Commercial Plans Examiner

Under supervision of the Chief Building Official, C.B.O., and within the hierarchal organizational structure of the department as adopted by the County Commissioners, services include but are not limited to:

Review of construction documents for compliance with provisions of the Ohio Building Code, the Residential Code of Ohio, and the Flood Damage Prevention Code of Lucas County; verifies appropriateness of plans and specifications submitted; accesses records/files/documents; assists in data entry, maintenance and retrieval of plan review reports; generates plan review correction letters, recommends approvals, adjudication orders and other reports as needed/requested by the C.B.O.; assists and communicates with the public during plan review process; assists the inspectors during construction phases with information on approved documents/waivers received/code questions, etc.; assists the C.B.O. with field investigations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Verify compliance with the Building, Residential, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Energy Conservation Codes and their referenced standards as adopted by the State of Ohio through the plan review process per the guidelines/instructions of the C.B.O.; writing plan review reports, rough drafting adjudication orders, etc. during the plan review process; assisting the public during the plan review process.
• Assists the office staff during the permit application process. Review of application documents and data for verification of required information submitted; cross-checking applications, fees, fines and violations for correctness of amounts levied or submitted; cross-checking applications for additional documentation that may be required by the C.B.O.
• Consults with design professionals/contractors/owners as directed by the C.B.O. concerning violations and recommended correctives measures.
• Assist in providing guidance and technical assistance to the inspectors in their preparation of reports.
• Attends hearings, meetings, and seminars as required by the C.B.O., and assists the C.B.O. in offering training, continuing educational programs and meeting with the inspectors and office staff.
• Communicates information to and from inspectors in the field via phone, computer, etc. Provides contractors and applicants notification of inspection information, adjudication orders, supplemental information needs, examinations, stop work orders, and C.B.O. instructions. Maintain files pertaining to construction projects.
• Reviews video and other photographic material for code compliance.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Chief Building Official.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Certification from the State of Ohio Board of Building Standards or holder of passing scores of International Code Council (I.C.C.) certification tests for Master Plans Examiner CE Level 4 Plans Examiner.
• Employees must maintain certification in the required classifications as a condition of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license specific to the vehicle required for the position and remain eligible for coverage under the County's insurability standards.
• Employees who pose an associate's degree in architecture or engineering will be compensated and additional 5% above the base salary.
• Employees who poses licensure in the State of Ohio as an Architect or Engineer will be compensated and additional 10% above the base salary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

During the probationary period, must obtain and demonstrate familiarity with enabling legislation of the department. Must also become familiar with the software system, records, files, and documents of the department.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of architecture or engineering as related to the design, construction, alteration and repair of buildings or structures.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local building and mechanical codes.
• Considerable skill in interpreting and enforcing building and mechanical codes and associated regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• Considerable knowledge of county building inspection office operations.
• Considerable skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Considerable skill in analyzing situations and recommending corrective measures and solutions.
• Considerable skill in analyzing and solving complex problems and performing complex and innovative research.
• Considerable skill in analyzing and revising work methods to increase efficiency.
• Considerable skill in managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Considerable working skill in public relations.
• Considerable skill in recordkeeping and report writing.
• Good working skill in the operation of a computer, database usage and internet communication devices; working skill in organizing time and materials.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good analytical skills, and abilities to interpret highly technical documents.
• Ability to resolve conflict/complaints from employees and public.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret construction drawings and maps.
• Knowledge of construction industry terms, methods, and documents.
• Knowledge of and ability to use inspection tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of data entry and retrieval systems. (On the Job Training, OJT)
• Must be able to write letters and reports as required; answer routine correspondence incidental to work.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs and scaffolding; crawl through attics and crawl spaces; and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to operate a computer, smartphone and other similar electronic devices.
• Ability to utilize a variety of spreadsheets and databases.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• May require use of a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement).
• May be required to work outside exposed to weather.
• Overtime may be required.
• May require travel that results in overnight stays.
• May be exposed to potentially dangerous situations and materials while on construction sites.