CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL

EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROVIDED BY

CHIEF BUILDING

OFFICIAL

Ideally situated in the northeast corner of the Panhandle/Plains area of scenic North Texas, Wichita Falls, Texas, covers 70.12 square miles and is the county seat of Wichita County. An economically progressive

commerce hub, Wichita Falls offers its 104,710 residents an outstanding quality of life and world-class amenities in a charming, small-town atmosphere. The City has the advantage of being located within two hours of two major metropolitan areas, with populations exceeding one million—Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. Easily accessible freeways and highways, including I-44, U.S. Highways 82, 281, 277, 287, and Texas State Route 79, make for a straightforward commute to other Texas cities and

surrounding states.

Wichita Falls officially became a city on September 27, 1872, when town lots were sold at what is now the corner of Seventh and Ohio streets. The Fort Worth & Denver City Railway arrived in Wichita Falls in September of 1882, the same year it

became the county seat. The City has a rich history as a center for oil manufacturing and agricultural

production. Today, the City’s pro-business attitude

continues to encourage entrepreneurship

and sustainable long-term growth. Major area employers include Sheppard Air Force Base, North Texas State Hospital, United Regional Healthcare System, Wichita Falls ISD, Midwestern State University, Howmet Corporation, and Cryovac-Sealed Air Corporation.

Despite the challenges posed in 2020, the City of Wichita Falls continued to move forward major economic development projects. In early 2020, Dallas-based Panda Biotech announced it will open the nation’s first ever industrial hemp fiber mill in two facilities totaling 450,000 sqare feet in Wichita

Falls. The company will process cottonized hemp fiber on a large commercial scale for a number of

industrial sectors including textiles, automotive, and animal bedding. The company received a $2 million forgivable loan from the Wichita Falls

Economic Development Corporation (WFEDC) and will operate the first of two state-of-the-art mills starting in mid-2021, employing at least 50 people. Additionally, in May 2020, Pamlico Air, a North Carolina based manufacturer of air-filtration

products for commercial and industrial customers, began operations in Wichita Falls. The company

purchased the 181,000 sq. ft. former Stanley Tools

building and received a $2 million forgivable loan

from the WFEDC. The company currently employs over 100 people with plans to eventually hire 100

more employees as operations increase.

The City has also been working with a nationally recognized hotel development firm to construct a 150-room full-service hotel and conference center

THE COMMUNITY

THE COMMUNITY

CONTINUED

on the grounds of the existing multi-purpose events center. This hotel will serve as a headquarters hotel for downtown conventions and other tourist activities and will complement the City’s existing convention and tourism

business.

In addition to these projects, the City Council’s strategic plan includes the revitalization of the Central Business District. Several public/private partnerships are in process to continue expanding residential mixed-use developments and other business opportunities in the downtown area. Another recent improvement project includes $17.3 million to improve several of the City’s streets and roadways. These funds were approved by the voters in an election held in 2018.

Wichita Falls offers abundant recreational, cultural, and entertainment opportunities. Recreation programs cover a wide range of activities including golf, tennis, softball, volleyball, kickball, flag football, disk golf, basketball, dance, fitness, special events, senior activities, and more. Local amenities like the Champions Course at Weeks Park 18-Hole Golf Course, River Bend Nature Center, Castaway Cove Waterpark, Lake Wichita, and Lake Arrowhead attract outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The Kemp Center for the Arts, Museum of North Texas History, Kell House Museum, Wichita Falls Railroad Museum, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Museum, Wichita Theatre, and the Juanita Harvey Art Gallery at MSU provide cultural enrichment and educational opportunities for the whole family. Popular annual events such as the Hotter-N-Hell Hundred bicycle ride, North Texas Ranch Roundup, St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Red River Wine Festival, Cajun Festival, Oil Bowl, Art and Soul Festival, Freedom Festival, City Light Parade, and THOR 5-K run draw visitors from throughout the region. Hotter- N-Hell Hundred is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in

the nation. Each year, over 12,000 riders from all over the globe come to Wichita Falls for four days of challenging and inspiring activities.

