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 position requires progressive code and industry knowledge in the plans examiner's primary discipline and good code knowledge in one other discipline, which may include electrical, energy, building, mechanical, plumbing, or fire protection. The Plans Examiner II begins applying basic plans-examination knowledge and techniques, receives guidance on unusual problems, complex features, and other non-routine assignments, and performs related work as required. This position is a technical assistant to the building official and operates at an intermediate level in the Plans Examiner career ladder. It develops a full understanding of plans-examination principles. Unlike a Plans Examiner III, the Plans Examiner II does not independently perform plans examination and project management at the full-performance level. It is also the entry level for the Facilitator position, which serves as a point of contact for homeowner-applicant projects, start-up or expanding small- to mid-size businesses, and first-time City contractors and property owners. Depending on the assignment, the position may include Facilitator duties, providing a single point of contact for customers and staff throughout the permit process; guiding designated applications through regulatory requirements; coordinating with other City departments; providing code reviews for qualifying homeowner and small-business projects; and managing qualifying projects through final inspection or certificate of occupancy. The position is part of the Medical/Scientific/Engineering/Technology Professions job family, contribution level 4, and a Career Ladder program. The FLSA status is exempt. The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction, related sciences, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Three years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline—architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, energy, or structural—or one year of satisfactory service as a City of Alexandria Plans Examiner I.
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.
Knowledge of computer applications and software used in plans examination.
Knowledge of topographic and construction surveying.
Knowledge of common building-construction methods and equipment, and inspection methods used to review the work.
Ability to interpret plans across architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire-protection, and plumbing disciplines.
Ability to work in a team environment and foster a positive work atmosphere.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with design and construction professionals, the public, and City staff.
Ability to prepare technical reports and present findings clearly and concisely.
Ability to collect and compile research data.
Ability to relate complex plans to construction in progress.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written form.
Successfully complete the applicable Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Plans Examiner II certifications within the 12-month probationary period after original appointment: Building—DHCD Commercial Building Plans Examiner Certification and DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner; Electrical—DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner and one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification; Fire Protection—DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner and one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification; Mechanical/Plumbing—DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner and one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification; or Site Plan—ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification and one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification.
A valid driver's license may be required for some positions.

Nice To Haves

Certified and practicing combination plans examiner in building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.

Responsibilities

Perform plans examinations of residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with the USBC.
Perform the duties of a Plans Examiner I, as applicable.
Provide guidance and direction to Plans Examiner I employees, as applicable.
Assist inspectors with code interpretations, the 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 the USBC 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 permits and construction documents.
Work with plans examiners, inspectors, permit-center staff, and administrative staff.
Attend training to maintain continuing-education and certification requirements.
Maintain current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines; attend meetings as required.
For Facilitator assignments, serve as a single point of contact for customers and staff throughout the permit process.
Guide designated permit applications through the regulatory process, monitoring progress toward permit issuance, final inspection, and certificate of occupancy.
Partner with other City departments to help applicants manage each department's requirements and act as a customer advocate.
Provide complete code reviews when appropriate for qualifying homeowner and small-business projects.
Manage customer relationships and conduct public outreach to establish effective customer-service practices.
Review, evaluate, and implement effective code processes and customer-relations practices.
Coordinate with department management and encourage cross-departmental coordination to make the permit process consistent, reliable, efficient, and seamless.
Monitor public perception through surveys or other means and adjust the program to maintain a high level of service.
Manage qualifying projects from application submission through final inspection or certificate of occupancy.
Develop relationships with other departments to build a coordinated team that resolves issues and expedites the permit process.
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.