Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II

City of Port Orchard • Port Orchard, WA

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development, this role involves examining and reviewing building construction plans to ensure compliance with code requirements. The position may also assist with and fill in for the Building Inspector I to inspect construction sites, ensuring adherence to applicable ordinances, regulations, and safety standards. The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II performs various duties related to residential and commercial development, including plan checking and review of proposed projects, and interpreting building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. This role also involves providing explanations and guidance on applicable codes to customers, citizens, City staff, and other interested parties.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Four (4) years of experience in construction, building inspection, plan review, or code enforcement is required.
• Current, valid, unsuspended driver’s license is required upon hire.
• Out of state candidates are required to obtain a WA state driver's license in accordance with state law.
• Knowledge of construction codes including the Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, and 2018 International Building Code (IBC); applicable federal, state, and local laws, cods, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code enforcement; design and structural engineering principles, techniques, and practices; plans examination and review procedures; interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy; construction tools, equipment, materials, safety standards and modern methods of building construction; and modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and related word processing, permitting, and engineering software; perform complex and technical review of construction plans; perform a variety of inspections at construction sites; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers and co-workers, both orally and in writing; act in a professional and courteous manner; explain technical items and problems in a layperson’s terms, and read, interpret, apply, and explain regulations, codes plans, policies, and procedures.
• Must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, to work in and on structures under construction, to climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas.
• Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and distance vision are essential to performance of the position. Corrective lenses may be utilized.
• Must be able to hear alarms and have the ability to audibly identify the presence of a danger or hazard.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in municipal government
• ICC certification as either a Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, or Plans Examiner.
• Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex and technical review of construction plans and building proposals to determine and ensure compliance with building, plumbing mechanical, accessibility, Washington State Energy Code and all applicable local, state, and federal standards
• Review and evaluate proposed building plans and specifications blueprints to ensure proposed construction complies with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, barrier free requirements, grading, filling and related codes
• Explain codes, policies, and procedures to the developers, contractors, and other members of the public at the front counter, over the phone, in the field and in writing
• Perform residential, commercial, and industrial on-site inspections as needed at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimal safety standards
• Prepare written documentation with clearly organized thoughts in order to advise applicants of plan and design constructions
• Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes and regulations to provide information and technical assistance to engineers, architects, developers, other agencies and the public
• Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings and building construction
• Evaluate, recommend, and prepare revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations, as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books, journals, and ordinances to verify and interpret applicable codes
• Respond timely and professionally to members of the public and contractor questions concerning interpretation of building codes, construction issues, and City administrative procedure
• Maintain complete and accurate records of approved plans and assigned inspections
• Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed
• Reliable and regular attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• HRA VEBA account may also be provided
• Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation.
• The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually.
• Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter.
• Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED