Plans Examiner I

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

1d•$26 - $41

About The Position

This is inspection and technical review work of construction plans submitted in the permit application process to assure compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and associated City ordinances. Per the Florida Statute, Chapter 468, the plans examiner’s responsibilities must be performed under the supervision and authority of the Building Official without interference from any unlicensed person. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor, work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills and emphasis on compliance plans examination duties, specialized knowledge of construction and Florida Building Codes, and the enforcement of FBC requirements with contractors and owners as well as the exercise of individual discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of the code. NOTE: The Plans Examiner II classification is the second in a series of four Plans Examiner classifications. The Plans Examiner II typically has a Standard Plans Examiner license with One and Two Family Dwelling category and at least two trade categories (e.g., building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing). However, plans examiners may be assigned to review construction plans in all areas for which he/she is licensed without respect to the assigned job classification level of Plans Examiner I through IV.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and five (5) separate years of work experience for two of the job related, standard plans examiner categories listed: building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing; or a Bachelor degree in Building Construction, Architecture, or Engineering; or possession of a current State of Florida contractor’s certificate; or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program or college construction related course work can be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience.
Must be certified as a State of Florida Standard Plans Examiner in at least two (2) plan examination trade categories (e.g., Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing).
May be certified as a State of Florida Standard Plans Examiner in One and Two Family Dwelling.
May be certified as a State of Florida Standard Inspector within related trade categories.
Thorough knowledge of methods and practices involved in building construction and plan reading skills.
Thorough knowledge of materials and methods used in building construction and of the stages of construction when possible defects and violations may most easily be observed and corrected.
Thorough knowledge of the City permitting process.
Thorough knowledge of the City plan examination procedures, inspection procedures, licensing procedures and pertinent ordinances.
Ability to read and interpret construction diagrams, plans, and blueprints and to recognize deviations from such plans in building construction and installation processes.
Ability to identify construction that does not comply with the applicable Florida Building Code or plans and specifications.
Ability to make independent decisions in the field on interpretation and enforcement of the Florida Building Code.
Ability to work effectively with building owners, contractors, architects, engineers, coworkers and the general public.
Familiarity and competence in the operation of personal computers, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, and internet-based reporting systems.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Reviews plans for compliance with the FBC and associated City ordinances to ensure public health and safety.
Issues reviewed building permit applications.
Processes the plan review in a timely manner.
Packages approved plans, supporting documentation, review notes and inspection signature card, and issues the building permit.
Notifies the applicant that the plans are ready for pick-up.
Confers with contractors, architects, engineers, and others regarding construction codes and building plans, and related codes and ordinances enforced by the building inspection department.
Prepares and maintains technical records and reports.
Provides advice and assistance to other departmental personnel on technical and administrative problems related to the building inspection department.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
Confers with the Building Official on questions of departmental policies.
May conduct on-site inspections for compliance with the FBC and associated City ordinances to ensure public health and safety.
Assists customer service and permit processing as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.