Building Inspection - Plans Examiner/Coordinator Trainee I/II

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, to engage in skilled review and specifications for compliance with codes, ordinances, regulations and standards, ensuring projects meet safety and legal requirements before permits are issued. Key emphasis is for residential/commercial construction and the coordination and involvement of those involved in the development process. Works with City inspectors regarding codes and specific job requirements, and classifications.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The Plans Examiner/Coordinator Trainee exercises no supervision.

The Plans Examiner/Coordinator I/II exercises limited technical supervision over lower-level staff.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Read and interpret plans.

Knowledge of proper plan submittal requirements.

Receive telephone calls from contractors and homeowners.

Issue mechanical, plumbing and electrical permits.

Operate a City vehicle to conduct field inspections, investigate code violations, and ensure timely response to service requests throughout the community.

Check plans and specifications for compliance with City building codes as assigned. 

Plans Examiner/Coordinator I

Review plans and specifications for compliance with City building codes as they relate to New Single Family Residential Construction, New Single Family Attached-Duplex and Townhouses.

Review plans and specifications for compliance with City building codes and ordinances as they relate to Mobile Homes.

Review plans and specifications for compliance with City building codes as they relate to New Construction Multi-Family Apartment Complex.

Review plans and specifications for compliance with City buildings codes as they relate to Single Family additions and alterations, Accessory Dwellings and Accessory Structures.

Schedule inspections and identify location of inspections within the city to schedule the correct inspector.

Operate a City vehicle to review work sites and verify that contractors are in compliance with the specifications of the plans.

Review plans and specifications for compliance with City building codes as they relate to Certificate of Occupancy applications.

Plans Examiner/Coordinator II

Review plans and specifications for compliance with City building codes as they relate to new Commercial Shell Buildings.

Explain policies and technical regulations to contractors, developers, engineers and homeowners. 

Assist in determining approval of alternate methods and materials.

Prepare detailed analysis of the deficiencies of plan review and communicate steps to resolve issues effectively.

Review plans and specifications for compliance with current adopted City codes, ordinances and standards for residential, commercial and industrial.

Function as Records Management Coordinator for building inspection divisions permanent records; commercial plans and specifications.

Participate as the building inspections liaison for the development review committee.

Assist the Assistant Building Official on researching current house bills and legislation that affect the construction industry in our area.

Hold classes for stakeholders to educate them on new codes, policies and procedures as adopted by the City.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Methods, practices, materials, equipment, and safety hazards associated with construction, remodeling, and repair activities.

Possible defects to structural construction.

Standard testing devices, methods, and corrective measures.

Mathematical principles relative to construction (square footage, allowable areas, cubic feet, etc.).

Skill to:

Effectively interpret and implement through plan review the current adopted state and local building codes.

Interpret, apply, and explain building code requirements.

Ability to:

Learn and interpret adopted codes.

Learn and communicate with departments involved with the review process.

Read, understand, and interpret plans, specifications, and architectural/engineering scales.

Discuss technical problems clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Coordinate and manage diverse issues and individuals through the plan development process.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Plans Examiner/Coordinator I/II

Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Plans Examiner/Coordinator Trainee

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in building construction methods and practices or equivalent experience is required.

Education/Training:

Two (2) years of college level coursework in engineering or architecture, or equivalent experience and training in building construction, inspection, reviewing of plans and specifications, and zoning regulations is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Obtain certification as an ICC Residential Plans Examiner within eighteen (18) months of employment is required.

Plans Examiner/Coordinator I

Experience:

Four (4) years of experience in building construction methods and practices or equivalent experience is preferred.

One (1) year experience as a Plans examiner trainee with the City of Abilene for internal promotion is preferred. Previous time will be considered.    

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in interior design, engineering, architecture, or equivalent experience and training in building construction, inspection, checking of plans and specifications, and zoning regulations is preferred.

Plans Examiner/Coordinator II

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a Plans Examiner/Coordinator I to include two (2) years of experience in work comparable to the duties of Plans Examiner/Coordinator I with the City of Abilene is required.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, confined spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_I_       Standing

_E_     Sitting

_M_    Walking

_M_    Lifting

_M_    Carrying

_M_    Pushing/Pulling

_A_     Overhead Work

_E_     Fine Dexterity

_I_       Kneeling

_I_       Crouching

_A_     Crawling

_A_     Bending

_A_     Twisting

_A_     Climbing

_A_     Balancing

_E_     Vision

_E_     Hearing

_E_     Talking

___     Other:  _____________________