of the basic classification of structures into class categories as defined by the appropriate subcode adopted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.4. Knowledge of field inspection and controlled inspection techniques necessary to ensure that the materials installed at the construction site are of the same strength and quality as assumed by the design calculations, and that they are installed in the manner required to achieve and preserve that strength. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to organize supervisory construction inspection work, analyze construction inspection problems and develop appropriate work methods. Ability to read and interpret preliminary and detailed construction blueprints, plans and specifications for Class 1, 2, and 3 structures. Ability to work cooperatively with other code enforcement officials, contractors, and others while maintaining a firm and correct stand when differences of fact or opinion arise. Ability to verify the construction materials used are of the same strength and quality as assumed in the design calculations. Ability to review plans for Class 2 and 3 structures to ensure that the necessary information is shown on the plans and conforms with the requirements of the subcode. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex laws, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures and apply them to specific situations in accordance with established procedures. Ability to prepare and/or supervise the preparation of correspondence and supervise the establishment and maintenance of records, reports, and files. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to learn how 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 the 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 if they can perform the 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 to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Unit will be required to complete specialized training. Appointees must continue to complete the code update education courses required to maintain their HHS, Subcode Official, and Construction Official licenses.