Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II

Salary and Benefits Pay ranges from $42.71 to $49.54 per hour. Eligible for bilingual pay, increasing the base by 2% to $43.56 to $50.53. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. A Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits offer a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to two personal holidays annually. Vacation leave accrues at 0.0385 hours per straight‑time hour worked in the first two years, increasing thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per straight‑time hour worked. Major Function and Purpose Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development, examine and review building construction plans to determine compliance with code requirements. May assist building inspectors and fill in for Building Inspector I to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, and safety standards. General Function The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II performs a variety of duties related to residential and commercial development, including plan check and review of proposed projects, and the interpretation of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. Provides explanations and guidance regarding applicable codes to customers, citizens, City staff and other interested parties. Supervision Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Will coordinate workload with Building Inspector I and/or outside consultants. Job Duties and Responsibilities Perform complex and technical review of construction plans and building proposals to ensure compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, Washington State Energy Code and all applicable local, state, and federal standards. Review and evaluate proposed building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, barrier‑free requirements, grading, and related codes. Explain codes, policies, and procedures to developers, contractors, and the public over the phone, in the field, and in writing. Perform residential, commercial, and industrial on‑site inspections as needed at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimal safety standards. Prepare written documentation to advise applicants of plan and design requirements. Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations to engineers, architects, developers, other agencies, and the public. Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings and construction. Evaluate, recommend, and prepare revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations as assigned. Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books, journals, and ordinances. Respond timely and professionally to public and contractor questions concerning codes, construction issues, and City administrative procedure. Maintain complete and accurate records of approved plans and assigned inspections. Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed. Reliability and regular attendance are required. Other duties as assigned. Contacts and Relationships Will have contact with citizens, various City departments, planning groups and agencies, contractors, and design professionals. Working Conditions Work is performed indoors and outdoors, possibly in confined spaces or noisy work areas. Workers may be exposed to extremes in temperature, chemicals, noxious fumes, machinery, construction zones, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be required, including hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Overtime may be required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of construction codes including Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, and the 2018 International Building Code (IBC); applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code enforcement. Understanding of design and structural engineering principles, techniques, and practices; plans examination and review procedures; interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy; construction tools, equipment, materials, safety standards, and modern methods of building construction; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment. Ability to operate a personal computer and related word processing, permitting, and engineering software. Perform complex and technical review of construction plans. Conduct a variety of inspections at construction sites. Work independently with little direction. Communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers, and co‑workers, both orally and in writing. Explain technical items in layperson’s terms. Read, interpret, apply, and explain regulations, codes, plans, policies, and procedures. Physical Requirements Must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including standing or walking for long periods, working in and on structures under construction, climbing, bending, and working in tight or confined areas. Adequate close, color, depth, and distance vision are essential. Corrective lenses may be utilized. Must be able to hear alarms and identify danger or hazard alerts. Minimum Requirements High School diploma or GED is required. Four (4) years of experience in construction, building inspection, plan review, or code enforcement are required. Current, valid, unsuspended driver’s license is required upon hire. Out‑of‑state candidates required to obtain a Washington state driver’s license upon hire. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in municipal government and ICC certification as either a Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, or Plans Examiner. Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered. Accommodations for Disabilities Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified. Other Benefits and Policies Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as described above. Harbor Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2: defined benefit, employees contribute 5.38% of pay, vest after 60 qualifying months. Harbor Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3: combination defined benefit and defined contribution, employees elect 5–15% of pay, vest in defined benefit after 120 qualifying months. Deferred Compensation Plan (457 or DCP) allowing a portion of wages to be deferred for retirement. Work hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; evening, weekend and overtime may be required. Probationary period: 12 months. #J-18808-Ljbffr