Wichita Falls students are served by the Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD), with an enrollment of more than 14,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12, and includes the Career Education Center a 123,000-square foot facility that provides students the opportunities and advanced technology to learn career-related skills, certifications, and earn college credit. In 2020, residents passed a multi-million dollar school bond referendum for two new high schools. There are also several private schools in the area, including Wichita Christian School, Notre Dame Catholic School, and Christ Academy. For those seeking higher education, Midwestern State University provides quality educational opportunities for over 6,000 students, with 49 undergraduate programs and 27 graduate programs. MWSU has the distinction of being the only public liberal arts school in the state and offers an affordable and challenging

learning environment that serves residents of Texas, other states, and many countries. Vernon College

also has a campus in Wichita Falls, and additional opportunities are available in the DFW area. Wichita Falls has a median income of $47,991 and an average home value of $157,500.

GOVERNANCE &

ORGANIZATION

Wichita Falls operates under the council-manager

form of government. The City Council is composed

of seven members, including the Mayor, five district representatives, and one at-large representative. Members may serve two consecutive three-year terms in the same office, with a maximum of three terms in any combination of offices. The City Council and staff are focused on ensuring sustainable growth and development policies, the improvement of municipal service levels, and sound fiscal policies. The City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and City Council and functions as the chief executive officer

of the City. In the chief executive capacity, the City

Manager works with the Mayor and City Council, City department directors, and City staff to develop and implement policies guiding the City. Darron Leiker was appointed Wichita Falls City Manager in 2005. He previously served as Interim City Manager and was also an Assistant City Manager in Wichita Falls

for three years.

Two large-scale capital projects were recently completed in Wichita Falls. The City borrowed $33.8 million through the Texas Water Development Board’s low-interest loan program to construct a permanent below ground pipeline from the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plant to convey up to 16 million gallons of treated effluent per day to Lake Arrowhead. This system was designed to eliminate the emergency pipeline project.

MISSION

Enhance our quality of life through responsive service delivery, sound financial management, and

partnerships spanning the public, private, and business sectors.

VISION

Wichita Falls is a vibrant, growing, family-oriented community of unlimited opportunity and civic pride.

VALUES

The municipal employees and elected

officials practice these values:

Excellence – We will provide an outstanding work product.

Integrity – We adhere to high moral principles and are mindful of the public’s trust in our

work.

Accountability – We will accept responsibility

for our actions and decisions.

Transparency – We will be visible, accessible, and open in our communication with the

public.

Innovation – We will strive to improve service delivery by evaluating and introducing new

ABOUT

THE DEPARTMENT

The Development Services Department consists of four major operating divisions including Planning, Building

Inspection, Code Administration, and Neighborhood

Resources, which includes the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Management and HOME Program and the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. Several CDBG special projects and programs are also

accounted for in this department. The department has

an operating budget of $6.7 million and 35 employees. Responsibilities of the Building Inspection Division

include inspecting construction for adherence to building code requirements, issuing permits, and

licensing and registering contractors. Division staff consists of six inspectors, two plan technicians, and

ABOUT

THE POSITION

Under general direction from the Director of Development Services, the Chief Building Official (CBO) manages the day-to-day operations of the Building Inspections division with integrity and professionalism; supervises all department staff; ensures compliance with

the City’s adopted building codes; investigates and mediates code and compliance issues

with developers, contractors, and the general public.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

) Supervise the activities of all building inspections division employees; ) Constructive problem-solving in the resolution of situations related to

plan review, building inspections, occupancy certificates, and personnel/staffing;

) Assist in mitigating dangerous buildings; ) Conduct field inspections, as necessary;

) Coordinate with subordinates to accomplish efficient and timely inspections; ) Review and implement the latest building codes;

) Coordinate and/or conduct training sessions for assigned staff to

ensure professional development is on-going;

) Prepare and administer the department budget;

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Staffing will be one of the first things that the new CBO will need to address. There are currently long-tenured staff members within Building Inspections and most of them are eligible to retire over the next few years. This presents a great opportunity to build the department, but it is also a challenge as the City is vying with local contractors

for experienced building professionals.

Technology advancements within Building Inspections have been made and the new CBO will be expected to further expand those efforts and be innovative in leading initiatives to use technology to better serve the Wichita Falls citizens.

There is a desire for the incoming CBO to be innovative and to exercise best practices, staying aware of professional trends. The City has expressed the desire for this role to be filled by a progressive building official who will exercise best practices and stay aware of professional trends. Current policies need to be reviewed and desired policies developed and it will be important that the incoming CBO understands the importance of policy adherence.

Business Development will be an important focal point for this position. The City currently has several large projects and developments in motion, and it will be important for the new CBO to take an active role in overseeing them. Some of these projects include building two new high schools, a $40 million hotel center, and industrial projects. There is also an uptick in residential development, which will require active leadership from the new CBO.

There are currently good relationships between Building Inspections, the City Council, other City departments, and the development community. The new CBO will be able to foster those relationships and understand the political environment while ensuring adopted codes are adhered to.

Effective communication is vital and the new CBO approachable, customer service oriented, and be able to communicate on multiple levels, with staff, customers, contractors, city officials, departments, and state

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City of Wichita Falls seeks a creative, forward-thinking servant leader and innovator to be its new Chief Building Official. The CBO must be flexible and able to adapt easily in a very demanding environment where changing dynamics are normal. It is important to possess the ability to address challenges while considering the best interests of the City within a broad context and while making the best use of available resources and opportunities. The ideal candidate will have excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, and also be a strategic planner with the ability to apply creative solutions when necessary. The ideal candidate will be a strong manager who can demonstrate patience, both with staff and the community and provide vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates. The City requires a highly ethical candidate who will uphold organizational values, promote a harassment-free environment, and build a diverse workforce. The candidate who is selected will manage their staff by allowing them the flexibility and freedom to resolve issues and to be active participants in the decision-making process.

The ability to forge and maintain effective strategic partnerships with the end-user of services is critical to success, as is the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The successful candidate must exhibit sound and accurate judgment and be able to develop viable strategies to achieve organizational goals.

The successful candidate will ensure consistency utilizing best practices and must possess the management skills necessary to meet project deadlines on time and within budget, meet the priorities and goals established by the City Council and established by the CBO within the annual operating budget, and maintain established performance measures within acceptable ranges.

The next CBO is required to have a thorough knowledge of current principles and methods of modern building design and construction, knowledge of the proper use and application

of the International Construction Codes, the functions and operations of municipal

governance, and the principles of budgeting and budget administration. The new CBO should be able to interpret the adopted building and construction-related codes in the City of Wichita Falls. Experience with private construction experience is a plus for this

EDUCATION &

EXPERIENCE

The selected candidate must have five to

seven years of experience in residential and

commercial inspection, plan review, and/

or construction, preferably in a municipal

government setting. Supervisory experience is required. Knowledge and experience with International Code Council (ICC) building codes and National Electrical Code (NEC) are required.

The selected candidate must possess at least

two of the following five certifications and will be required to obtain all listed certifications within two years of employment:

) Texas State licensed plumbing inspector

) ICC certified building official (CBO)

) ICC plans examiner certificate

) ICC electrical inspector certificate

) ICC mechanical inspector certificate Preferred candidates will have a Bachelor’s

degree from an accredited college or

university and Chief Building Official and State

plumbing inspector’s licenses. Possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license are

required.

COMPENSATION &

BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $136,000 depending on experience and

qualifica-tions. In addition to a competitive salary, the City

provides a generous benefits package that

in-cludes a mandatory retirement plan through the

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) at a 7% employee contribution with a City matching ratio of 2:1, two voluntary 457 plans, as well as

comprehensive medical coverage, life insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and holidays.

City of Wichita Falls wichitafallstx.gov

Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce & Industry

wichitafallschamber.com/community-profile

Wichita Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau

wichitafalls.org

Choose Wichita Falls choosewichitafalls.com

Wichita Falls Downtown Proud

downtownproud.com

RESOURCES

FOLLOW US

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply online at: http://bit.ly/SGRCurrentSearches

For more information on this position contact:

Larry Bell, Sr. Vice President, Recruitment SGR

[email protected] 325-669-3671

The City of Wichita Falls is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check.