Plans Examiner/Building Inspector Ii

** NEXT APPLICATION REVIEW WILL OCCUR ON MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 **

Note to applicants: We welcome attachments to your application. Please know, however, that attachments are not visible to the initial review team. Be sure to include in the online application pertinent information that you want the review panel to consider. The completeness of your application is a factor in determining which candidates advance to the next phase of the recruitment process.

Please do not contact Human Resources in regards to your application. Please use the online application system to monitor the status of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Pays $40.07 to $46.47 per hour.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. HRA VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid.
More benefit details are available by clicking on the "Benefits" tab on this job posting.

Major Function and Purpose

Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development examine and review building construction plans to determine compliance with code requirements. May assist with and fill in for the Building Inspector I to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance to applicable ordinances, regulations, and safety standards.

General Function

The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II performs a variety of duties related to residential and commercial development including plan check and review of proposed projects, interpretation of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. Provides explanations and guidance regarding applicable codes to customers, citizens, City staff and other interested parties.

Supervision Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Will collaborate and coordinate workload with Building Inspector I and/or outside consultants.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

This job description reflects the general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, 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. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

• Perform complex and technical review of construction plans and building proposals to determine and assure compliance with building, plumbing mechanical, accessibility, Washington State Energy Code and all applicable local, state, and federal standards
• Review and evaluate proposed building plans and specifications blueprints to assure proposed construction complies with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, barrier free requirements, grading, filling and related codes.
• Explain codes, policies, and procedures to the developers, contractors, and other members of the public at the front counter, over the phone, in the field and in writing
• Perform residential, commercial, and industrial on-site inspections as needed at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimal safety standards
• Prepare written documentation with clearly organized thoughts in order to advise applicants of plan and design constructions.
• Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes and regulations to provide information and technical assistance to engineers, architects, developers, other agencies and the public
• Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings and building construction
• Evaluate, recommend, and prepare revisions to codes, ordinances and local regulations, as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books, journals, and ordinances to verify and interpret applicable codes
• Respond timely and professionally to members of the public and contractor questions concerning interpretation of building codes, construction issues and City administrative procedure
• Maintain complete and accurate records of approved plans and assigned inspections.
• Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed.
• Reliable and regular attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned

Contacts and Relationships

This position has a variety of contacts in person, via telephone, electronic communication or through written correspondence with citizens, various City departments and their personnel, planning groups and agencies, contractors and design professionals and is therefore required to act in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II may need to work in confined spaces or noisy work areas. The employee may be exposed to extremes in temperature, chemicals, or noxious fumes. Other potentially hazardous conditions include, but are not limited to: machinery or its moving parts, various construction-related chemicals, construction zones, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be required for completion of some job requirements, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of construction codes including the Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, and 2018 International Building Code (IBC); applicable federal, state, and local laws, cods, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code enforcement; design and structural engineering principles, techniques, and practices; plans examination and review procedures; interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy; construction tools, equipment, materials, safety standards and modern methods of building construction; and modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.

Ability to operate a personal computer and related word processing, permitting, and engineering software; perform complex and technical review of construction plans; perform a variety of inspections at construction sites; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers and co-workers, both orally and in writing; explain technical items and problems in a lay person's terms, and read, interpret, apply, and explain regulations, codes plans, policies, and procedures.

Physical Requirements

The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, to work in and on structures under construction, to climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas. Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and distance vision are essential to performance of the position. Corrective lenses may be utilized. The employee must be able to hear alarms and have the ability to audibly identify the presence of a danger or hazard.

Minimum Requirements

High School diploma or GED is required. Four (4) years of experience in construction, building inspection, plan review, or code enforcement is required. Valid WA Driver's License is required with a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier. Preferred qualifications include previous experience in municipal government and ICC certification as either a Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, or Plans Examiner.

Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.

Employment Type: 40 hours per week, eligible for benefits