Plans Examiner

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Review new and existing commercial and residential plans, specifications, and structural designs for compliance with federal, state and local codes and ordinances. The ideal candidate desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the Code Official, this position will oversee and manage complete commercial and residential plan review and permit issuance. This position consults with; designers, engineers, architects, developers, contractors, and the general public as it relates to code interpretations, and application and use of construction methods and materials. This position will coordinate with City departments including Planning and Zoning, Fire, Public Works, Water, and other city staff on issues related to permit issuance, code interpretation and specific projects.

• Examine Plans, documents and specifications to determine compliance with federal, state and local codes and ordinances;
• Works collaboratively with building officials, inspection staff, architects, engineers, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office to interpret requirements and restrictions, advises on new building methods and materials to establish good building practices;
• Assists in determining appropriate project valuation and permit fees;
• Responds to code related inquiries & concerns from the public;
• Answer questions from stakeholders related to code enforcement, the permitting,  plan documents, etc.
• Assists with development and implementation of procedures, policies, informational bulletins/literature and materials used in daily operations;
• Participate in the recommendation and drafting of building and other related code amendments and changes;
• Participate in development review team meetings to provide guidance as it relates to building code compliance, to contractors, developers, architects and/or engineers related to conceptual or proposed developments..
• Maintain records and accompanying documentation for permit applications and prepare reports for use by administration.
• Work closely with inspectors and permit techs,  providing support and cross functional team work.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Building and Construction - Knowledge of construction means, methods and materials, both residential and commercial.  Ability to read construction plans and documents.  Knowledge of zoning regulations, codes, policies and ordinances.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services which includes;  customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology which includes applying principles, techniques, procedures to evaluate construction requirements.
• Design – General knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, and drawings.
• Technology - Knowledge of personal computers, word-processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving – Noticing a problem, thinking about the pros and cons; and figuring out the best way to solve it.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Knowledge of advanced construction techniques, procedures and methods related to plan review, and current building codes & building materials;

• or equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training to meet the required qualifications.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Certification as a Building Plans Examiner within one year of date of hire as issued by the International Code Council.   

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• The ability to create and present educational training to field inspectors and office staff.
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Science, Construction Administration, engineering, architecture or related field; 
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, code enforcement, plan review and/or construction experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Operates office equipment. 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time. 
• Subject to recall at various times including holidays and after hours. 
• May remain in a stationary position for an hour or more. 
• The ability to identify and avoid unsafe working conditions to maintain personal safety at all times.  Ability to utilize appropriate safety equipment including eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators.  Ability to test to the necessary fit testing standards for the appropriate level of respiratory protection for the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• General work is conducted in the office, some field work. 
• Ability to work outside. 
• May work in areas that are somewhat uncomfortable due to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, lighting, or temperature variation. 
• Travels to various locations, ability to operate a variety of department vehicles. 
• Ability to navigate various terrain including construction sites and function in a variety of weather conditions common in Iowa. 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds. 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.
  
 FLSA (OVERTIME) STATUS: Exempt