Senior Plans Examiner

Helena, City of•City-County Building - Helena, MT

About The Position

The City of Helena is seeking a Senior Plans Examiner to plan, coordinate, and oversee the day-to-day operations of its Plan Examination Section. The role reviews building plans and coordinates technical reviews with field inspectors, administrative support, external agencies, and the construction community. It also serves as a technical advisor to the Chief Building Official and may serve as acting building official in that person's absence. The position examines residential and commercial plans for compliance with applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, energy, accessibility, grading, and other adopted codes and requirements. It coordinates reviews and project communications, advises applicants and construction professionals, supervises and trains plans examination staff, maintains project records, and supports the Building Division as needed. The position also performs site walk-throughs and inspections related to plan examination and may perform building inspector duties as qualified and needed.

Requirements

At least four years of progressively responsible work experience performing plan review functions for a code compliance regulatory agency, including staff supervision.
Meet at least one of the stated educational or credential pathways: a bachelor's or advanced degree in structural, civil, or related architectural or engineering discipline; licensure as an architect or professional engineer in a building-related discipline; or the specified plans examiner/inspector certification combined with a construction-related engineering or architecture degree or license, in accordance with Montana Administrative Rules.
Possess ICC Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner certification.
Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record at hire and be able to obtain a valid Montana driver's license within six months of hire.
Extensive knowledge of the listed International, National, and Uniform codes, accessibility standards, and other construction codes adopted by the State and City.
Working knowledge of electrical, carpentry, concrete, mechanical, or plumbing work and ability to apply building codes, zoning, and land use regulations.
Working knowledge of engineering principles related to structural, civil, and soils issues.
Ability to read, analyze, and review building plans, specifications, and contract documents using graphic symbols and architectural nomenclature.
Ability to prepare concise reports and summaries of code violations, construction deficiencies, and required corrections.
Ability to use modern office equipment and operate a motor vehicle as needed.
Ability to supervise staff and assist with evaluation, training, and professional development.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and provide customer-oriented service to the public and professional communities.
Ability to read and understand complicated plans and blueprints; research property ownership and assess appropriate building use; and evaluate land-use variance considerations.
Ability to listen effectively, respond accurately to code interpretation requests, and communicate clearly in writing and orally.
Ability to remain professional in busy conditions and adapt to changing workplace circumstances.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, see, hear, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel to different sites and locations.

Nice To Haves

Additional ICC Plans Examiner certifications, such as Accessibility, Energy, Plumbing, Mechanical, or Electrical.
Other relevant combinations of education and work experience may be evaluated on an individual basis.

Responsibilities

Examine residential and commercial building proposals and submitted documents for completeness and code compliance.
Review plans, specifications, details, and related documents for compliance with adopted codes, standards, laws, and City ordinances.
Electronically mark up plans for new construction, remodels, towers, garages, decks, re-roofs, and other structures.
Prepare written summaries of deficiencies and communicate approved or disapproved plan review comments to clients.
Review responses to plan review comments and determine whether changes are acceptable or additional information is required.
Oversee the building plan review process, coordinate reviews by other City departments, and ensure clients receive relevant comments.
Ensure project correspondence, resubmittals, addenda, and related documents are entered into the permitting software system.
Serve as a point of contact for resubmitted changes, respond to questions, and help resolve field inspection issues.
Review business license applications involving changes in building use, investigate proposed alterations, determine whether permits are required, and assist applicants with permit submittals.
Evaluate new building products and technologies and make recommendations to the Chief Building Official.
Explain and interpret building codes and regulations to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners, and other interested parties.
Interpret code requirements and laws related to changes of use in existing structures.
Meet with project stakeholders before submittal to identify potential code issues and conduct on-site walk-throughs of existing buildings.
Respond to public inquiries about code requirements, plan submittals, and review processes by phone and email.
Conduct on-site inspections related to plan examination and attend meetings concerning building projects and developments.
Supervise full-time and part-time plans examination staff; assign and evaluate work, establish section goals, and conduct annual performance reviews.
Oversee staff training in City policies, procedures, and codes, and provide in-house training and professional development.
Review staff work for completeness, timeliness, effectiveness, and consistency; monitor outstanding and completed reviews.
Monitor other departments' plan reviews and follow up to support timely responses.
Keep the Chief Building Official informed about section goals and performance, and recommend program improvements.
Attend code training and update seminars and maintain continuing education credits and certifications.
Maintain accurate records of approved plans, reviews, and project correspondence; develop forms, training programs, and review aids as needed.
Participate in committees and external functions, review processes, and implement actions requested by the Chief Building Official.
Serve administratively as acting building official when the Chief Building Official is absent, including answering project questions, attending meetings, signing approved certificates of occupancy, and overseeing assigned projects.
Perform building inspector duties as qualified and needed; meet with clients and contractors about deficiencies and assist the City Fire Marshal as requested.
Assist administrative staff as needed and perform other duties as assigned.
Perform all duties safely, participate in safety training, and report unsafe conditions, incidents, and near-misses.