Senior Plans Examiner

City of Marysville•Marysville, WA

About The Position

The Senior Plans Examiner reviews construction plan submittals for compliance with applicable building, residential, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, accessibility, fire, and existing building codes and standards. The position also evaluates amendments, local ordinances, and referenced standards to confirm regulatory compliance. As needed, the examiner inspects buildings under construction and takes steps to ensure compliance with building codes and general safety standards. The work requires thorough knowledge of construction methods and materials, inspection techniques, building and zoning codes, and administrative enforcement procedures. The incumbent works independently, applies professional expertise and established guidelines, and makes non-routine judgments and recommendations to management on complex issues. The role provides technical assistance to the public and coordinates plan reviews, inspections, and enforcement with the Fire Marshal, other city departments, agencies, contractors, and project stakeholders. The Senior Plans Examiner may conduct site visits and field investigations, recommend acceptable alternatives, and serve as the Building Official in their absence. The position also surveys buildings during disasters or emergencies. Work is primarily performed in a low-to-moderate-noise office environment, with some work in the field, including rights of way and construction sites. Field work may involve variable and sloped surfaces, traffic, heavy equipment, airborne particles and chemicals, extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, wet or humid conditions, heights, confined or underground spaces, and restricted-access sites. The job requires climbing ladders and working at heights. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, sitting, handling objects or tools, and communicating; occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and lifting up to 10 pounds frequently and 10 to 20 pounds occasionally.

Requirements

Three years of experience in inspection and plan review, including at least two years specifically in plan review.
An associate’s degree in construction management, building construction technology, or a related field, or two years of vocational training in the International Building Code.
Three years of directly related experience.
ICC certification as a residential or commercial building inspector.
ICC certification as a plans examiner.
Must possess, or be able to obtain within one month of hire, a Washington State driver’s license.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including climbing ladders, working at heights, and lifting required weights.

Nice To Haves

ICC certifications as a plumbing inspector and mechanical inspector are preferred.

Responsibilities

Review plans and specifications for compliance with applicable building, residential, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, accessibility, fire, existing building codes, and referenced standards.
Evaluate construction materials, methods, and mechanical and plumbing systems against general construction standards and the proposed type of construction.
Prepare technical reports, correction letters, and other communications; approve plans when appropriate; and coordinate building permit issuance.
Research complaints and problems involving commercial and residential buildings, construction, and code compliance.
Issue detailed correction notices when code violations are found or reported, and reinspect to verify corrections.
Provide information and assistance on correcting violations and issue or post stop work orders when necessary.
Coordinate joint plan reviews, inspections, and enforcement with the Fire Marshal and other departments to prevent duplication and improve communication.
Assist the Fire Marshal with inspections and review of Business License applications for compliance with code requirements.
Provide technical support to the public on code-related issues and permit requirements.
Research and interpret requirements; communicate findings verbally and in writing; conduct site visits and field investigations; recommend alternatives; and resolve conflicts within the scope of authority.
When needed during plan review, evaluate a building or tenant space in the field and recommend drawing improvements for efficiency and tenant needs.
Respond to sensitive building and customer service issues, recommend service improvements, and maintain records of issue resolutions.
Coordinate interdepartmental plan review meetings to address comments, deficiencies, and field revisions; work with contractors, inspectors, departments, and agencies to resolve conflicts and recommend compliant alternatives.
Arrange and conduct pre-construction and project close-out meetings with building owners and contractors.
Maintain accurate construction permit records using the city’s permit tracking software.
As needed, inspect construction phases and review plan and field revisions for compliance with building, plumbing, and mechanical codes.
Provide counter coverage and answer questions from homeowners, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public; interpret codes and ordinances; answer telephone calls; and provide backup support.
As needed, inspect footings, foundation walls, insulation, plumbing, mechanical systems, framing, and gypsum firewall nailing and taping; assist the Fire Marshal with combination fire/mechanical inspections.
Perform business license inspections; prepare Certificates of Occupancy; post Stop Work orders and Unlawful to Occupy notices; address health and safety compliance issues; and issue orders of compliance and final inspections.
Prepare reports and correspondence and conduct research or studies as directed.
Serve as the Building Official in their absence and survey buildings during disasters or emergencies.
Perform other duties as assigned.