On-Call Plans Examiner I/II at Skagit County, WA

About the Department

Review residential, accessory and commercial building plans and construction drawings for structural and non-structural compliance with building codes, federal and state-mandated codes, and County ordinances and policies.  Provide information to the public on permits, codes and code interpretation. Ensure that public and private buildings and other construction projects in Skagit County are in compliance with codes and safe to occupy.

• On-Call Plans Examiner I - Salary upon hire is step 1 $39.09/hour. The On-Call Plans Examiner I is range 17 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule.

• On-Call Plans Examiner II - Salary upon hire is step 1 $41.88/hour. The On-Call Plans Examiner II is Range 18 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule.
  

Position Duties

Perform detailed analysis of residential, accessory, and agricultural building construction plans for compliance with building codes, state energy codes, barrier-free codes, mobile home setup standards, and County ordinances and policies.  Review engineering calculations, data, and design criteria. Coordinate the plan review process with other disciplines within the department and outside consultants, engineers, architects, contractors, and homeowners.

Assist the Building Inspectors by explaining, interpreting, and reviewing applicable building codes. 

Maintain construction and application files and records and electronic permit records.  Write detailed plan review correction letters and other technical correspondence, under close supervision.

Assists public and professionals with general residential code applications and to ensure code compliance. Provides this assistance by phone or at the public counter under close supervision.

Evaluates priorities and addresses, under close supervision and established guidelines, assigned matters, inquiries, and complaints.

Perform field inspections as alternate Building Inspector.  Reviews field work for consistency with approved plans and specifications.  Write field inspection reports and construction correction notices.  Coordinate re-inspections as required.

Prioritizes and plans own work activities and plan reviews. Uses resources effectively.

 
Plans Examiner II may also take on the following additional functions:

Perform detailed analysis of complex residential and commercial plans for compliance with building codes, state energy codes, barrier-free codes, mobile home setup standards, life safety, structural review and County ordinances and policies. Interprets and applies regulations legally and equitably.

Assist the Building Inspectors by explaining, interpreting, and reviewing applicable building codes. 

Researches and collects diverse information and data. Identifies problems and violations. Formulates recommendations for alternative solutions anticipating possible ramifications and appropriately communicates significance of findings.

Supervisory:
No supervisory functions.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Qualifications vary based on position level. Certifications are accepted from the International Code Council or equivalent.

Required experience/Certification

Level I

• 2 years as plans examiner, building inspector, construction experience, building designer or equivalent education
• ICC Plans Examiner OR
• ICC Building Inspector within 1 year of employment

Level II

• 3 years as plans examiner
• ICC Plans Examiner AND
• ICC Building Inspector

 Requires knowledge of:

• Current building codes, standards, and other regulations pertaining to construction and development policies.
• Construction methods and materials.
• Local, County, State, and Federal laws, agencies, policies, codes, rules, and regulations applicable to the area of assignment. Code Violations at various stages of construction.

Requires the ability to:

• Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed.
• Fulfill the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, inter- and intra­departmental customer service.
• Read, understand, interpret, and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements, and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment. Read, understand, and interpret a wide variety of maps, charts, site plans and images, studies, drawings, blueprints, legal descriptions, and other documents applicable to the area of assignment.
• Be resourceful and flexible in seeking solutions.
• Enforce ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Plan, schedule, and review the work and performance of subordinates to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computer (word processing).
• Keep current with new information on changing codes and technology.
• Review plans for conformance with guidelines and codes in a quality and timely manner.
• Communicate with the public effectively, orally and in writing, and to resolve conflicts.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• See Qualifications above.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.

Other Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Most work is performed in an office environment. Occasional fieldwork at various job sites. Inspections may require walking on steep or uneven terrain, lifting, crawling, climbing on ladders and forms, entering and exiting awkward or confined spaces.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment. Physical hazard may be present during inspection of unsafe job sites. Occasional walking on uneven or steep terrain. Driving hazards to sites and meetings. Possible hazards in the field such as dogs, upset landowners, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential 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. Individuals may 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. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination with regard to race, color religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status and/or physical or mental disability in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test, or interview process, please call: (360) 336-9433.