Description

Summary

This is technical work in the examination of architectural and structural plans for residential projects to ensure compliance with the Washington State Building Code and International Building Codes.  Work involves providing technical advice to architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and field inspectors on code compliance and code interpretations.  The Plans Examiner must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public. The position will require that the incumbent have the ability to read and accurately interpret plans and specifications of any complexity, and to compare them with construction in progress. The Plans Examiner will report directly to the Building Official.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Plans Examiner I: This is the entry level class in the Plans Examiner/Building Inspector Series. This class is distinguished from the Plans Examiner II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. The Plans Examiner I position performs a variety of duties related to residential development including plan check and review of proposed projects, interpretations of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, and environmental codes.  Individuals are expected to learn the full scope of the job assuming duties of increasing difficulty over time, and are required to obtain ICC certifications as listed under Special Requirements.

Typical Duties

        Examine and review construction plans for residential structures to verify compliance with all applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes.

        Prepare and write comment letters to communicate deficiencies referencing applicable code sections.  Communicate with project owners and design teams members as needed to resolve outstanding items.

        Visit construction sites to provide periodic inspections of foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and energy conservation compliance with applicable regulations and the approved plans, and permit documents.

        Answer questions by email, telephone, or in the field regarding:  code requirements for construction, structural, life safety, mechanical, plumbing, energy and other construction related questions.

        Operate computer equipment and software to perform plans reviews, generate comment letters, maintain inspection records and notices.

        Maintain knowledge and expertise in construction codes, materials, and techniques.

        Use principles of good customer service, establish, and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, applicants, contractors, and design teams.

        Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, equalize work periods, or balance the workload.

Essential Functions 

        Review and examines plans and specifications for compliance with the appropriate construction codes, in electronic and paper submittal forms.

        Performs basic engineering computations to review proposed building and structural systems.

        Identifies inadequacies found in construction documents and specifications and requires that corrections be made to meet the requirements of the applicable codes and engineering standards.

        Evaluates test and data for suitability of materials and methods of construction or installation.

        Responds to inquiries from inspectors, architects, engineers and others including homeowners regarding applicable codes.

        Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to improve quality customer service.

Key Competencies for this Position

        Ethics and Integrity: Respects and maintains confidentiality. Earns trust, respect, and confidence through honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions

        Valuing Diversity: Help create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity treats all with acceptance and respect; and values diverse perspectives

        Communication: Effective communication skills to convey thought and information clearly and concisely to a broad audience. Strong writing and editing skills

        Relationship Building: Proven skills to create and maintain effective teams and partnerships

        Multi-tasking: Proven multi-tasking skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments in various stages simultaneously. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities

        Analytical Skills: Analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of the job assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the above job description

Knowledge of customer service etiquette

Knowledge of relevant information, including applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations

Knowledge of specialized terminology

Knowledge of software applications; keyboarding skills (may vary according to position assignment)

Knowledge of appropriate physical standards for computer work such as appropriate seating, arm and/or wrist use

Knowledge of International Building Code, International Residential Code, additional building codes adopted by Washington State Building Code Council, and related laws and ordinances.

Knowledge of engineering as applied to the review of structural systems and structural materials.

Knowledge of standard construction materials and design concepts.

Knowledge and understanding of basic computer skills including Microsoft Office 365 products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.) PDF editing products (BlueBeam, Adobe, etc.) and basic structural engineering software.

Knowledge of specialized construction terminology.

Knowledge of basic plan check principles.

Knowledge of the principles of mathematics.

Skill in:

Skill in organization

Skill in being analytical

Skill in research skills

Skill in problem-solving and troubleshooting

Skill in conflict resolution

Skill in word processing, spreadsheets and specialized software programs

Skill in adapting to changes in work load demand

Skill in working on multiple projects simultaneously

Skill in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive matters

Skill in responding to emergencies

Skill in composing/generating and editing correspondence

Skill in communicating with people of diverse backgrounds

Skill in meeting deadlines

Excellent skill in interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services.

Skill in effectively and clearly communicate and explain processes and legal aspects to the public, and those served by the department.

Excellent skill in communications; both orally and in writing and in a professional business-like manner.

Skill in working in a cooperative and team centric environment, as well as able to perform work in a multi-task work environment.

