DIRECTOR, BUILDING PERMITS Position Available In Jefferson, Louisiana

DIRECTOR, BUILDING PERMITS

Jefferson Parish Harahan, LA Full-time Business Administration
Posted on May 09, 2025 Jefferson Parish is seeking a knowledgeable, innovative, and experienced leader to serve as
the Director of the Department of Building Permits. This position plays a critical role in ensuring
the safety, compliance, and efficiency of all building permit operations parish-wide. The Director
works collaboratively with other Parish departments, contractors, and the general public to
enforce and administer construction codes, permitting processes, and inspection protocols. The
Department of Building Permits is responsible for administering all aspects of the construction
permitting process, including residential, commercial, and industrial building permits,
inspections, and code enforcement to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and
federal regulations. The Director oversees approximately 80 employees and manages an
annual departmental budget of approximately $7,000,000.
The Director’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administering the building permit process including plan reviews, permit issuance,
  inspection scheduling, and compliance monitoring.
• Developing, updating, and enforcing policies and procedures related to permitting
  services.
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction
  Code, FEMA regulations, and floodplain management requirements.
• Supervising technical staff including intake clerks, plan reviewers, field inspectors
  (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas), and support personnel.
• Leading cross-departmental collaboration to support comprehensive project reviews and
  improved permit turnaround.
• Representing the Parish in public forums, professional conferences, and Council
  meetings.
• Coordinating damage assessments and post-disaster inspections in emergency
  situations.
• Overseeing departmental operations including budgeting, staff performance, workflow
  efficiencies, and customer service.
• Managing the department’s digital permitting systems, databases, and records.
• Drafting ordinances, resolutions, and policies for Council consideration related to
  permitting and inspections.
• Ensuring staff training is up to date with current codes, regulations, and industry
  standards.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess extensive technical knowledge of construction permitting
processes, building codes, and code enforcement. They will have a track record of successfully
managing operations, leading teams, and providing exceptional service to both internal and
external stakeholders. Experience with digital permitting platforms and floodplain management
is highly desirable.
Candidates should be strong communicators with the ability to interpret complex building plans
and regulatory documents, resolve disputes, and lead teams in a high-volume, deadline-driven
environment. The successful applicant will demonstrate strategic thinking, collaborative
leadership, and a commitment to code compliance and public safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification criteria:
1. A bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, civil engineering, public
administration, or a related field, with at least five (5) years of professional experience in
permitting, inspection, or code enforcement—including five (5) years in a supervisory
role; OR
2. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in building permit operations,
with at least five (5) years in management or supervision; OR
3. Certification as a Certified Building Official (CBO) or similar designation, plus five (5)
years of supervisory experience.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Louisiana driver’s license within ten (10) working days
of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in construction management, architecture, public administration, or
  related field.
• Louisiana Professional Engineer (PE) license in civil engineering.
• ICC certification as a Certified Building Official (CBO).
• Experience with digital permitting and plan review software.
• Familiarity with FEMA regulations and floodplain management standards.

COMPENSATION

The starting salary range for the position is, $111,752

• $139,691. Starting salary will be
  commensurate with education and experience. Executive level employees are eligible to receive
  a monthly auto and cell allowance of approximately $960 a month.
  Jefferson Parish offers an exceptional work/life balance and a generous benefits package
  including:
  Health Benefits (medical
• Jefferson Parish offers health insurance benefits and covers up to
  81% of the employee premium and 50% of the premium for spouses and dependents. Our
  health benefits also include a robust wellness plan with an onsite wellness coordinator at no
  cost to employees
  Voluntary Benefits
• Available at employee’s cost are a variety of voluntary benefits which
  include dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending, accident insurance, short term and
  long-term disability insurance, cancer insurance, term life insurance, and critical illness
  insurance.
  Retirement Benefits
• Jefferson Parish employees are enrolled in the Parochial Employees’
  Retirement System. This retirement system is a public defined benefit pension plan which
  provides retirement allowances and other benefits based on an employee’s years of service.
  Life Insurance
• Jefferson Parish provides employer-paid life insurance at one time an
  employee’s annual salary up to $150,000.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

This position is unclassified, limited-tenure, and at-will. Appointment is made by the Parish
President with Council approval. The incumbent will be required to report to duty during
emergency events and disasters, and may be assigned responsibilities outside the scope of
normal duties. A background check is required and the selected candidate must file an annual
financial disclosure statement in accordance with state law.

TO APPLY

Qualified individuals should submit a resume and salary expectations to:
JPHumanResources@jeffparish.net

Attn:

Jonas P. Perriott, Director
Department of Human Resource Management
1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 517
Jefferson, LA 70123

Phone:

(504) 736-6180

Fax:

(504) 736-6125
Deadline to apply: May 23, 2025
Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above as resumes are
submitted. The most qualified candidates will be interviewed.
For additional information about Jefferson Parish, visit the Jefferson Parish website at
www.jeffparish.gov.
Jefferson Parish is an Equal Opportunity Employer.