BUILDING ENERGY PLANS EXAMINER II / GS 21

City of Alexandria, Virginia; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria, Virginia seeks a Building Energy Plans Examiner II to review residential and commercial documents for compliance with USBC. The role supports a team of plans examiners and coordinates with multiple disciplines including electrical, energy, building, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection.

Certification progress is required within probationary period. The position advances through a career ladder, starting at Plans Examiner II and progressing to more independent work and

Qualifications

• Associates degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences.
• Three years of experience performing professional plans examiner work in primary discipline (architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, energy or structural).
• Virginia DHCD/ICC energy plans examiner certifications required within 12 months of appointment.
• Valid driver's license may be required for some positions.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Reviews construction documents with contractors, homeowners, architects and engineers for USBC compliance.
• Coordinates layouts with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire protection disciplines to avoid conflicts.
• Investigates and evaluates equipment, materials and assemblies per USBC standards.
• Reviews and approves shop drawings and third-party quality control inspection reports.
• Uses electronic tools to review and process permits and documents.
• Attends training to maintain certifications and knowledge.

Skills

Plans examination knowledge

Code interpretation

Teamwork ability

Education

Associates degree in engineering/architecture/building construction

Tools

DHCD Plans Examiner Certifications

Job description

Building Energy Plans Examiner II

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class

Under supervision, performs plans examination work reviewing residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC); requires progressive code and industry knowledge in the plans examiner's primary discipline plus good code knowledge in one other discipline - electrical, energy, building, mechanical, plumbing or fire protection; begins to apply basic code plans examination knowledge and techniques; receives guidance on solutions for unusual problems, complex features and other non-routine assignments; and performs related work as required.

Positions allocated to the Plans Examiner II class are technical assistants to the building official operating at an intermediate level within the Plans Examiner career ladder performing work that develops a full understanding in applying plans examining principles; refer to "Plans Examiner Career Ladder Matrix." The Plans Examiner II is distinguished from the Plans Examiner III in that the Plans Examiner III independently performs the full performance level of plan examining and project management work. Furthermore, Plans Examiner II is the entry level for the 'Facilitator' position which will be the point of contact for homeowner-applicant projects, start-up or expanding small- to mid-size businesses and first-time in the City contractors and property-owners. The Plans Examiner II is distinguished from the Plans Examiner I in that the Plans Examiner II performs developmental plans examining work and begins to apply basic plans examining principles, whereas the Plans Examiner I performs work of an entry-level nature in the development of plans examining skills.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Depending On The Functional Area Of Assignment

• Performs all the duties of the Plans Examiner I and as applicable
• May provide guidance and direction to Plans Examiner I's
• Assist inspectors regarding code interpretations and functional-intent of USBC requirements, construction methods and performance of materials
• Reviews construction documents with contractors, homeowners, architects and engineers regarding the requirements of the USBC, related construction practices and industry standards
• Coordinates architectural layouts with structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire-protection to minimize potential construction or performance conflicts between systems
• Conducts research, as needed, and evaluates equipment, materials and construction assemblies for compliance with USBC requirements and industry standards
• Reviews and approves shop drawings and third party quality control inspection reports submitted pursuant to the USBC and the City of Alexandria Special Inspections Program
• Utilizes available electronic tools to assist in reviewing and processing permit and construction documents
• Works with other plans examiners, inspectors, permit center staff and administrative staff
• Attends training to maintain continuous education and certification requirements
• Maintains a current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures and guidelines
• Attends meetings as required

The Following Duties Pertain To The Facilitator Position

• Provides a single point-of-contact for both customers and staff throughout the entire permit process
• Guides designated permit applications throughout the regulatory process, monitoring progress toward permit issuance, final inspection and certificate of occupancy
• Acts as the ombudsmen and partner with other City departments to help ensure the applicant successfully manage requirements for each department
• Provides, when appropriate, a complete code review for qualifying homeowner and small businesses projects
• Acts as a customer advocate
• Manages relationships and perform public outreach to establish the best customer service practices
• Continually reviews, evaluates and implements best code processes and customer relation practices found across the country
• Establishes a strong, cooperative relationships with department management to help ensure the permit process is consistent, reliable, efficient and seamless
• Encourages cross-departmental coordination
• Monitors public perception through the use of surveys or other means and adjust the program to maintain a high-quality level of service
• Manages qualifying projects from application submission to final inspection or certificate of occupancy
• Develops relationships with other departments, at the appropriate level to build a like-minded team to resolve issues and expedite the permit process
• Develops strong working relationship with Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), Small Business Resource Center and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to discuss potential projects and implementation strategies

Essential Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Depending on the functional area of assignment:

• Knowledge of USBC and reference standards and codes and City of Alexandria ordinances which apply to building construction or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge
• Knowledge of the principles, theory and practice of plans examination and engineering
• