A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Licenses and Inspections – Inspections, Safety & Compliance (L&I-ISC) enforces the City’s codes for the safe and lawful construction and use of buildings.  L&I-ISC issues building, plumbing, electrical, and zoning permits and business and trades licenses.  Also, L&I-ISC conducts building inspections for all permitted activities and patrols construction activity to ensure that all projects are permitted. In addition, L&I-ISC is responsible for managing the demolition of imminently dangerous structures and for responding to emergency calls related to structural collapses, fires, and related emergencies. L&I-ISC also provides administrative support to the appellate and advisory boards associated with the Department. 

Position Summary 

The L&I-ISC First Deputy Commissioner serves as the principal deputy, reporting directly to and advising the L&I-ISC Commissioner.  This position provides executive oversight of all enforcement activities for L&I-ISC including but not limited to construction inspections, emergency services, quality control, accreditation, contractor auditing and intergovernmental affairs.  This position also serves as the executive in charge of Departmental policies and strategic activities and serves as a member of the Department’s Executive Team.  Establishing effective working relationships with all departmental divisions, City agencies, City Council, external government agencies and model code associations are significant aspects of the work.  This is an executive-level position and a key leader of the department that fosters a results-driven, performance-oriented culture to advance the Department’s strategic goals.   

Essential Functions 

• Directs all operations of L&I-ISC; participates in the development of departmental goals, objectives and policies; evaluates operations in relationship to goals, objectives and policies; recommends to the Commissioner changes in operations and appropriate actions; develops, establishes and maintains relationships with other City agencies. 

• Plans, develops, establishes and maintains effective communications with City agencies, City Council, community groups, industry associations and related entities for all aspects of construction code enforcement. 

• Represents the department at various a variety of public and private functions. 

• Serves as representative of the Commissioner on various boards, panels and committees. 

• Performs related work as required. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

KNOWLEDGE OF:  

• the philosophy, principles and purposes of municipal codes and related ordinances 

• code management principles, administrative procedures and record systems used in controlling a code enforcement program 

• laws, ordinances, and regulations governing zoning and related codes 

• procedures utilized in the prosecution of code violations, and the enforcement of ordinances and statutes 

• the methods and techniques of interpreting and analyzing legislation 

• supervisory methods and techniques 

• inspection and investigation principles, practices and techniques 

• building code requirements related to construction, renovation, and alteration of commercial, industrial, public and private structures 

• laws pertaining to the building, fire, plumbing, electrical and zoning codes 

• current national construction-related code developments 

SKILL IN: 

• communicating and explaining the provisions of codes and related ordinances and departmental policies and procedures 

• communicating with the public affected by City code administration 

ABILITY TO: 

• plan, coordinate and direct the activities of a large and diverse staff through subordinate directors, managers and supervisors 

• study and evaluate a variety of data to establish and implement policy that results in an optimum level of public safety 

• successfully implement programs within the parameters of available resources 

• reach and implement decisions firmly, tactfully and impartially 

• express and present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing 

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners,  contractors, governmental officials, associates, and the general public 

• interpret, analyze and explain the provisions, scope and parameters of municipal codes and related ordinances as they apply to the construction of new and renovated buildings and structures 

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with construction managers, engineers, and architects 

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 

• At least seven years of progressively responsible managerial code enforcement experience, preferably in a government entity or large public organization. 

• Or any equivalent combination of experience.  We are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and references.

Salary: $180,000 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx