Senior Plans Examiner - Building Inspection- Planning and Development Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

About The Position

The City of Dallas is seeking a Senior Plans Examiner for Building Inspection within the Planning and Development Services department. This role involves analyzing commercial and multi-family building plans and specifications for compliance with City Building Codes. The position offers competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and a chance to contribute to the city's development. The Senior Plans Examiner reviews, examines, and analyzes residential, commercial, and multi-family building plans and specifications for compliance with City Building Codes. Work is performed with considerable independence, with a supervisor providing technical assistance on complex problems. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for achievement of desired results and application of established codes and regulations.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and/or zoning codes with considerable knowledge of other City codes, ordinances and safety regulations affecting building construction.
Knowledge of City construction codes
Knowledge of state laws applicable to inspection
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with the general public while discussing, explaining and interpreting standards and codes.
Ability to read and accurately interpret construction plans, specifications and reference materials.
Ability to analyze facts, recognize problems, and to formulate and implement viable solutions
Ability to lead and direct subordinate staff and monitor work for quality control and standards.
Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in an Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management field.
One (1) year of experience in municipal building plans review/inspection OR light-frame construction with responsibility for interpreting and ensuring compliance with the International Building Code (IBC)
Valid driver's license with good driving record.
Must be able to obtain ICC Certification in an appropriate discipline within one (1) year of employment.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED plus five (5) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
Associate degree in an Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management field plus three (3) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
Associate degree in an Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management field plus ICC Building or Residential certification plus two (2) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
High school diploma or GED plus ICC Building or Residential certificate plus four (4) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Performs and completes building, fire, and energy reviews on large and small commercial and residential projects; evaluates and approves building and construction permits; repairs, drafts., and maintains technical reports regarding review activities.
Meets with contractors, builders and property owners in regard to the approval or disapproval of plans; explains and interprets the building code and regulations relative to the construction plans submitted; explains the methods of modifying plans submitted to comply with the building codes and regulations; and, gives advice to building inspectors; attends and participates in various pre-development meetings and delivers strong and competent technical advice on residential and commercial building codes, life safety, accessibility, and energy codes.
Examines blueprints, complex construction drawings and specifications of proposed buildings prior to the issuance of a building permit; discusses technical requirements of plans with engineers, contractors, builders or owners; suggests modifications and calls for corrections to plans as necessary; assists building personnel in resolving commercial and residential complaints from the public, architects, engineers, contractors, and attorneys; resolves complex building related compliance disagreements through communications and field inspections.
Computes square footage of buildings, estimates costs, and calculates building permits; reviews applications and makes adjustments as needed; ensures accurate construction types, occupancy classifications, sprinkler status, fire alarm status, and permit information for building development; ensures architectural and structural plans are coherent and that all lengths, measurements, and calculations are accurate.
Works closely and professionally with citizens and businesses in Dallas to interpret complex building codes in a clear and concise manner to promote livability, viability, and equitability within the City.
Collaborates and engages with Code Compliance officers, Building Inspection Administration, Current Planning Staff and Building Inspectors to address issues in the field.
Leads, trains, and provides direction for other plans examiners working in the field or in the office; provides insight, technical knowledge, and code expertise to ensure all building plans are effectively checked, examined, and approved; provides extensive and professional customer service and engages with the public in multiple ways.
Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.