Senior Plans Examiner- Planning and Development (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

1d•$28 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Dallas is seeking a Senior Plans Examiner to analyze commercial and multi-family building plans and specifications for compliance with City Building Codes. This role involves significant independence, with a supervisor providing technical assistance on complex issues. The work is reviewed for accuracy and adherence to established codes and regulations. The Senior Plans Examiner will review, examine, and analyze residential, commercial, and multi-family building plans and specifications for compliance with City Building, Zoning, and other applicable Codes.

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 and zoning regulations.
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.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Five (5) years of experience as a city planner, arborist, architect, municipal development plans examiner, building inspector, building contractor, construction superintendent or municipal position with responsibility for building/municipal development code interpretation/enforcement.
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

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering or Building Construction field plus one (1) year of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
Associate degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering or Building Construction field plus three (3) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
Associate degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering or Building Construction 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 certification plus four (4) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Performs skilled technical work in examining building construction plans and specifications for complex low-rise and high-rise structures prior to the issuance of building permits.
Meets with contractors, builders, and property owners regarding the approval or disapproval of plans; explains and interprets the building code and regulations relative to the construction plans submitted; explains methods of modifying plans to comply with codes and regulations; and advises building inspectors.
Examines blueprints, complex construction drawings, and specifications of proposed buildings prior to permit issuance; discusses technical requirements with engineers, contractors, builders, or owners; suggests modifications and calls for corrections; and returns plans for corrections and resubmission.
Computes square footage of buildings, estimates costs, and calculates building permits; performs extensive zoning review to research, coordinate, and document all details of zoning and related information; assists customers with zoning regulations and understanding zoning limitations; verifies that all zoning deficiencies have been addressed, submits for zoning approval, and tracks all applications and projects through city systems.
Makes complex field inspections of new construction and determines if construction complies with the building code and approved plans; assists Inspectors as needed.
Works closely and professionally with citizens and businesses to interpret complex land development code, zoning code, building code, construction code, and various other regulations clearly and concisely 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 field issues; works with the fire marshal to relay information about what a business can and cannot do with issued permits; communicates with engineering staff to provide clarity on different land uses and developmental regulations; applies complex understanding of zoning, development building, and construction codes to relay information to other city staff members in various departments and levels.
Leads, trains, and provides direction for other plans examiners; provides insight, technical knowledge, and code expertise to ensure accurate plans examining and effective communication; provides extensive and professional customer service and engages with the public in multiple ways.
Performs any other work as needed or assigned.