What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Examiner I position at City of Bend?
Join the City of Bend’s Building Safety Division and play a key role in protecting public safety while helping shape a growing, vibrant community. As a Plans Examiner I, you’ll contribute every day to creating safe, high-quality housing by performing residential plan reviews that directly impact how Bend develops. Bend is one of the top housing producers in the state, offering exposure to a diverse range of projects and increasing levels of complexity. In this role, you’ll review additions, remodels, new construction, townhomes, one- and two-family dwellings, custom homes, historic properties, attached and detached ADUs, and middle housing land divisions—giving you valuable experience across the full spectrum of residential development.
The City of Bend is committed to supporting work-life balance and fostering continuous improvement for individuals, team culture, and organizational processes. You’ll be joining a high-performing, resilient, and collaborative team that is dedicated to learning and growth. Your work as a Plans Examiner will make a meaningful impact by supporting departmental priorities, advancing City Council and statewide housing goals, and helping ensure Bend continues to grow in a safe, thoughtful, and sustainable way.Classification Framework: Building inspector - Plans Examiner IThe following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list.
- Perform plan reviews for residential projects to ensure compliance with building codes and City standards.
- Manage your workload by keeping plan reviews on track and meeting timelines.
- Prioritize tasks effectively to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
- Participate in pre-application meetings to provide guidance early in the design process.
- Attend and contribute to team meetings to stay aligned, share knowledge, and improve processes.
- Provide front counter support by assisting customers with questions about permits, codes, and processes.
- Conduct field inspections to verify that construction matches approved plans and safety standards.
- Stay current through training and certifications to maintain and build your technical knowledge.
- Deliver excellent customer service by communicating clearly, respectfully, and consistently.
- Collaborate as a team player, working closely with coworkers and community partners to solve problems and support shared goals.
The ideal candidate for the Plans Examiner I position is someone who takes pride in their work and consistently follows through, ensuring tasks are completed thoroughly and aligned with desired outcomes. They bring strong attention to detail and approach plan reviews and inspections with accuracy and accountability. With an open mindset and willingness to learn, they ask questions, adapt, and grow their knowledge over time. This role requires flexibility, and the right candidate can shift priorities and responsibilities to meet changing workloads and team needs.
We're looking for a collaborative team player with a positive, “can-do” attitude and a genuine desire to grow professionally. They communicate clearly and respectfully, demonstrating empathy for contractors, homeowners, and design professionals while supporting their success. With a strong sense of responsibility to departmental goals and the City’s mission, they are motivated to contribute to safe, high-quality development in Bend. Highly qualified candidates also bring foundational knowledge of residential plan review, including electronic review tools like Bluebeam, an understanding of the roles of permit technicians, inspectors, and plans examiners, and familiarity with Oregon code requirements, ADUs, and middle housing land divisions. Strong situational and cultural awareness round out their ability to provide consistent, thoughtful, and high-quality service.
Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.- Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
- Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) AND 1 of the following Oregon certifications:
- Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)
- Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)
- Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP)
- Residential Electrical Inspector (CAE)
- Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Desired (but not required) Attributes:
- Experience with CityView software
- Completion of IS 700 NIMS and ICS 100
Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):
- Resume
- Valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing
Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.
Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.
Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.
Salary : $72,443 - $92,458