What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Examiner III position at City of Bend?
The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Structural Plans Examiner III in the Building Safety Division of the Community Development Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.
Be part of a fast-paced, dynamic, and resilient team that plays a vital role in supporting safe, collaborative development in the City of Bend. We value strong partnerships within our community and share a common goal: fostering responsible, efficient growth that enhances Bend’s built environment.
Join the City of Bend’s Building Division as a member of our Plan Examining team, where you’ll engage with projects of all sizes and complexity. In this role, you’ll work closely with property owners, design professionals, and cross-functional City teams to help bring projects from initial concept through final approval and occupancy.
If customer service, a team-oriented environment, community connection, and work-life balance are important to you—and you bring demonstrated experience and a proven track record—we encourage you to apply and become part of the City of Bend team.ONE BEND. BUILT TOGETHER.
Classification Framework: Building Inspector - Plans Examiner III
Review commercial plans and development projects for compliance with applicable building codes, standards, and City requirements. Manage a personal workload and priorities to ensure timely and accurate completion of plan reviews within established timelines. Collaborate with Building Division team members and other departments to coordinate reviews and ensure consistent application of codes and policies. Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff, external partners, and the development community through proactive communication and follow-through. Participate in meetings such as pre-application conferences, team meetings, and department meetings to support project coordination and problem-solving. Provide guidance, coaching, and training to new or developing team members, serving as a resource for technical questions and best practices. Contribute expert feedback and recommendations to improve existing processes, policies, and procedures and support the development of new approaches. Assist with updating and maintaining internal documents, resources, and review materials to reflect current codes and practices. Evaluate and apply Alternate Means and Methods requests, exercising professional judgment to ensure code compliance and safety.
Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of commercial plan review across multiple disciplines, including structural, mechanical, accessibility, energy, and fire-life safety systems such as fire sprinklers and fire alarms. They will bring skills in reviewing a wide range of project types—including tenant improvements, mixed-use developments, podium structures, biomedical and pharmaceutical facilities—and applying Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) requirements across a variety of residential (R-1 and R-2) and commercial occupancies.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: 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 single or combination of Oregon certifications:
- A-level Plumbing Inspector (PI)
- A-level Electrical Inspector (EI)
- A-level Structural and A-level Mechanical Inspector (SIA) & (MIA)
- A-level Plans Examiner and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEA) & (PEF)
- Valid Oregon driver's license
- Experience with electronic plan review of commercial projects
- Experience using Bluebeam or similar plan review software
- Previous inspection experience in addition to plan review
- Advanced or multiple certifications in building inspection, plan review, fire-life safety, accessibility, energy, or fire protection systems (sprinklers and alarms)
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):
- Cover letter
- Valid credentials and certifications demonstrating required certifications
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 : $88,056 - $112,384