Chief Plans Examiner

Help Shape a Safer, Stronger Hillsboro!

The City of Hillsboro is seeking an experienced Chief Plans Examiner to lead our exceptional plan review program and help guide the safe, thoughtful growth of one of Oregon's fastest-growing communities. In this leadership role, you'll oversee a team of plans examiners, provide expert code interpretation, and work alongside design professionals, contractors, and City staff to move complex projects from concept to construction.

If you're a synergistic leader with deep building code expertise, a passion for public service, and a commitment to exceptional customer service, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As Chief Plans Examiner, you'll provide both technical and people leadership by:

• Supervising staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; proactively identifying potential problems and implementing solutions; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Overseeing daily activities of code enforcement and compliance related to plan examination functions for industrial, public, commercial, and residential construction
• Performs plan examination for projects requiring advanced technical interpretation or of a higher degree of complexity, or as staffing needs require.
• Recommends alternative design compliance methods and provides assistance with the Alternate Methods and Materials request process.
• Makes proactive and strategic recommendations to the Building Division Manager regarding code interpretation, policies, procedures, technology, and personnel.
• Performs building safety assessments in the event of a major earthquake or other disaster. Manages the emergency preparedness task for the building division as assigned. Will lead efforts in the Community Development Building Division Department of Operations Center.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a leader who brings:

• Extensive experience in commercial, industrial and residential building plan review and code interpretation.
• Proven supervisory or leadership experience, including coaching, developing, and supporting staff.
• Strong knowledge of Oregon building codes, ICC building codes, construction practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with technical professionals, customers, and internal partners.
• The ability to solve complex problems, make sound decisions, and balance technical accuracy with exceptional customer service.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, continuous improvement, and collaborative public service.

Current / Upcoming Projects

• Continued work on the Community Development Departments, Department Operations Center, and the Continuity of Operations Plan for the Building Division.
• Create interesting and relevant in-house training for the plan review and inspection teams alongside the Chief Building Inspector.

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree in Public Administration, Building Construction Technology, or a closely related field; and
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible building construction or plan review experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain all required State of Oregon Building Official and applicable inspection and plans examiner certifications within six months of hire, based on assigned discipline.

All State of Oregon approved certifications below within six months of hire:

Oregon Building Official Certification

Plus two of the following:

• Commercial Building Inspector A-Level (Oregon SIA or ICC B2)
• Mechanical Plans Examiner (ICC M3)
• Commercial Energy Plans Examiner (ICC 78)
• Commercial Fire Alarm Plans Examiner (ICC CN)
• Commercial Fire Sprinkler Plans Examiner (ICC CP)
• Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner (ICC 21)

Plus two of the following:

• Commercial Plumbing Plans Examiner (ICC P3)
• Commercial Building Inspector A-Level (Oregon SIA or ICC B2)
• Building Plans Examiner A-Level (Oregon PEA or ICC B3)
• Commercial Mechanical Inspector A-Level (Oregon MIA or ICC M2)
• Structural Inspector A-Level

Why Join Hillsboro?

At the City of Hillsboro, you'll play a meaningful role in shaping the community's…