Plans Examiner

Technical Position in Department of Neighborhood and Business Development

This is a technical position in the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development responsible for reviewing and recommending approval of plans for large construction projects and the more complex alterations and renovations. Incumbent occasionally inspects construction sites and performs other field inspections and may be required to perform emergency inspections due to fires and other structural impacts. Work is performed independently with general direction from senior level staff and the Permit Office Manager. Related work is performed as required. Under the NY HELPS Program, the Civil Service Exam for this title has been waived. City residency will be required within one year of hire.

CITY RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF HIRE.

Typical Work Activities

• Reviews architectural plans of proposed new construction, renovation, and remodeling projects, and may also develop such plans;
• Monitors construction and reviews plans for compliance with contracts, agency construction standards, and various local and state building codes;
• Issues building permits for various types of construction; including mechanical, electrical and plumbing work;
• Confers with City staff, property owners, contractors, architects, and engineers to explain code requirements and code enforcement actions, and to suggest reasonable construction alternatives to meet code requirements;
• Inspects construction in the field, answering contractor's questions, observing test procedures, photographing project details, and verifying work is being done according to plans and codes;
• Participates in meetings with City staff and outside agencies in order to identify code related problems on permit applications or design proposals;
• Conducts field inspections when technical scope of assignment is beyond the capabilities of the inspection staff and to assure uniform application of code provisions;
• Reviews and evaluates existing codes and procedures, recommends and implements changes;
• Assists contractors, developers, and property owners by providing building code information at the public counter and over the phone;
• Inputs, updates and retrieves information on specifications and project files using personal computer;
• Updates property files on the City's automated Building Information System and maintains other files as appropriate;
• Prepares reports and related business correspondence.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalency, PLUS: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or other related field PLUS five (5) years of paid experience (or its part-time equivalent) preparing plans or reviewing commercial projects for compliance with local and state building codes. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Employee must complete the requirements for and obtain a New York State Basic Code Enforcement Training Certification for building and property inspectors, within eighteen (18) months after the date of appointment. Training will be arranged by the City of Rochester at time of appointment. Possession of a valid New York State Class D Driver's License at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Benefits

For full-time employees: The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. For less-than full-time employees: The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.