Description
The Opportunity
The Town of Basalt is accepting applications for a Chief Building Official. This exciting opportunity is responsible for the Building Department.
This position is an important part of the Town’s development services team. The position is responsible for all aspects of the building review process including plan review and inspection.
The successful candidate should possess a team-oriented, collaborative and organized working style, with excellent communication and management skills, the ability to maintain positive relationships, and responsiveness to the community.
The Culture
The Town of Basalt leads the way with continuous improvement, collaborative partnerships, and exemplary service. Core values include teamwork, communication, customer service, commitment, respect and safety.
The Town & Surrounding Area
The Town of Basalt is located in the Roaring Fork Valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. It is the gateway to some of the most beautiful country in the Rocky Mountains and is known for its gold medal y shing with nearby hiking, skiing, biking, as well as a variety of activities and events within or near the Town.
The Town, which encompasses approximately two square miles (in Eagle and Pitkin Counties) includes a historic downtown and a growing mixed-use Willits Town Center. Approximately 4,000 residents call Basalt home.
The Town of Basalt is in a strong financial position and The Building Department plays a fundamental role in the Town's revenue by generating permit fees that help fund local government services
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $100,213 - $140,298 DOQ
The Town offers excellent benefits package that supports quality work-life balance.
Benefit Summary in Brief...
- Health Insurance Town covers 85% for family and 100% for individual (includes vision and dental)
- Life Insurance $100,000 Employee Policy, plus additional voluntary life insurance available; paid by employee
- Employee Assistance Program (TRIAD) - Six visits per year per incident.
- Wellness Benet Program $75 P/M toward ski pass or any other wellness expense
- Paid Time Off Competitive vacation accrual; Sick Leave Accrual of 2 weeks per year; Personal Days–2 per year (exchanged for sick days) and sick leave buy back option, plus 13 paid holidays.
- Non-Police Retirement & Disability Plan (5% salary match to 401(a) retirement plan); Long term disability policy after 90 days of employment in addition to contributions to Social Security and Medicare.
- Optional Benets / Plans include Supplemental Insurance policies; Health Savings Accounts; 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; Chamber Rate Aspen Ski Company Ski Passes, pool pass
- Housing availability in a town-owned unit.
To Apply
Application materials accepted electronically at: jenny.aragon@basalt.net
Attach three required documents:
1. cover letter
2. resume
3. contact information for four (4) professional references
Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2026.
The Town reserves the right to begin reviewing applications and conducting interviews as qualified candidates are received. This position is open until lled
Town of Basalt Building Official Hiring Ad
Requirements
The Position
The Chief Building Official reports to the Planning Director and provides leadership, direction, and direct supervision to the Building Department staff, ensuring the effective administration of building codes, permitting, inspections, and related departmental operations.
Key Competencies & Characteristics
- Dedicated and hardworking professional with demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and supervisory experience.
Extensive knowledge of residential and commercial building codes, permitting, plan review, inspections, and development processes. - A hands-on Building Official who is willing to actively participate in daily department operations while providing effective leadership.
- Comfortable working with an experienced and knowledgeable staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
- Appreciates and understands the values of a small-town community and the unique challenges and expectations of a mountain resort environment.
- Willing to perform a broad range of responsibilities, adapting to the changing needs of the department and organization.
- Thorough understanding of the International Code Council (ICC), state and local regulations, and best practices in building safety and code enforcement.
- Personable, approachable, and committed to providing exceptional customer service to residents, contractors, design professionals, and developers.
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain code requirements clearly and professionally.
- Builds positive, cooperative working relationships with Town leadership, staff, elected officials, the development community, and the public.
- Experienced decision-maker who exercises sound judgment, consistency, and fairness when interpreting codes and resolving complex building and development issues.
- Maintains a customer-focused approach while upholding public safety and the integrity of the Town's building regulations.
- Strong organizational, office management, computer, and record-keeping skills, with experience using permitting and inspection software.
- Exercises initiative and independent judgment while making decisions within the scope of delegated authority.
- Professional, collaborative, and adaptable, serving as both a leader and a team member.
- Works proactively with Town leadership and staff to identify opportunities to improve permitting, inspection, and development review processes while maintaining high standards of customer service and regulatory compliance.
Qualifications
Minimum Required:
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, building inspection, or a closely related field. Relevant progressively responsible experience may be substituted for the education requirement.
- Current certification as an ICC Certified Building Official (CBO) or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building code administration, plan review, permitting, inspections, or municipal building department operations, including supervisory or leadership experience.
- Valid Colorado driver’s license.
Preferred:
- ICC certifications in additional disciplines, including Commercial / Residential Building Inspector, Plans Examiner.
- Colorado Master Electrician/Plumber license.
- Experience serving as a Building Official or Assistant Building Official in a municipal or county government.
- Experience using electronic permitting, inspection, and records management software.
- Experience working in a mountain resort or small-town community and collaborating with planning, engineering, fire, and public works departments.
