Job ID #31879: Senior Plan Examiner

City of Hamilton • Hamilton, ON

40d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Supervisor, Building Engineering, this role is responsible for the review, examination, and approval of plans and specifications to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and other relevant legislation for the issuance of building permits. The position involves issuing building permits for Part 9 buildings (residential, commercial, industrial), sewage and septic systems, and other miscellaneous permits. It requires examining, amending, and approving architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection/suppression system drawings and specifications. The Senior Plan Examiner acts as a technical expert for Part 9 buildings, liaises with the Inspection Team, assists in investigating unsafe buildings and septic conditions, and administers the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws. The role also includes training and mentoring staff, researching property information, determining construction material standards, analyzing structural design loads, and making decisions on building permit applications. Collaboration with other regulatory bodies and agencies is essential, as is responding to inquiries from various stakeholders. The position contributes to the development of technical guidelines and policies, investigates approvals, advises on deviations after permit issuance, manages data input/retrieval, assists with Development Charge By-Laws, prepares reports for the Building Code Commission, composes correspondence, and attends training. The incumbent must conduct all duties responsibly, addressing risk management and minimizing liability.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, construction practices, structural design, and engineering principles.
• Completion of a Community College Diploma from an Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology Program.
• Eligibility to be appointed as an inspector under the Ontario Building Code Act.
• Ability to investigate and analyze reports and determine infractions to the Building Code Act/Regulation, applicable municipal By-laws and Codes.
• Ability to review and verify various types of drawings, specifications, engineering reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to act independently, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to make 'judgement calls' and 'alternative measures' recommendations.
• Ability to act as a technical expert for Part 9 buildings in fire protection and life safety measures.
• Experience in a Municipal Building Department.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and coach.
• Numerical aptitude and computer literacy skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Successfully meet required qualifications for General Legal/Process, On-site Sewage Systems, and Small Buildings within 6 months of employment.
• Successfully meet required qualifications for Large Buildings, Plumbing All Buildings, Building Structural, and Building Services within 12 months of employment.
• Eligible for OBOA certification.

Responsibilities

• Review, examine, and approve plans and specifications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and other relevant legislation for building permit issuance.
• Issue building permits for Part 9 buildings (residential, commercial, industrial), sewage and septic systems, and other miscellaneous permits.
• Examine, amend, and approve architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection/suppression system drawings and specifications for conformance with codes and standards.
• Determine that construction materials and methods meet approved standards.
• Liaise with the Inspection Team as a technical expert for Part 9 buildings with fire protection and life safety measures.
• Assist Building Inspectors in investigating and determining unsafe buildings and septic site conditions.
• Administer the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law.
• Train and act as a technical resource for staff.
• Research maps, surveys, and property files to verify compliance with applicable law.
• Analyze and calculate structural design loads for Part 9 buildings.
• Determine acceptance or refusal of building permit applications based on conformity with applicable legislation.
• Work in coordination with other regulatory bodies, staff, and agencies (e.g., Fire Prevention Bureau, Niagara Escarpment Commission, Conservation Authorities).
• Receive and answer inquiries from the public, staff, contractors, architects, engineers, lawyers, and realtors.
• Advise, communicate, and liaise with staff, other departments, and industry professionals on interpretations of the Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-Laws, and construction practices.
• Provide input and participate in the development and improvement of technical guidelines, policies, procedures, and Sign By-law amendments.
• Investigate and follow up on approvals relevant to permit issuance.
• Advise owners and building inspectors/plans examiners on procedures and regulations for deviations or revisions after permit issuance.
• Input and retrieve data.
• Assist with the administration and interpretation of Development Charge By-Laws, including answering inquiries, performing calculations, and collecting fees.
• Prepare and provide reports and evidence for the Building Code Commission.
• Compose correspondence.
• Attend training courses as required.
• Conduct all duties responsibly, addressing risk management issues to minimize personal and municipal liability.
• Perform other assigned duties directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

What This Job Offers

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