Plans Examiner 1 en Spokane County, WA

About the Department

This position works 37.5 hours per week and offers remote work up to two days a week.

This position performs This is technical work in the Building and Planning Department. Under direct supervision an employee in this classification reviews residential building construction plans for completeness, accuracy and compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical and other codes.   Duties include communication of design requirements to architects, engineers, and the public. This may include performing on-site inspections necessary to complete a review and answering questions from applicants or designers regarding code compliance.

Plans Examiner 1 position is the first entry level classification in the three-tiered Building and Planning Plans Examiner series. Incumbents initially work under close supervision and may be uncertified. Plans Examiner 1 position will generally be reviewing plans for one and two-family dwellings, townhouses, accessory structures, smaller commercial, and multifamily projects.  As experience and knowledge are obtained, duties will include review of more complex projects.

At the discretion of the Building Director, Plans Examiner positions may be specifically assigned to review any of the building occupancy classifications/categories, or combination thereof, as the departments workloads and operational needs require.

Position Duties

• Reviews residential construction plans for conformance with building and construction codes.
• May review light commercial construction plans for code compliance based upon certification level in the discipline under review and assist in review of plans for other disciplines under the direct supervision of and final review by a supervisor. Light commercial shall be limited to buildings three (3) stories or less in height of V-A or V-B construction type. Review is limited to the following general building use/categories: apartments, office, one-story buildings of retail (excluding Malls), and minor tenant improvements.
• Assists in identifying plan discrepancies with established codes or regulations and advises of corrective action of non-compliance of codes in accordance with departmental policy before building permits are issued.
• Provides information to architects, engineers, and the public regarding code compliance and plan corrections.
• Work is performed with some independence under the general supervision of a superior who reviews work periodically through reports, conferences and meetings.
• At the discretion of the Building Official, Plans Examiner positions may be specifically assigned to review any of the building occupancy classifications/categories, or combination thereof, as the departments workloads and operational needs require.
• Coordinates plan reviews with other departments, agencies and staff.
• Reviews requests, acts upon applications and may inspect work relating to permits.
• Researches proposed alternate materials and methods of construction for conformance with applicable standards.
• Interprets ordinances and codes for applicability to projects under review. 
• Verify computer permit data is correct per the submittal documents.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of responsible experience in the various phases of building construction, plan review or inspection work. 
• Course work or training in plans examination, architecture or a related field may be substituted, year for year, for the required experience.
• Individuals hired as Plans Examiner 1 are to achieve and possess an ICC Residential Plans Examiner or ICC Building Plans Examiner certification within 12 months 
• Possession of a valid Driver's License at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment.
• NOTE: Individuals hired as Uncertified Plans Examiner 1 are to achieve and possess applicable valid ICC certification within the time period stated herein.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of State and local construction codes and ordinances relative to general construction, land use, and design practices as demonstrated by experience and certifications relative to the assigned area(s) of expertise.
• Knowledge of various construction materials and methods.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques and phone etiquette.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, practices and procedures necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, other governmental agencies, department customers.
• Skilled in applying customer service techniques.
• Skilled in the operation of standard office equipment, and computers, including databases, word processing, technical software, and internet based applications/research.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret plans specifications and drawings.
• Ability to convey and communicate ideas and information effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with customers and co-workers in a tactful, calm, courteous and professional manner often in stressful situations.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment, and to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
• Ability to handle interruptions efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to follow work direction and complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain complex records and files and organize facts and present findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• Ability to resolve problems, use discretion, and make sound judgments.