DIRECTOR, BUILDING PERMITS Position Available In Orleans, Louisiana

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. recblid abbc8n7n1hlorh1t3ru45ctdhr9vce