Description
The City of Oregon City offers an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Building Official to lead a high-performing division in a dynamic and evolving development environment. With more than 2,000 permits issued annually and continued residential growth, this role provides the opportunity to guide code administration, modernize service delivery systems, and ensure safe, compliant development in one of Oregon’s most historic communities. The City values professionalism, collaboration, and customer service while maintaining strong regulatory integrity.
Requirements
Building Official
City of Oregon City, Oregon
Salary: $105,000 - $131,136 DOQ
Located on the bluffs overlooking the iconic Willamette Falls, Oregon City, Oregon, is rich in history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, Oregon City offers a unique blend of smalltown charm and easy access to the amenities of the Portland metropolitan area. Known as “The City at the End of the Oregon Trail,” Oregon City is deeply rooted in history, being the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains and serving as the original capital of the Oregon Territory. Today, with a population of approximately 38,469 residents, Oregon City remains a vital regional hub as the county seat of Clackamas County. The Oregon City area offers an expansive range of recreational opportunities due to its proximity to rivers, excellent golf courses, Mt. Hood, and the Oregon Coast. With its historic downtown, riverfront parks, and scenic trails, Oregon City continues to attract families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who seek a balanced lifestyle blending history, nature, and modern convenience.
The City of Oregon City’s Building Division operates under the umbrella of the Community Development Department and works closely with the Planning Division to support safe, orderly, and code-compliant development throughout the city. The Division is responsible for administering building permits, reviewing construction plans, and inspecting development activity to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and approved standards. The Division’s work is organized across three core functional areas: permit coordination, building plan review and building inspectors. The Division is led by the Building Official, who oversees operations, assigns work, manages contracts, and guides special projects. The Division includes nine direct staff positions and operates with an annual budget of approximately $7.5 million.
The Building Official is the City’s senior authority responsible for administering and enforcing building codes, inspection services, plan review, and the permitting process. Reporting to the Community Development Director, this position provides both technical oversight and strategic leadership for the Building Division, ensuring development activity complies with adopted state codes, municipal regulations, and City processes while advancing a culture of professionalism, accountability, and customer service. The BO directs and integrates plan checking, permitting, field inspection, and enforcement functions to support safe, efficient development. The role oversees complex and high-risk projects, including institutional and industrial structures, and ensures consistent application of structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes. Equally important, the position sets the tone for performance expectations, operational standards, and service delivery across the division.
Education and Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of post-high school education, preferably with an emphasis on Building Technologies, Architecture, or Engineering. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection and/or plan review, including working with the public, scheduling work, and problem solving. Two (2) years of full-range supervisory experience. Oregon Inspectors and Building Official Certification issued by the State of Oregon. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above requirements. (See complete position profile for additional requirements.)
For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by March 29, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)
