Plans Examiner I​/II

The City of Thornton, Colorado is seeking a knowledgeable and customer-focused Plans Examiner to join our team. This position plays a vital role in ensuring safe, code-compliant construction while providing exceptional service to residents, contractors, and design professionals. If you are passionate about building safety, enjoy problem-solving, and take pride in helping projects move successfully from concept to construction, we encourage you to apply and become part of a collaborative team dedicated to serving our community.

Under specified supervision, performs complex technical plans review and permit and license approvals to assure compliance with various City codes, ordinances and standards.

Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Plans Examiner series. Incumbents entering this class have limited directly related work experience. Work performed at this level is routine and moderately complex. Generally, work is closely observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion.

Under general supervision, this is the journey-level class in the Plans Examiner series. Work performed at this level is complex. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of work assigned to this class and to work with considerable independence and initiative. May train other staff on plans examining procedures.

• Reviews commercial and residential construction blueprints, drawings, plans, and specifications for compliance with building codes, ordinances and standards.
• Assists with permit and license approvals.
• Coordinates with other staff and departments to have plans reviewed for compliance with fire, zoning, and other building codes.
• Tracks plans at various stages of the review/approval process; consults with engineers, architects, contractors, and citizens to interpret and explain building codes.
• Recommends modifications for meeting building codes; writes letters to building owners and architects to apprise them of comments received and approval status.
• Answers questions on building codes; provides customer services to the general public and responds to inquiries, concerns or complaints.
• Creates and maintains project files.
• Meets with inspectors in the field to provide clarification of issues on site regarding special or atypical inspections; performs inspections upon request.
• May provide training on plans examining procedures.
• May be required to work overtime.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/

Experience:

• Plans Examiner I: High school diploma or GED; and three years' experience in construction or related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Plans Examiner II: High school diploma or GED; and seven years of city or county plans examining, building inspection, or related experience.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Plans Examiner I: Residential Plans Examiner (R3) certification from the International Code Council (ICC) required within the first year of employment.
• Plans Examiner II: In addition to the Residential Plans Examiner (R3) certification from ICC, the following ICC certifications are also required:
  Commercial Building Plans Examiner (B3), and Mechanical Plans Examiner (M3) OR Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2), and Plumbing Plans Examiner (P3) OR Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2).
• Both levels may need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

• Plans Examiner I:
  • Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
  • Skill in interpreting and explaining building codes.
  • Skill in performing building inspections.
  • Ability to track plans at various stages of the review and approval process.
  • Ability to provide quality customer service.
  • Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
  • Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, builders, contractors and community members.
• Plans Examiner II:
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to construction and building inspection.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of construction design.
  • Skill in reviewing commercial and residential construction blueprints, drawings, plans, and specifications for compliance with building codes.
  • Ability to coordinate effectively with other departments to have plans reviewed for compliance with fire, zoning, and other building codes.
  • Ability to recommend modifications for meeting building codes.
  • Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.
  • Ability to interpret,…