2026 Plans Examiner

Plans Examiner

The City of Oregon City is recruiting for the next Plans Examiner in the Building Division.

All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This recruitment will remain open until filled; however, may close at any time. The first review of applications will take place Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at 5:00pm.

Candidates must apply online and include the following:

• Oregon City Application
• Cover letter
• Current resume

Receives and reviews building plans for compliance and conformance with applicable codes and regulations governing the construction or alteration of commercial and/or residential structures, based on certifications. Sets up and maintains computer aided systems for monitoring work in progress. Conducts site inspections as needed.

The Plans Examiner is the first level in a two-step career path for the review of building plans. The Plans Examiner requires an Associate Degree and ICC certifications as follows: R3 – Residential Plans Examiner, 79 – Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner, B1 - Residential Building Inspector & M1 - Residential Mechanical Inspector, along with the OIC – State of Oregon Inspector Certification.

Equivalent certifications from the State of Oregon or other recognized certifications may be considered. Additional certifications desired may include: P3 – Plumbing Plans Examiner, 3B – Building Plans Examiner, among others.

The list of duties is a representative sample of the work appropriate to this class and does not include all the duties or specific tasks that may be assigned to a particular position. The incumbent may perform a combination of some or all the following duties:

• Reviews permit applications and construction documents for predominately residential buildings and construction. May review permit applications and construction documents for commercial and industrial buildings, based on certifications. Verifies adequacy of documents after preliminary reviews. Review construction methods for the type of occupancy.
• Conducts reviews of construction documents for buildings to evaluate and determine compliance with the state building codes and other regulations including standards for structural adequacy, energy conservation, and accessibility.
• Examines residential building plans for building code requirements including location on property, structural adequacy, fire walls and fire rating of materials, egress requirements, stair and guardrail construction, smoke detection, minimum room sizes/dimensions, light and ventilation requirements, energy codes, weatherproofing and decay prevention, flood plan requirements, and other elements.
• Coordinates and facilitates reviews in conjunction with other agencies such as but not limited to Fire departments.
• Answers questions and interprets code, technical, and procedural concepts orally, graphically, and in writing to a diversity of technical and non-technical people with a wide range of expertise.
• Writes check sheets identifying required corrections and necessary additional information. Determines need for review by others such as engineering. Answers applicant's questions and resolves or refers problems to higher levels of expertise.
• Conducts plan re-reviews for corrections and changes. Processes plans for final approval.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends in construction methods and materials and changes in codes.
• Sets up and maintains files and data including statistical data on permitting activity.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
• May perform residential and/or commercial inspections per certifications, as needed.

Requires a working knowledge of codes, regulations, and laws governing building and land use for one-and-two family dwellings. Requires a working knowledge of the permitting process steps and special policies, practices, technicalities, and work methods for the department. Requires sufficient knowledge of and skill in English grammar and composition, to prepare routine correspondence in business and/or legal formats. Requires knowledge of and skill at using personal computers, common office productivity software,…