Plans Examiner

Summary: This position is responsible for the review of residential and commercial construction plans to verify the work proposed will comply with City adopted building codes. This position oversees systems/procedures to issue construction permits; Assists with the conduction of inspections and monitoring of building projects in the City; informs the public regarding building safety issues and makes recommendations concerning ongoing programs to assure that buildings in the city are safe. This position is also responsible for providing quality customer service in a fast-paced environment with tight time schedules. The plans examiner must be competent in the building trades, application, and interpretation of the building codes, and be able to conduct a review of complex architectural/engineering plans and specifications for all building components within a structure.

Supervision Received: Development Services Director/Building Official

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions:

• Review residential and commercial architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing plans and specifications.
• Assist and coordinate permitting procedures within the Building Department.
• Provide technical guidance to inspectors, permit technicians and customers regarding difficult/complex code related issues.
• Provide professional customer service to all involved in the permit process.
• Coordinate plan reviews as needed with the Planning Department, Fire Marshall and Engineering Department.
• Develop materials to distribute to applicants to facilitate the building permit process.
• Coordinate the archiving of building permit documents.
• Review hazardous materials abatement.
• Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding plan review.
• Utilize a plan review checklist to aid in the plan review process.
• Inspect structures prior to renovations when needed.
• Maintain comprehensive plan review records.
• Maintain a thorough and accurate library of current and former codes and standards.
• Assist the Building Official and other Departments with new legislation as it affects structures in the City of Williston.
• Advise the Building Official regarding short and long-term department issues and planning.
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.

Secondary Job Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Development Services/Building Official.
• Attend pre-development and pre-hearing meetings when requested.
• Participate in local and out-of-town conferences occasionally.

Note: The functions and duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of the specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Additional duties may be assigned to this person to assist with internal procedures to keep the department sharp and in front of technology advancement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Administrative skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local ordinances, laws, codes and standards governing building construction.
• Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons involved in inspection and regulatory matters, other employees, agencies, and departments, and the general public.
• Must be proficient in the use of personnel computers, printers and software applicable to this position.
• Education: Associate degree in Architecture or closely related field.
• Experience: Four years of experience working for a Municipal Building Inspection Department or Architectural Firm, or ten years experience in the construction industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in architecture or closely related field.
• Current I.C.C. (R3) Residential Plans Examiner certification.
• Current I.C.C. (B3) Building Plans Examiner certification.
• Four years of experience working for a Municipal Building Inspection Department.

Necessary Special Requirements: A valid North Dakota driver's license is required within the probationary period. A successful candidate must be certified as an I.C.C. (R3) Residential Plans Examiner within the six-month probationary employment period and must be certified as an I.C.C. (B3) Building Plans Examiner within one year of employment. OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to perform the position.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate objects, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision

To be granted veterans preference, the required forms, letters or certificates must be submitted with the application.

The City of Williston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

Any materials, files, documents, electronic tools, or other items collected or created by an employee in connection with their employment remain the property of the City. Additionally, all material created, transmitted/sent, received, deleted, downloaded, or stored using electronic tools are and remain the property of the City. Employees have no expectation of privacy when using City property.

The City of Williston is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.