Building Energy Plans Examiner II / Gs 21

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

Under supervision, performs plans examination work reviewing residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The role requires progressive code and industry knowledge in the plans examiner's primary discipline and good code knowledge in one other discipline—electrical, energy, building, mechanical, plumbing, or fire protection. The examiner begins applying basic plans examination knowledge and techniques and receives guidance on unusual problems, complex features, and non-routine assignments. The position is an intermediate-level technical assistant to the building official in the Plans Examiner career ladder, developing a full understanding of plans examination principles. It is distinguished from Plans Examiner III, which independently performs full-performance plans examining and project management, and Plans Examiner I, which performs entry-level work developing plans examining skills. Plans Examiner II is also the entry level for the Facilitator position, serving homeowner applicants, start-up or expanding small- to mid-size businesses, and first-time City contractors and property owners. Depending on assignment, the position reviews construction documents and coordinates building systems for code compliance, supports inspectors and other staff, researches materials and equipment, and uses electronic tools to process permits and construction documents. Facilitator duties include guiding qualifying applications through the permit process, serving as a customer advocate and point of contact, coordinating with City departments, and managing qualifying projects through final inspection or certificate of occupancy. The position requires an associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction, or related sciences; three years of professional engineering experience in the plans examiner's primary discipline; one year of satisfactory service as a City of Alexandria Plans Examiner I; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Required DHCD Plans Examiner II certifications vary by functional assignment and must be completed within the 12-month probationary period. A valid driver's license may be required for some positions.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction, or related sciences; three years of professional engineering experience in the plans examiner's primary discipline; one year of satisfactory employment as a Plans Examiner I with the City of Alexandria; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Successful completion within the 12-month probationary period of the applicable Virginia DHCD Plans Examiner II certifications: Building assignment—DHCD Commercial Building Plans Examiner and DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner; Electrical, Fire Protection, or Mechanical/Plumbing assignment—DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner and one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification; Site Plan assignment—ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner and one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification.
A valid driver's license may be required for some positions.
Knowledge of the USBC, reference standards and codes, and City of Alexandria ordinances applicable to building construction, or the ability to acquire that knowledge readily.
Knowledge of plans examination and engineering principles, theory, and practice; associated computer applications and software; topographic and construction surveying; and common building construction methods, equipment, and inspection methods.
Ability to interpret plans across architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire-protection, and plumbing disciplines; work effectively in a team; and establish and maintain effective relationships with design and construction professionals, the public, and City staff.
Ability to prepare clear, concise technical reports and presentations, collect and compile research data, relate complex plans to construction in progress, and communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience reading and interpreting construction documents, specifications, codes, and regulations involving the International Energy Conservation Code and International Building Code.
ICC or DHCD Commercial Energy Plans Examiner certification.
ICC or DHCD Residential Energy Plans Examiner certification.
ICC or DHCD Commercial Building Plan Reviewer certification.

Responsibilities

Review residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with the USBC.
Perform the duties of Plans Examiner I, as applicable, and provide guidance and direction to Plans Examiner I employees when assigned.
Assist inspectors with code interpretations, functional intent of USBC requirements, construction methods, and material performance.
Review construction documents with contractors, homeowners, architects, and engineers regarding USBC requirements, construction practices, and industry standards.
Coordinate architectural layouts with structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire-protection systems to minimize construction or performance conflicts.
Research and evaluate equipment, materials, and construction assemblies for compliance with USBC requirements and industry standards.
Review and approve shop drawings and third-party quality-control inspection reports submitted under the USBC and the City of Alexandria Special Inspections Program.
Use electronic tools to review and process permit and construction documents.
Work with other plans examiners, inspectors, permit center staff, and administrative staff; attend required meetings and training; and maintain current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines.
For Facilitator assignments, provide a single point of contact for customers and staff throughout the permit process and guide designated applications toward permit issuance, final inspection, and certificate of occupancy.
Coordinate with other City departments and help applicants manage departmental requirements; provide complete code reviews for qualifying homeowner and small-business projects when appropriate.
Act as a customer advocate, manage relationships and public outreach, and implement effective customer-service and code-process practices.
Monitor public perception through surveys or other means and adjust the program to maintain a high quality of service.
Manage qualifying projects from application submission through final inspection or certificate of occupancy, and develop relationships across departments to resolve issues and expedite permits.
Build working relationships with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Small Business Resource Center, and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to discuss potential projects and implementation strategies.