Commerical Plans Examiner

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, reviews and checks commercial, industrial, and residential-related plans for compliance with local municipal building and zoning codes. Provides effective and efficient public service assistance to the general public as well as performs other duties as assigned. This position is a part of the Building Services Section of the Building & Community Services Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a multi-incumbent classification and the top-level class in the Plans Examiner series. This position performs commercial, industrial, and residential plan reviews and provides support to the other Plans Examiner positions. This position works with department administration, Building Inspectors, other Development Services Departments, developers, builders, subcontractors, owners, architects, and engineers. Employee reports to the Assistant Director of Building & Community Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviews commercial, industrial, and residential-related building permit applications for compliance with building codes and city ordinances. Participates in developing department goals, objectives and systems by recommending new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the department and services performed. Reviews plans and specifications of projects to gain familiarity with the projects prior to inspection; performs field inspections to evaluate the work performed and materials used. Processes revisions that address requested information or changes in scope of work to ensure compliance with codes and regulations. Interprets regulations, laws, and ordinances for purposes of plan examination. Reviews specifications and calculations. Advises the applicant on compliance methods. Makes adjustments as necessary. Authorizes approval or rejection of building permit applications based on examination and review. Maintains appropriate records and responds to inquiries directed to the department. Furnishes information to the public (citizens, builders, developers, architects, and engineers) regarding the requirements of building codes and City ordinances. Facilitates corrections to be made when deficiencies exist and may assist builders, owners, and design professionals in determining how corrections are to be made to ensure conformance. Ensures accuracy when entering and maintaining plan review and building permit records in computer files. Provides a high level of professional service to customers, both internal and external. Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work efficiently and effectively. Regularly recommends solutions to the Building and Community Services Director regarding commercial, industrial, and residential development challenges. Performs other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of City policies and procedures. Principles and practices of the construction industry and building trades. Methods and techniques of inspecting a variety of buildings and evaluating technical compliance. Principles and practices of building, energy, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspection. Knowledge of the International Residential Code, the International Building Code, the National Electrical Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fire Code, and other relevant federal, state laws, statutes, and standards. General principles of planning & zoning and records management. Customer service standards and protocols. Electronic plan review and development life cycle management software platforms. Ability to Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures. Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Understand written instructions, construction codes, ordinances, technical manuals, building plans, and construction drawings. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Read and interpret construction plans and blueprints. Interpret and apply applicable codes and ordinances to various commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Provide excellent customer service. Work under tight deadlines. Provide regular updates and follow-ups to management and customers regarding plan review statuses. Be open to code interpretations from the Building Official and facilitate development when possible. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Four (4) or more years of experience performing commercial, industrial, and residential plan reviews and/or field inspections. Any combination of education, experience, or certifications may qualify for this position. Licenses and Certificates Possess a Building Plans Examiner Certification issued by the International Code Council.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift or move moderately-heavy objects. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals. Work Environment The employee works in an office environment at times with frequent travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens and field conditions for inspections. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Waxahachie