CHIEF BUILDING/CONSTRUCT INSPECTOR

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CHIEF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

Department of Buildings

Demolition Bureau

(Vacant Property Management)

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies are possible pending budget approval)

Annual Starting Salary: $107,136

These positions are open to the general public and to all current city employees covered under the terms of the City's collective bargaining agreement with the CHICAGO REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS-INSPECTORS (CARPENTERS LOCAL 13) - (BARGAINING UNIT #44).

Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

BID INSTRUCTIONS:

Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

AND

1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"

2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')

3. Select your correct bargaining unit

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION

Applications for this position will be accepted beginning 5-12-2026 until 11:59pm on 5-26-2026.

Under direction, manages a work unit responsible for directing and coordinating inspections of buildings exhibiting structural instability, severe deterioration, fire damage, or other hazardous conditions that may warrant emergency demolition or enforcement action. Oversees the assessment of structural integrity and life-safety risks to determine when conditions constitute an actual and imminent danger to the public or first responders. Ensures all findings, determinations, and actions are consistent with the Chicago Construction Codes and applicable enforcement authority. Performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties:

* Supervises a team of 12 Building Construction Inspectors responsible for conducting inspections of vacant and distressed properties damaged by fire, deterioration, unpermitted work, or exhibiting structural failure that poses an imminent hazard to first responders and the public.

* Establishes priorities and directs the scheduling and assignment of inspections, including pre-demolition and post-demolition inspections for complex demolition projects; court-ordered inspections and re-inspections; 311 service requests; and emergency response inspections.

* Coordinates and conducts meetings with staff, contractors, and stakeholders on large and complex demolition projects to ensure full compliance with applicable code requirements and safety protocols.

* Evaluates inspection complexity and aligns staff expertise accordingly to ensure effective resource allocation and operational efficiency.

* Manages the Department's emergency demolition operations involving buildings or structures that present an actual and imminent danger to public safety, including conditions such as severe structural damage, advanced deterioration, or risk of imminent collapse.

* Administers the emergency procurement process for demolition services on a 24-hour, 7-day basis, including the solicitation of bids via phone, fax, or email, pursuant to the Commissioner's authority under Section 14A-3-31.1 of the Chicago Construction Codes.

Additional duties may be required for this position.

Location: 2045 W. Washington

Chicago, IL 60612

Shift: Monday-Friday

Hours: 7:00am-3:30pm

(Shift may vary due to the needs of the operation)

*Must be willing and able to climb ladders and stairs, enter and work in buildings which are in a state of great disrepair, in all weather conditions and in all neighborhoods throughout the City*.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

* Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered building trade apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, plus four (4) years of journey-level experience in skilled building construction or building inspections experience, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,

OR

* Eight (8) years of journey-level experience in skilled building construction or building inspection work experience, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,

OR

* Successful completion of an industry or company-sponsored apprenticeship training program in building trade and have journeyman status, plus six (6) years of journey-level experience in skilled building construction or building inspections work, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,

OR

* Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Construction Management or Building Inspections, plus six (6) years of experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,

OR

* Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's in Architecture, Construction Management, or Construction-related Engineering, plus four (4) years of work experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,

OR

* Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Architecture, Construction Management, or Construction-related Engineering, plus three (3) years of work experience in skilled building construction or building inspections, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

* A valid State of Illinois Driver's license is required

* Must have the permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability

Working Conditions

• General office environment
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions

NOTE: A copy of your official transcripts and/or professional license, or training certificates will be required at the time of interview, if applicable.

Selection Requirements: This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected. The interviewed bidders possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Desired Skills

• U.S. Department of Labor or Industry Sponsored Apprenticeship Training Certification and/or a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate's Degree in Architecture or Construction related Engineering.
• Experience with construction and building components for multi-level commercial and industrial buildings.
• Experience with renovations of existing buildings to meet minimum standards.
• Knowledge of municipal building codes.
• Experience working with architects and structural engineers to interpret plans and specs.
• Experience reading/interpreting building plans, blueprints and construction specifications.
• Good knowledge of the geography of the City.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel and Outlook.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. The Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor