Plans Examiner

Job TitleTo perform a variety of tasks primarily involved in reviewing Commercial and Residential plans for compliance with the City Code of Ordinances; and to respond to and direct calls from contractors, developers, property owners and residents regarding code compliance and building permits.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAll behaviors comply with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Behavior outlined in Chapter 8 of the General Government Policies and Procedures Manual.Subscribe to and support the City's and Planning and Development Services Department's "Shared Values for Development Review."Confer with and advise members of the general public, property owners, architects, engineers, developers, and others regarding building and construction policies, procedures and standards; provide and explain requirements of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, property maintenance, signage, zoning and related codes and ordinances; discuss preliminary plan review.Answer questions and advise customers at Building Inspection front counter, via phone calls and emails by assisting public with proper building codes, requirements of plan submittal and the permitting process.Process applications and other permit submittals in a timely manner according to the City's and Department's rules on submittals, performance, project and permit vesting.Conduct preliminary review of Commercial and Residential plans and specifications for new construction, alterations and additions; ensure compliance with local, state and federal building codes and ordinances; prepare comments for each review using computerized plan review system when necessary. Each time revision of plans are submitted, review new submittal with Planning & Zoning to be sure revisions still meet Zoning requirements.Receive permit applications; review applications for completeness and usage of proper legal descriptions; recommend corrections or adjustments as necessary; route to and coordinate with all other departments.Accept Commercial and Residential building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, concrete, lawn sprinkler, signage, and demolition permit applications and calculate fees.Retrieve information on existing construction projects; coordinate and copy review comments from other departments; meeting as required for discussion of plan changes; require revisions to plans (or attach to plans when allowed) prior to issuing building permits; making sure all revision submittals continue to meet the Planning & Zoning approvals.Log and upload review comments into the City's approved project tracking management system.Consult with the Planning & Zoning Division when verifying land use and other pertinent information on all Certificates of Occupancy applications.Prepare information and reports, including conducting comparative surveys of neighboring cities.Other Duties and ResponsibilitiesAttend Pre-Application Meetings during training and attend in the absence of the Chief Plans Examiner or as required by agenda topic; attend Board of Adjustment monthly meetings and testify as necessary; attend Building Standards Board meetings and effectively manage the procedures, logistics and record keeping requirements of the meeting.Prepare, maintain and update planning related files and records.Teach or attend a minimum of 96 hours of training annually on the legal, administrative, mentoring and technical aspects of the ICC codes.Perform other duties as assigned.Minimum Job RequirementsEducation: High School diploma or GED. Minimum of thirty (30) hours college coursework from accredited college or university in architecture, engineering, construction science or other related field. Any International Code Council (ICC) certification may be substituted for college course work.Experience: Three years of experience in residential or commercial plans examination, building inspections, or permit processing. Each thirty hours of college coursework, if any, may substitute for one year of experience, up to a maximum of two years.Licenses and CertificatesPossession of a valid driver's license.Possess or obtain ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification within one year of promotion or employment with the City of Mesquite, and possess or obtain ICC Commercial Plans Examiner certification within three years of promotion or employment, unless waived or extended by the Building Official for good cause.Work ScheduleMonday - Friday; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.Physical Requirements / Work EnvironmentThis position does not require a physical for employment.Applicants with disabilities meeting the job requirements and capable of performing the essential functions of the job, either on their own or with reasonable accommodations, are encouraged to apply.BenefitsFull Time Employees:The City of Mesquite offers the Zero Premium, Employee Only Benefits under the following plans: High Deductible Medical Plan, Dental HMO Plan, Vision Plan, and Life Insurance. The City is self-insured and offers a choice of two medical plans: HSA, and High Deductible Medical Plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Employee medical coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates. Employees enrolled in the City's self-insured medical plan also have access to the Mesquite Employee Health Center (MEHC) clinic and pharmacy. The City offers three dental plan options: a managed plan (DHMO), an indemnity plan (DPPO), an enhanced indemnity plan (DPPO Enhanced). Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates. The City offers free Vision Insurance to all employees. Dependents can be added for an additional fee. Basic Group Life Insurance protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of two times the annual salary as recorded at the beginning of each year. The following voluntary benefits are available to full-time employees: Supplemental Life, AD&D Insurance, Cancer Insurance and Long-Term Disability Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS): All employees appointed to positions designated to work 1,000 hours or more per year must participate in the TMRS. TMRS is a qualified tax-deferred retirement plan under Section 401 of the IRS. Seven (7) percent of gross earnings are deducted each payroll as a pre-tax deduction and deposited into the member account. When an employee becomes vested and retires, the City provides 2-to-1 matching contributions. Other benefits include Social Security, Tax Saver Program (Section 125 Flexible Spending Account), Deferred Compensation Plans, Direct Deposit, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Personal Leave.