Associate Plans Examiner

City of Vancouver

9d • $7,830 - $10,013 • Onsite

About The Position

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment. We’re currently recruiting for an Associate Plans Examiner position. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform professional and technical level work in the building codes field. Review plans, permit submittals and construction documents for compliance with applicable city and state building and construction codes. Assist contractors, architects, engineers, homeowners, and general public with technical aspects of construction codes and the plan review approval process. Associate Plans Examiner work includes: One- and two-family dwellings, adult family homes, and townhouses up to 3 stories and their accessory structures. Wood framed multi-family residential structures up to 3-stories high. Group B, M, S and U occupancy structures up to 4,000 SF.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of experience in construction trades as contractor, building inspector, plans examiner.
• Equivalent to an Associate’s Degree with major coursework in architecture, engineering, building inspection, construction technology, or related field.
• Basic skills in permit and inspection tracking database systems; experience preferred with Hansen CDR, Project DOX, GIS and Hummingbird;
• Basic skills in electronic review software
• Basic skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Possession of/Ability to obtain: ICC certification as IBC Building Plans Examiner and one other Plans Examiner or Inspector certification within one year of hire
• Knowledge of International Building, Energy, Residential, Fire, Mechanical Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, and related amendments and ordinances of State of Washington and City of Vancouver.
• Knowledge of National and industry standards and specifications for materials of construction and their proper use.
• Knowledge of Operation, services, and activities of the building department and code enforcement process.
• Knowledge of Legal and administrative principles and techniques of permitting, building inspection and plan review process.
• Knowledge of Principles of structural design, and engineering mathematics.
• Knowledge of Methods of construction and materials generally used for building construction.
• Knowledge of Pertinent federal, state and local laws and regulations governing building construction.
• Knowledge of Modern office methods, practices, procedures and computer equipment.
• Knowledge of Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Knowledge of Use of personal computers and basic software
• Ability to read and interpret complex building construction plans, specifications, and calculations.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge in examining plans to identify materials, construction processes, or concepts that may not comply with the code requirements.
• Ability to make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to enforce necessary regulations fairly with firmness and tact.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Ability to work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Ability to work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Ability to project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Ability to consistently provide quality service
• Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Ability to show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Ability to promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Ability to recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Hansen CDR, Project DOX, GIS and Hummingbird

Responsibilities

• Perform professional and technical level work in the building codes field.
• Review plans, permit submittals and construction documents for compliance with applicable city and state building and construction codes.
• Assist contractors, architects, engineers, homeowners, and general public with technical aspects of construction codes and the plan review approval process.
• Technical review of construction plans, specifications, and calculations to verify that structural elements of buildings will safely resist the forces of wind, snow, and the dead and live loads noted in the codes and safely resist the shear and torsion imposed by expected seismic forces.
• Technical review of plans to verify the code compliance of required health and welfare features of buildings such as; minimum light and ventilation, heating and cooling equipment, air handling equipment, water distribution systems, waste drainage systems, etc.
• Meet with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other permit applicants to assist them in understanding the code requirements; research into the intent of code requirements to assist people in their attempt to comply with such requirements; conduct site inspections as necessary.
• As assigned, provide building codes assistance to permit counter staff and customers.
• Research, analyze, and review existing and proposed code requirements, and make recommendations for changes and/or adoption to management.
• Analyze building, fire, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes for specific code requirements for particular types of buildings; confer with supervision, building inspectors, and other technical sources to determine the appropriate interpretation of code items.
• Enter plan review information and update permit tracking system.
• Maintain necessary files, records, and reports related to the plan review and code interpretation process.
• Coordinate plan review activities with permit team, Building Inspectors, Land Use Planning, Engineering Services, Fire Marshal’s Office, and other departments and agencies.
• Determine and enter permit approval conditions and requirements; assist contractors and applicants during temporary occupancy approval and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Negotiated step increases based on seniority
• Step credit at hire for directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree