Plans Examiner I

Starting Pay Range: $ 25.82-$28.10/hour

Please click the link for Benefits Information:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:34d21d2d-dac4-4e7e-ba13-bcf745571b8f

I.  Purpose of Job  

Under limited supervision, is responsible for technical work in the review of construction plans and enforcement of building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, flood plain, and/or fire and life safety codes and City ordinances. 

II. Essential Job Duties 

A.  Conducts Plan Examinations (if not certified Plans Examiner, assists in the following as directed)

• Reviews residential and small commercial building plans and specifications for compliance with the adopted City, State, and Federal codes and regulations.
• Provides information to the public, contractors, and developers regarding building code issues; interprets construction codes and ordinances.
• Coordinates plan and specification reviews to ensure timely response and adequate feedback to the applicant within the established time.
• Reviews structural/architectural plans and specifications to determine scope of work being constructed in preparation for inspections.
• Performs commercial and residential building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections as qualifications allow.
• Ensures that proper permits have been obtained and that fees have been collected for scope of work observed.
• Coordinates activities with other City departments to ensure attainment of multi-department inspection objectives.
• Conducts special event related inspections to identify safety and code related issues.
• Performs office work relative to the keeping of records, receiving of plan review requests, and reviewing of blueprints, site plans, and architectural designs.
• Maintains complete inspection records of all inspections and other activities.
• Prepares correspondence to construction industry professionals relating to required plan corrections and engineering details.

D.  Public service

• Provides technical assistance to construction industry professionals in the interpretation of adopted building codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.

E.  Enforcement

• Acts as an officer of the court to write citations and notices for routine municipal code violations.
• Appears in court to testify as required.

III. Other Job Duties

Performs other job duties as assigned, including:

• Studies reference materials and codebooks for updates and code changes.
• Patrols the City to identify non-compliance with construction permitting, and sign, zoning, and property maintenance codes.
• Conducts flood and damage surveys.
• Conducts Beer permit inspections for Beer Board.
• Provides assistance to other Building and Neighborhood Services staff, as needed.  

IV. Primary Job Challenges

Primary challenges of this position include working with colleagues to provide consistent interpretation of codes and procedures, maximizing efficiency to ensure work is completed with given resources, and educating the public regarding what is required by code.

V.  Equipment Operated

General office equipment including computers, copiers, printers, fax machines, and multiline telephone.

VI. Key Competencies Required

• Job Content Knowledge:

Has exposure to the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and building inspection practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Plans Examiner. Has the ability to read and interpret plan and specifications accurately and can compare them to constructed structures. Has knowledge of engineering and architecture practices and technical language as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. Have knowledge of building construction, plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical regulations, techniques, codes, handicapped accessibility regulations, methods, and acceptable practices as required to perform thorough and accurate inspections and to determine code compliance. Has knowledge of codes and regulations relative to issuing permits in building, plumbing, electrical, gas, and related construction areas. Is knowledgeable of all necessary procedures and responsibilities involved in code enforcement, construction inspections, zoning ordinances, and issuance of building permits. Must be able to read blueprints and building plans. Knows how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs and policies, codes and ordinances, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. Has knowledge of standard building, plumbing, mechanical, gas and fire codes, and should be able to use corresponding manuals. Must have knowledge of one and two family dwelling codes. Has knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. Is knowledgeable and proficient with computers.

• Language Skills:

            Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional    journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports,       business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present         information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the          public.

• Mathematical Skills: 

            Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical         inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

• Reasoning Ability: 

            Ability to define complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid     conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in     mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

• Teamwork:  

Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. Encourages others to express their ideas and opinions. Provides input into identifying and solving problems. Anticipates need of others for information about job tasks and work environment and provides it to them in a timely manner. Willingly assists others with job tasks when appropriate. 

VII. Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands: Performance of the essential duties of this job requires the incumbent to:

• Occasionally stand.
• Occasionally walk.
• Frequently sit.
• Occasionally use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally reach with hands and arms.    
• Occasionally climb or balance.                     
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently talk or hear.                                 
• Regularly lift up to 10 pounds.
• Regularly lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:  Performance of the essential duties of this job requires:

• Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions (non-weather).
• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Occasional exposure to risk of electrical shock

The work environment is moderately noisy (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic).

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VIII. Qualifications

Education and Experience: The required knowledge, skill, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties are normally acquired through attainment of a Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year College or university; or four to five years building inspection related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Normally, must have experience as a Building Inspector III for the City.

Required Certifications/Licenses: 

Plans Examiner I must have three sets of the following certifications from the International Code Council, Inc. and/or State Agency:

Set I:

Commercial Building Inspector

Residential Building Inspector

Set II:

Commercial Plumbing Inspector

Residential Plumbing Inspector

Set III:

Commercial Mechanical Inspector

Residential Mechanical Inspector

Set IV:

Commercial Electrical Inspector

Residential Electrical Inspector

Plans Examiner I must also have or obtain within one year of employment, one of the following certifications from the International Code Council, Inc. and/or State Agency:

Building Plans Examiner

Plumbing Plans Examiner

Mechanical Plans Examiner

Electrical Plans Examiner

The Plans Examiner I must register the appropriate ICC certifications with the State of TN Fire Marshal’s Office to obtain Certified Building Plans Examiner, Certified Plumbing Plans Examiner, Certified Mechanical Plans Examiner, and/or Certified Electrical Plans Examiner, and maintain these certifications through the required continuing education as required by law to be able to conduct these plan examinations.