Plans Examiner

County of Thurston•Olympia, WA

About The Position

The salary for this position is: $5,959.00 - $7,926.00 monthly. The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Plans Examiner to join our Community Development Division. Under the guidance of the Building Supervisor, the Plans Examiner is responsible reviewing construction drawings and supporting documentation of residential, multi-family, and light commercial projects for compliance with the requirements of the State Building Code Act as adopted by Thurston County. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Review light commercial, residential, and multifamily construction documents and specifications for compliance to International Building, Mechanical and Fire Codes, Uniform Plumbing Codes, Washington State Energy Codes, Accessibility Codes, Regulations and the Thurston County Code for Special Flood Hazard Areas. Review and check engineering calculations submitted by engineers and architects. Review energy code forms and documentation for compliance to Washington State Energy Code. Review new or alternative construction techniques for compliance with alternate methods allowed under the code. Provide technical consultation, code interpretations, and communicate code requirements to internal staff, public, and design professionals to meet code compliance both in the office and field environment. Coordinate approval of non-residential projects with other departments having jurisdiction. Process and monitor applications, issue or deny permits, and schedule building inspections at different stages of construction. Assist in the investigation of code violations. Prepare comments for proposed projects and attends pre-submittal conferences. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and establish and maintain courteous and respectful working relationships with other departments, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the public. Enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality. Maintain certifications for employment; attend workshops and read technical literature to keep current on codes. The view the full job classification, click here: Plans Examiner WORKING CONDITIONS: Working Environment – Duties are typically performed indoors and outdoors in the Building Development Center and at jobsites. Occasionally exposed to temperature and other weather extremes. Physical demands – frequent standing, sitting, driving, and keyboarding. Occasional carrying, walking, climbing and reaching. Physical effort is required at the work location due to occasional heavy lifting up to 30 lbs. Schedule – Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or similar. Work demands may require work outside the assigned hours. Essential Personnel – This position may be considered essential personnel to ensure the operations of essential functions during an emergency or when the County has suspended operations. Travel Requirements – Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or visit jobsites. Customer Interactions – Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County Staff, and with members of the public. WHO WE ARE: The experts of Community Planning & Economic Development are on the leading edge of major issues affecting the residents of Thurston County including: Habitat Conservation Comprehensive Planning Stormwater Management Water and Climate Data Monitoring Rural Water Availability Planning Agriculture, Forestry, and Open Space Planning Joint Planning with the Cities in Thurston County Shoreline Management The team members of Community Planning & Economic Development make it a wonderful place to work and effect change. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED works to conserve natural resources, plan for resilient communities, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient and plan for future growth. Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES: Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information. Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays . Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences. Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working. Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com . Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.
Two (2) years of experience as a Plans Examiner, Building or Combination Inspector and three (3) years of experience in construction or related experience.
Additional years of experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
Must be certified by the International Codes Council (ICC) as a Commercial, Residential, or Combination Plans Examiner and Commercial, Residential, or Combination Building Inspector.
Valid Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the following Title 14 codes: Building, Existing Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Fire, Energy, Flood, and codes referenced within these codes.
Current Professional Engineer or Architect license recognized by Washington State.
Proficient in the use of spread sheets, word processing and internet research.
Ability to read and accurately interpret plans and specifications of any complexity and to compare them with construction in progress.
Comprehensive knowledge of building/construction practices and procedures, including mechanical, plumbing, and electrical.
Ability to analyze, calculate, and evaluate engineering calculations.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret construction documents and specifications.
Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.

Responsibilities

Review light commercial, residential, and multifamily construction documents and specifications for compliance to International Building, Mechanical and Fire Codes, Uniform Plumbing Codes, Washington State Energy Codes, Accessibility Codes, Regulations and the Thurston County Code for Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Review and check engineering calculations submitted by engineers and architects.
Review energy code forms and documentation for compliance to Washington State Energy Code.
Review new or alternative construction techniques for compliance with alternate methods allowed under the code.
Provide technical consultation, code interpretations, and communicate code requirements to internal staff, public, and design professionals to meet code compliance both in the office and field environment.
Coordinate approval of non-residential projects with other departments having jurisdiction.
Process and monitor applications, issue or deny permits, and schedule building inspections at different stages of construction.
Assist in the investigation of code violations.
Prepare comments for proposed projects and attends pre-submittal conferences.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and establish and maintain courteous and respectful working relationships with other departments, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the public.
Enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
Maintain certifications for employment; attend workshops and read technical literature to keep current on codes.