Skill in working independently

Skill in working in a stressful environment.

Skill in analyzing building plans and structures for code compliance.

Skill in detecting Code Violations.

Skill in determining validity of information received

Skill in reading and interpreting applicable documents specific to position assignment

Ability to:

Ability to demonstrate competency in required job skills and knowledge

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with coworkers, other government agencies, contractors, and the general public

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines, prioritizing work and managing own time

Apply common sense understanding when carrying out instructions furnished in written or oral form

Ability to learn and apply new skills

Ability to keep abreast of current developments using available resources effectively

Ability to be inquisitive

Ability to be methodical and logical

Ability to demonstrate attention to detail

Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness at all times

Ability to be organized, showing excellent administrative skills

Ability to select and use appropriate communication methods 

Ability to get along well with others 

Ability to cooperate in a team environment

Ability to problem solve in a group environment

Ability to confront difficult situations while maintaining objectivity

Ability to keep emotions under control

Ability to establish and maintain effective relations 

Ability to exhibit good listening and comprehension 

Ability to show a demonstrated technical skill in plan review, construction and inspection of residential, public or commercial structures

Ability to complete special and general assignments requiring organization of materials and development of procedures without direct supervision

Ability to work independently

Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Ability to provide courteous and effective customer service

Ability to operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications

May require the ability to operate motor vehicles

Ability to use professional judgement, tact, and common sense in the application and enforcement of code requirements.

Ability to objectively interpret and consistently apply building code requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Ability to read and accurately interpret construction plans and specifications of any complexity.

Ability to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations using engineering devices and reference materials.

Ability to work cooperatively with other Clallam County employees and the public.

Ability to read maps, plats, and other diagrams associated with construction.

Ability to meet attendance standards necessary for successful job performance

Requirements

Education

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (High School Diploma or GED).   

Experience

        Possession of a Residential Building Inspector certification from International Code Council (ICC) or equivalent is required.  Must have the ability to acquire additional ICC certifications.  

        Must have a minimum of two (2) years experience performing building inspections.

        Experience or demonstrated training in the building trades, construction, or a related field

        Proficient regulatory knowledge in all aspects of construction including building structural and life safety, energy conservation, mechanical, and plumbing.

        Must have valid driver’s license and good driving history.

Special Classification Requirements:

        ICC certifications for Residential Building Inspector and Residential Plans Examiner within the first year of hire. 

        A college degree in architecture or engineering may substitute for Residential Building Inspector and Residential Plans Examiner certifications.

Licensing/Certification Requirements

Valid Washington State Driver’s License 

U.S. citizenship or proof of legal right to work in the United States

Drug testing (select positions)

Pass Background Check

Pass OSHA/Designated Required Training 

Note: Any first aid rendered by such persons is rendered only as a collateral duty responding solely to injuries resulting from workplace incidents, generally at the location where the incident occurred.

Physical Demands and Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

Office and field duties; requires walking on all types of surfaces, including rough terrain, sitting, standing, ability to maintain balance, climb stairs, ladders and inclines, ability to kneel, bend, stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull, twist, crawl on hands and knees; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, gripping with fingers and hands, lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; ability to operate a passenger vehicle; exposure to sunlight, outside temperature extremes, including ice and snow, dust, pollens, and insect stings; ability to hear voice conversations; far, side vision with depth perception; requires wearing safety glasses or goggles, ear plugs or muffs, rubber or plastic gloves, rubber boots. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

High Exposure Designation

The employee assigned to this position may work within a high exposure classification as defined under the Occupational Safety & Health Act and Washington Administrative Code governing Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act for blood borne pathogens protocols.  

Essential Worker Designation

The employee assigned to this position may be designated as an “essential worker.”  Essential workers are required by the county to respond and perform work functions during an emergency in order to ensure the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Clallam County and public facilities and property located therein.  The county maintains the right to recall essential workers during any emergency and/or as necessary to restore governmental functions during extended emergencies.  

Requirement for Confidentiality

The employee assigned to this position works in the capacity of a confidential employee and is required to maintain confidentiality with regard to a broad range of matters including, but not limited to: employee performance, the management of protected health information, and matters protected by the attorney – client privilege.  Any breach of this requirement of employment may result in immediate discipline, up to and including termination. 

General Disclaimer

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. The individual may be directed to perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.