Plans Examiner

Summary

This is technical work in the examination of architectural and structural plans for residential projects to ensure compliance with the Washington State Building Code and International Building Codes. Work involves providing technical advice to architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and field inspectors on code compliance and code interpretations. The Plans Examiner must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public.

The position will require that the incumbent have the ability to read and accurately interpret plans and specifications of any complexity, and to compare them with construction in progress. The Plans Examiner will report directly to the Building Official.

Plans Examiner I:
This is the entry level class in the Plans Examiner/Building Inspector Series. This class is distinguished from the Plans Examiner II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. The Plans Examiner I position performs a variety of duties related to residential development including plan check and review of proposed projects, interpretations of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, and environmental codes.

Individuals are expected to learn the full scope of the job assuming duties of increasing difficulty over time, and are required to obtain ICC certifications as listed under Special Requirements.

• Examine and review construction plans for residential structures to verify compliance with all applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes.
• Prepare and write comment letters to communicate deficiencies referencing applicable code sections. Communicate with project owners and design teams members as needed to resolve outstanding items.
• Visit construction sites to provide periodic inspections of foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and energy conservation compliance with applicable regulations and the approved plans, and permit documents.
• Answer questions by email, telephone, or in the field regarding code requirements for construction, structural, life safety, mechanical, plumbing, energy and other construction related questions.
• Operate computer equipment and software to perform plans reviews, generate comment letters, maintain inspection records and notices.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in construction codes, materials, and techniques.
• Use principles of good customer service, establish, and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, applicants, contractors, and design teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, equalize work periods, or balance the workload.

• Review and examine plans and specifications for compliance with the appropriate construction codes, in electronic and paper submittal forms.
• Perform basic engineering computations to review proposed building and structural systems.
• Identify inadequacies found in construction documents and specifications and requires that corrections be made to meet the requirements of the applicable codes and engineering standards.
• Evaluate test and data for suitability of materials and methods of construction or installation.
• Respond to inquiries from inspectors, architects, engineers and others including homeowners regarding applicable codes.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to improve quality customer service.

• Ethics and Integrity:
  Respects and maintains confidentiality. Earns trust, respect, and confidence through honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions
• Valuing Diversity:
  Help create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity treats all with acceptance and respect; and values diverse perspectives
• Communication:
  Effective communication skills to convey thought and information clearly and concisely to a broad audience. Strong writing and editing skills
• Relationship Building:
  Proven skills to create and maintain effective teams and partnerships
• Multi-tasking:
  Proven multi-tasking skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments in various stages simultaneously. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of the job assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly…