Plans Examiner - Commercial

Plans Examiner – Commercial

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Plans Examiner – Commercial. This position will examine and evaluate plans, specs, and other documents submitted by contractors, engineers, and applicants for compliance. Advises applicants of needed changes (in drawings) to satisfy applicable codes.

This opportunity is not to exceed a max compensation amount of $74,360/annually.

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Examining plans submitted by contractors, engineers and applicants for compliance with building construction codes, which have been adopted into the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Interpreting the information shown on plans to determine whether the plans comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Determining whether the proposed construction shown on the plans are compliant with the applicable codes
• Meeting with engineers, owners and contractors to communicate the results of the review effort
• Preparing letters and reports regarding the results of the plan examination efforts and the procedures to expedite permit processing
• Coordinating the permit process to facilitate timely reviews by other departments within the agency or City
• Communicating the results of the review effort with the owner of the project, their engineer and/or the contractor
• Advising owners, contractors and engineers (face-to-face, email or phone) whether proposed construction techniques satisfy the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Advising applicants of changes needed in drawings so that the proposed construction will satisfy the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Preparing written documents for simple projects based on a verbal description from the permit applicant
• Assisting, accepting and processing permit applications from technicians and engineers at the counter
• Training inspectors regarding duties and procedures
• Efficiently coordinating permit processing activities for other City Departments related to a project, so project remains on schedule
• Examining buildings' systems intended for renovation and issuing detailed reports/reviews identifying areas of corrections/updates needed, so the building will be compliant with applicable codes for new use
• Performing other duties that may be required to support the goals of City Council, the Department of Planning and Development Review and the Bureau of Permits and Inspections
• Providing quality customer service to permit applicants.

This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather. This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call, as needed.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local building codes
• Construction materials and practices
• Engineering and design standards and practices; and, building construction techniques
• Skills in computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite; and, effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with engineers, contractors, and owners to resolve any questions or differences

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, building construction, or related field
• One year of inspection and plan review experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some assignments may require a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development certifications within a timeframe established by the City: Building Plans Examiner for Commercial
• Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (Building Plans Examiner R3 - ICC) within 12 months of hire. Should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline.
• Where required by local policy to have two or more certifications, a technical assistant shall obtain the additional certifications within 3 years from the date of such requirements
• Employees are required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency.
• Applicants already DHCD certified, please provide a copy of this certification upon hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, HR Division Chief by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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