Plans Examiner/Building Inspector

If you want to build your career on a new foundation come join our tight knit team of experienced, respected inspectors! Enjoy a work environment where you learn from others, and others learn from you all in the spirit of providing exceptional support to citizens. This position works independently under the general guidance and direction of the Chief Building Official to provide a wide variety of plan review and inspection services to ensure all building and related codes, policies and ordinances are effectively enforced and administered. Primary role is inner office and public interaction before and during permit application submittal.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $86,444.80 - $91,416.00. Position open until filled with first consideration given to applicants who apply before July 18, 2025.
Salary Range: $86,444.80 - $107,702.40

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The City of Coon Rapids is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. The City welcomes, and encourages all qualified applicant to apply regardless of race (including traits associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locks and twists), color, creed, religion, familial status, sex (including pregnancy or related conditions, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors or any other basis protected by law.

Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Reviews permit applications and construction documents to ensure accurate reflection of work projected. Identifies necessary corrections and recommends changes to ensure code and ordinance compliance.
• Reviews proposed plans for residential/commercial/industrial structures to ensure they meet building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility and energy codes, as well as requirements established by the City and other agencies. Provides written report of findings to management, applicants, design professional and/or contractor.
• Inspects materials and installation of materials used in a variety of construction projects during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with building and construction standards and codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Inspects damaged structures for safety and assesses the damage to determine if use of the structure is safe. Prepares reports detailing the findings of the inspection and assessment under the direction of the Building Official.
• Coordinates the approval of applications, fees and the issuance of permits with division office support personnel.
• Maintains daily inspection log and related records in an up-to-date and orderly fashion to expedite division record keeping procedures.
• Provides information and advice to the public, architects, designers, and developers regarding the interpretation of building codes to clarify requirements for construction design, materials and practices.
• Ensures that all applicable conditions and requirements of approval have been satisfied prior to issuance of permits and that adequate records are maintained.
• Responds in a prompt, positive and courteous manner over the phone and in person to inquiries from architects and designers, developers, contractors, homeowners and others regarding building codes, related ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Meets with architects, engineers, consultants and developers to clarify code requirements for construction design, materials and practices.
• Remains knowledgeable of current codes, ordinances, policies and procedures providing accurate framework for completion of job responsibilities.
• Keeps abreast of new materials, equipment and construction practices, as well as new or changing codes to ensure a thorough understanding of the building industry and the effective and fair administration of codes.
• Informs supervisor promptly of matters that are important to the Citys interest or the public health, safety and welfare.
• Prepares code compliance and other reports as assigned.
• Advises other City departments regarding building, mechanical and life/safety concerns with City buildings.
• Issues correction notices where violations are evident, and issues stop work orders where violations are not corrected. Advise other departments or personnel regarding the posting of nonconforming structures.
• Assists in maintaining proper records relating to the duties of the Building Inspection Division.
• Participates in Code organizations to represent the Citys interests. May work with staff or citizens on boards, commissions or committee either as a member or to provide staff support and information.
• Performs mechanical and plumbing inspections as assigned.
• Drives City vehicle as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.
• Maintains positive professional working relationships with all staff levels, other jurisdictions and outside agencies, and the general public.
• Performs essential position duties and responsibilities under the working conditions and physical demands described herein.
• Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.
• Performs other related functions as apparent or delegated.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and techniques of construction trades, including structural, plumbing, heating, sewer and water connections, etc.
• Ability to read and work with blueprints.
• Ability to learn and apply the Minnesota State Building Code in inspections.
• Ability to perform professional inspections of considerable difficulty in office and field.
• Ability to safely perform physical actions necessary to conduct inspections at, above, or below ground level of construction sites.
• Ability to work effectively with city personnel, contractors and general public in office and field, providing appropriate assistance where necessary.
• Ability to prepare and keep accurate records and reports.
• Ability to be detail oriented and to follow through with tasks.
• Ability to perform specialized tasks involving initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to perform word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to work cooperatively with City personnel, external vendors and the public.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain a team and service-oriented approach to work.
• Must strive to promote a cooperative atmosphere in the department and exhibit a positive attitude.
• Must have the ability to accept constructive criticism or discipline in a positive manner, initiating self-development to improve job performance.
• Ability to perform duties with tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Handles confidential information appropriately.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus three years (or 6,240 hours) experience in commercial/industrial/residential construction.
• Working knowledge of the State of Minnesota Building Code.
• Current and valid Certified Building Official or Certified Building Official Limited Certification in the State of Minnesota or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Valid Class D drivers license with good driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Technical or higher degree in relevant field.
• Successful completion of two or more-BIT courses in building construction.
• ICC building inspection certifications.
• 2 years municipal inspection and plan review experience.
• Certified Building Official or Certified Building Official Limited Certification in the State of Minnesota.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires pushing or pulling; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires working near moving mechanical parts and exposure to fumes or airborne particles and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working in high, precarious places, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee often works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. Exposure to computer monitors in the office is typical. This position works closely with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.

• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
• Must contribute positively to a productive, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
• Must make workplace safety the top priority.

• Must know and practice the Citys mission, vision and values.

The position 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.

The City of Coon Rapids is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.