Plans Review Specialist (Series)

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

1h • $19 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for facilitating the process for plan submittal and completing entry-level reviews within the Land Development Office. Provides technical support to City officials, design professionals, and the public, and maintains paper-based and electronic information systems. Provides technical support for users of the automated permitting system and ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS). Work is performed with limited supervision. The Plans Review Specialist is a 3 three-level plans review series.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of any combination of relevant education, training, or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job will be considered.
• Associate's degree with coursework emphasizing engineering or architecture.
• Working in the construction or building industry, familiarity with computer programs, and customer service.
• Associate Degree with coursework emphasis in Civil Engineering or Building Construction; two (2) years’ supplemental experience involving building construction, architecture, civil engineering, and/or zoning/building code enforcement, to include interpretation of blueprints and building codes; or any combination of equivalent experience and education preapproved by the Director of the Land Development Office, Assistant Director of the Land Development Office, or Chief Building Official.
• Associate degree with coursework emphasis in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and/or Building Construction supplemented by four (4) years' experience involving building construction, architecture, civil engineering, and/or Code enforcement.
• Experience should include interpretation of blueprints, building codes, and plan/permit review, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.
• Valid Driver's License
• Residential Building Inspector (B1) or TDEC EPSC Level 1 Certification
• Building Inspector Certification (B2) or TDEC EPSC Level 1 Certification
• CPMSM, TDEC SCM Inspection and Maintenance, or TDEC Level 2
• Knowledge or familiarity of basic engineering or architectural principles; database systems; applicable terminology; customer service principles; general construction practices and applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, processes, and procedures.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications; providing customer service; interpreting and applying applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, processes, and procedures; creating and editing layers in the GIS databases; reviewing engineering plans for compliance with applicable codes; conducting research; communicating technical information to a non-technical audience, communication, and people skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

• This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Plans Review Specialist 2 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series.
• This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Plans Review Specialist 3 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series.

Responsibilities

• Examines residential applications and commercial building plans, sewer drawings, and site drawings submitted for permitting.
• Verifies completeness of civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing drawings and forwards for review; verifies.
• Submitted plans meet a variety of code requirements prior to plan acceptance; assembles, approves, or forwards to appropriate individual(s) on a case-by-case basis.
• Inputs a variety of plans, permitting data, and information into applicable database(s).
• Responds to and assists City officials, Internal departments, Individuals, External organizations/agencies, and other interested parties regarding permitting processes, codes, and requirements.
• Conduct research to verify and validate parcels, service availability, easements, setbacks, zoning requirements, and/or other applicable information.
• Review commercial and residential submittal packages for compliance with applicable zoning, health, safety, and welfare codes prior to issuing permits.
• Review submittal packages for new buildings and structures, and remodeling projects for conformance with applicable codes, established specifications, and approved construction plans.
• Interpret and enforce the provisions of applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies, and/or procedures; initiate any actions necessary to correct deviations and/or violations.
• Provide information and technical assistance concerning code requirements; resolve problem areas with architects, contractors, developers, engineers, and/or other stakeholders; recommend solutions to problems; respond to questions and/or complaints concerning code violations.
• Conduct site visits as needed to obtain information on projects to ensure compliance with the Code. Observe the surrounding areas of Variance Application sites.
• Prepare or complete various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, and/or other documents.
• Review, complete, process, forward, and/or retain as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, City Council reports, meeting minutes, architectural drawings, construction plans, fire district maps, zoning maps, tax maps, manuals, code books, ordinances, standards, reference materials,and/or other documentation.
• Maintain logs of review and approval records.
• Meet with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and/or the public to discuss codes and/or compliance issues.
• Coordinate the review of site plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and/or flood requirements.
• Attends Pre-Submittal meetings
• Coordinate 311 System responses for the Division, assign or transfer requests as necessary, and/or close and comment as necessary.
• Serves as a lead to lower-level plans review staff to include assigning and monitoring work, training staff on work methods and procedures, and providing direction; supervises and performs review of blueprints, construction drawings, and site plans for new buildings and remodeling projects for conformance with applicable Codes, established specifications, and approved construction plans.
• Educates and/or provides guidance for the City’s On-line Permitting & Licensing system.
• Consults with assigned staff to review work requirements, status, and problems; assists with complex, unusual, or problem situations; provides direction, advice, and technical expertise.
• Approves building permits for commercial and residential projects.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, appeals board reports, variance board reports, city council reports, fire district maps, historic certificates, architectural drawings, construction plans, zoning maps, tax maps, manuals, Code books, ordinances, standards, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.
• Prepares plans for storage and maintains logs of review and approval records.
• Reviews residential and commercial plans, ranging from routine to complex, for compliance with applicable zoning, health, and life safety Codes prior to issuing permits.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree