Plans Examiner I

City of Arvada•Arvada, CO

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Arvada is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Plans Examiner I to play a key role in reviewing residential and small commercial building plans. This position supports the permitting process from intake to issuance, ensuring compliance with building codes and city ordinances. This role requires a solid understanding of construction practices, excellent communication skills, and a desire to grow a career in a collaborative, service-driven environment.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of a variety of inspection processes, construction practices, codes, and standards.
Basic knowledge of building construction and its materials, methods, and practices in all the trades.
Knowledge of local, state, and national codes
Strong customer service skills with emphasis on conflict resolution.
Demonstrates proficiency in permitting and inspection software used by the building division, and participates in training and troubleshooting to support staff and ensure efficient system use.
Ability to review permits, building plans, and applications for completeness and compliance to the building codes.
Ability to inspect building construction for conformity to building codes and standards.
Ability to perform basic structural calculations.
Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
Three (3) years of experience as a building inspector or plans examiner in a municipal/governmental setting.
An equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered.
Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Nice To Haves

International Code Council (ICC) Residential Plans Examiner certification.
Two (2) additional International Code Council (ICC) residential or commercial plans examiner or inspection certifications at time of hire or ability to obtain within one (1) year.
Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related field.

Responsibilities

Assists with building permit intake and permit issuance.
Performs simple over-the-counter plan review for small residential projects.
Interprets and applies building code requirements to review building plans for new single and multi-family residential construction, additions, and alterations, while also explaining building ordinances and codes to customers.
Verifies all permit documentation is submitted and all required reviews are completed by other City departments prior to permit approval or CO/TCO issuance.
Calculates building square footages, permit fees, and use tax.
Coordinates and attends various construction meetings to educate the customer on building code and permitting requirements.
Maintains comprehensive computer records by documenting code violations, entering review results, conducting online research for installation instructions, product listings, and specific requirements, while also reviewing building plan records, both digitally and in written form.
Establishes professional working relationships with contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and other city employees.
Provides timely information for a variety of people concerning city building, fire and other codes, ordinances and regulations.
Identifies, documents, and reports any problems or violations to the building official.
Performs field inspections to assist Building Inspectors with workload as needed.
Assist with the review and adoption of the building codes.
Maintains professional certifications and licenses.
Travels to and attends team and organizational meetings, training, events and activities and appropriately and professionally represents the department.
Performs site investigations, when necessary, to verify adherence to city building codes and other relevant ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Performs occasional after-hour emergency inspections as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.