Plan Examiner (Pay Grade 21) Afscme Local 1607

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations an eligible list which will be valid for a one-year period and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

This position serves as the entry point in a defined career ladder offering opportunities for advancement upon successful completion of required certifications and demonstrated satisfactory performance. The career ladder includes the following levels:

• Plan Examiner Paygrade 21
• Certified Plan Examiner Paygrade 23
• Senior Certified Plan Examiner Paygrade 25

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS :

An employee in this class reviews prints and plans for construction projects as well as plumbing and mechanical installations throughout the County prior to issuing building and utility permits. The purpose is to ensure that all plans comply with New Castle County codes related to construction and plumbing/mechanical systems.

This employee also determines whether the proposed construction is a permitted use within the applicable zoning classification and meets all setback requirements. They review permit applications for completeness and verify that all required outside permits have been obtained before issuing the permit. When technical issues arise in submitted plans the employee may advise architects engineers construction managers other professionals or the applicant on proper methods and materials to meet code requirements. The position requires staying current with new technical developments and engineered systems in the construction field.

If technical problems occur during construction or installation the employee may conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans. Depending on departmental needs the employee may be required to work extended hours including early mornings nights and weekends. This position may involve handling confidential matters and works under general supervision.

EXAMPLES OF WORK : (Illustrative only)

• Reviews and approves construction plumbing and mechanical plansand permit applicationsto assure compliance with all applicable New Castle County codes;

• Reviews literature publications and manufacturer installation instructions to maintain current knowledge of new equipment techniques technical developments and engineered systems in the construction plumbing and mechanical fields. Refers to engineering tables to check on the adequacy of proposed load bearing members in the structure;

• Interprets and provides information on New Castle County codes relating to construction plumbing and mechanical installations; meets with architects engineers contractors homeowners and other stakeholders to review plans resolve code-related issues ensure compliance with applicable regulations and represent New Castle County at community and public meetings;

• Makes recommendations on code-related matters including amendments variances modifications and enforcement actions;

• Calculates and estimates valuation of proposed construction for permit fees and processes or assists in processing applications;

• Coordinates with outside regulatory agencies to ensure that various approvals required for construction projects are obtained;

• Assists walk-in and electronic submission customers with questions permits and related matters ;
• Keeps appropriate records and prepares plan review reports; ongoing training as needed;

• Reviews and approves lines and grades for swimming pools garages accessory buildings and additions;

• Represents New Castle County on the Plumbing and Mechanical Code Technical Advisory Committee (PMC-TAC) and other public bodies as assigned;

• Works with New Castle County Code Enforcement to provide code interpretation and resolve problems relating to code violations and unpermitted activity;

• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;

• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment and software in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Thorough knowledge of building construction and alterations including plumbing and mechanical systems; thorough knowledge of the techniques and principles in reading and interpreting plans specifications and blueprints accurately; good knowledge of codes and ordinances relating to construction; ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary to compute estimated valuation of building projects; ability to design and size mechanical systems and ventilation; ability to use appropriate engineering tables to verify the adequacy of proposed load bearing members in structures; ability to maintain current knowledge of technical developments in the construction field; ability to communicate courteously and effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with architects engineers contractors and the public on problems of a technical nature; ability to maintain accurate records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• At least one (1) year experience in building construction plumbing and/or mechanical work and at least two (2) years of college course work involving drafting and interpretation of construction drawings; or an equivalent combination of experience education or training directly related to the required knowledge skills and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Possession of a valid Delaware Class D drivers license or its equivalent.
• Ability to pass a county background check.
• Successful completion of the following ICC required disciplines within time specified with maintenance of current status in all required areas (all costs associated with ICC examinations verification and subsequent maintenance of current status in such examination areas shall be borne by the employee or applicant unless otherwise provided for in a collective bargaining agreement):

REQUIRED DISCIPLINES ICC

Building Plan Examiner B3 within one-year of date of hire or promotion; and

Mechanical Plan Examiner M3 within 18 months of date of hire or promotion; and

Plumbing Plan Examiner P3 within 24 months of date of hire or promotion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard mouse and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to view computer monitors and read printed materials for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person over the phone and via virtual platforms.

• Plans and conducts training for plan review and inspection staff on new equipment installation procedures plan review techniques blueprint reading and other relevant topics; provides Occasional standing walking bending or reaching within the office environment.

• Ability to lift and carry light items (typically up to 15 pounds) such as files documents or office supplies.
• Ability to maintain concentration and focus in a standard office setting.
• Walking around properties (sometimes large lots)
• Climbing multiple flights of stairs
• Getting on and off ladders (to inspect roofs attics gutters)
• Crawling in tight spaces (crawlspaces under decks)
• Bending kneeling squatting frequently
• Standing for extended periods (24 hours per inspection)
• Minimum far vision standard of 20/40 with both eyes together with at least one eye with 20/40 or better with or without corrective lenses.

Laura McDermott
Office of Human Resources