WENDELL — The town will soon have a new building inspector, as Justin Gale accepted the part-time position after Selectboard members voted unanimously to offer him the job.

The Warwick resident interviewed for the job at the March 6 meeting, where he answered questions and spoke about this experience and qualifications. He explained he has worked as a building inspector in Marlborough and as a project manager.

“So I’ve seen both sides of the table, so to speak,” he said. “I’ve had to apply for permits and deal with building inspectors and try to get them to help me through the process.”

His appointment will be effective May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Town Coordinator Glenn Johnson-Mussad explained the building inspector position gets reappointed annually at the start of the fiscal year.

“Justin has committed to getting certain certifications by June 2025,” he said, “so the Selectboard will be looking at that before reappointing him next year.”

Gale will replace Phil Delorey, who is set to retire from the position on April 30. Delorey said he has served in the role since 1988, except for a couple of years in the middle of that tenure.

During his job interview, Gale told Selectboard members he is self-employed as the owner of a remodeling company. He said although most of his work is out of town, he is confident he can adjust his schedule to accommodate the Wendell position’s demands.

Gale also said he is familiar with small-town politics, which he said has “its own unique benefit.” He elaborated that a building inspector in a municipality like Wendell is more of a community member than a counterpart in a big city, as you are likely to see residents and builders at places like the grocery store.

“You do have to approach it with that in mind,” he said.

Gale also mentioned he is happy to help guide residents who choose to build structures by themselves, without a contractor.

Asked what Selectboard members would like to see from their building inspector, Vice Chair Gillian Budine said she wants reliable availability and continuation of the positive relationship fostered with the public.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.