A career about community-Are you a professional plan's reviewer who wants to improve neighborhoods and has an interest in local government? Do you value integrity, trust, respect, accountability, creativity, collaboration?
If you answered “yes” then the City of Hampton has an opportunity for you! Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, flexible and/or remote work opportunities positions, and other benefits.
If you embody the following attributes, consider joining our dynamic Community Development Department:

• Detailed, yet creative problem-solver
• Thrives in a fast-paced work environment
• Versatile and enthusiastic team player
• Passionate about providing excellent customer service

Examine and review plans both commercial and residential projects to include the review of complex building plans to ensure compliance with all applicable architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes. The primary focus of this position will be the review of mechanical, plumbing and electrical drawings.
AS A PLAN REVIEWER I YOU WILL:Examine and review plans for residential projects to include the review of building plans and specifications for new residential construction and additions of one- and two-family residential structures, sheds, garages, porches, decks, etc. to ensure compliance with all applicable building codes and standards.  * Examines building plans to ensure compliance with all applicable architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes to ensure full compliance with City policies, codes, ordinances and standards.
* Provides verbal and written information and official decisions to developers, design professionals and property owners in response to informal and formal development inquiries. Maintains an official log of all formal interpretations made by the Building Official.
* Reviews proposed and approved plans with the Building Official to ensure that code intent and provisions are satisfied and to facilitate familiarity with project schedules, construction plans and specifications, private obligations, and public commitments. Coordinates plan review and permit issuance with other City and State agencies.
* Authorizes issuance of building permits and calculates proper assessment of permit fees based on established standards and guidelines.
* Responds to a variety of questions concerning City and State policy and procedures for contractor registration, licensing, permit application, construction and code compliance.
* Works collaboratively with the Senior Plans Reviewer, the Community Development Department Director and Deputy Director and other Development Services Center personnel to review building codes in order to recommend code revisions and to ensure that all staff remains informed of new developments in construction materials or methods.
* Inputs information and data regarding plans review activities, development project attributes and building code compliance decisions into a database to enable orderly, consistent and accurate execution of land use and physical development permit issuance, inspections and enforcement activities.
* Attends training seminars and meetings as required by the State or Building Official to keep abreast of Code revisions and new construction materials and methods.
* Develops and implements instructional sessions on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure the transfer of knowledge and information. Actively participates in technical training and professional development of Plans Review staff with regard to basic code interpretation and plans review and permitting criteria and procedures.
* Designs and maintains user friendly written and illustrative guidelines to assist customer comprehension of minimum building code requirements for development project plans and to serve as a template when professional drawings are not required.
* Maintains files of all plans, specifications, permits, inspection records and other related documents for all structures and properties under the authority of the Building Official.
* Performs other related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications for Plans Reviewer II:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Technology or a related field of study.
A minimum of three (3) years experience as a plans reviewer, building inspector, or building contractor. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the electrical, plumbing or mechanical trades preferred.
 Requires certification as a Building Plans Examiner or Building Inspector by the Department of Housing and Community Development or must obtain certification within one (1) year of employment in this position.
Considerable knowledge of building codes and regulations; excellent skill in reading, examining, and interpreting architectural, engineering and construction documents for compliance with codes, regulations and standards. Familiarity with one or more specialized automated systems used in regulation of land use, development and code enforcement. Ability to establish and maintain exceptional customer service delivery while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in a timely manner; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relations with co-workers and a variety of internal and external customers; ability to foster effective public relations and work effectively with diverse groups; ability to investigate and respond to complaints; ability to make decisions and determinations which require a high level of initiative and independent judgment.
 Must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City's criteria. A criminal background check related to this position is required prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
An acceptable combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements above.
Minimum Qualifications for Plans Reviewer I: 
Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED; supplemented by some technical, vocational or trade school coursework in building construction technology or other closely related field.Requires a minimum of three (3) years' experienceat a Building Inspector level or in the building construction trade.Required to become certified as a Residential Building Plans Examiner (State certification program) within eighteen (18) months of employment. Considerable knowledge of building codes and regulations; excellent skill in reading, examining, and interpreting architectural, engineering and construction documents for compliance with codes, regulations and standards. Familiarity with one or more specialized automated systems used in regulation of land use, development and code enforcement. Ability to establish and maintain exceptional customer service delivery while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in a timely manner; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relations with co-workers and a variety of internal and external customers; ability to foster effective public relations and work effectively with diverse groups; ability to investigate and respond to complaints; ability to make decisions and determinations which require a high level of initiative and independent judgment. Must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City's criteria. A criminal background check related to this position is required prior to any offer of employment or promotion.An acceptable combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements above. Performs duties under the general guidance and supervision of the Senior Plans Reviewer and the Community Development Department Deputy Director. This position requires extensive independent judgment and critical thinking in accomplishing assigned duties within established guidelines. Works collaboratively with other Development Services Center personnel and other Community Development Department personnel. Requires the ability to function as a team member and work cooperatively and collaboratively to meet deadlines and effectively manage moderate to high levels of stress. May require use of personal vehicle for local travel and occasional attendance at meetings generally held after normal working hours.
The Plans Examiner II is an exempt position.
The Plans Examiner I is a non- exempt position.