CHIEF OF CONSTRUCTION CODES & STANDARDS
Career Family: CHIEF
New Jersey treats Chief of Construction Codes & Standards as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The spec names a master's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY2026 range lands between $106,547 and $157,363.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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.
Definition
Under direction of the Assistant Director, Codes Standards and Housing Development, or other supervisory officer in the Division of Codes and Standards, Department of Community Affairs, directs the activities and staff involved in the implementation of the laws, rules, and regulations set forth in the Uniform Construction Code Act; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Directs the work programs involved in the administration and enforcement of procedures, technical standards, and provisions to ensure the safety of all buildings and structures. Establishes guidelines for the enforcement of standards for structural safety, fire safety, durability, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, energy consumption, and access for the handicapped. Directs the issuance of permits and certificates of occupancy for all construction, additions, alterations, and renovation work at both the municipal and state levels. Coordinates the building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and energy conservation inspections required by the code. Approves or disapproves all applications requesting exemption under the code; determines if exceptions adequately safeguard public safety and health. Enforces compliance to standards, codes, laws, rules, or regulations. Evaluates the possibility of unsafe conditions in existing structures and determines appropriate enforcement action. Monitors the issuance of violation notices and enforcement orders. Directs the analysis of specifications, test data, and other materials to determine if new building products meet technical standards. Monitors laboratories engaged in testing the performance of structural, materials, fire, mechanical, and electrical testing required by the code. Administers educational programs for all persons engaged in code enforcement to ensure uniformity and appropriate interpretation and application of rules and regulations. Establishes application, permit, and licensing fee schedules, and penalty assessment procedures. Reviews plans for conformity with technical standards, site plan conditions, and local zoning requirements. Conducts hearings concerning established and proposed standards. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Enforces the standards established under code enforcement laws through procedures which include assessments of fines, stop work orders, vacates, and revocations of licenses. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies interested in or concerned with the work of the division. Establishes, reviews, and amends, as necessary, the standards of performance incorporated in agreements for services to be provided by municipalities. Prepares extensive correspondence in the course of official duties. Supervises the preparation of clear, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files. May 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.
License
Appointee 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 Uniform Construction Code Act and regulations. Knowledge of modern building and construction methods and materials. Knowledge of state and local fire codes. Knowledge of procedures for conducting investigations. Knowledge of the procedures for conducting inspections. Knowledge of the National Electric Code. Knowledge of New Jersey electrical codes and their application to construction. Knowledge of New Jersey plumbing codes and their application to construction. Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and approved materials and equipment for building construction. Knowledge of modern government budgetary practices. Knowledge of modern management concepts and practices. Knowledge of the appropriate methods and procedures for investigating complaints and of the laws relating to such investigations. Knowledge of the provisions of New Jersey Housing Legislation. Knowledge of code enforcement standards and procedures. Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations concerning assessment and collection of administrative penalties and execution of judgments. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the International Building Code (IBC) standards. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing county and municipal residential dwelling maintenance codes. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing land use and construction for compliance with zoning. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing cease and desist orders, orders to vacate, or other types of court orders. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing local code enforcement. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the New Home Warranty and Builder's Registration Act. Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the Planned Real Estate Development Act. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, maps, or specifications. Ability to organize assigned supervisory and technical work, analyze the problems arising thereon, and develop appropriate work methods. Ability to develop and revise filing systems, forms, and procedures. Ability to prepare and administer budgets. Ability to provide technical assistance to local municipalities in code enforcement. Ability to assign, instruct, coordinate, and monitor supervisory staff in the functions of their duties. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with state and local agencies involved in code enforcement. Ability to draft correspondence in the performance of official duties. Ability to supervise the preparation of clear, accurate, statistical information, financial information, and periodic reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to learn 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, or 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 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. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Ten (10) years of professional experience in construction project management, training and education, a regulatory or code enforcement program, or certification and licensing programs, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and six (6) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a license as a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer's License valid in the State of New Jersey; and six (6) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a Master's degree in Construction Management, Planning, Architecture, or Engineering; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.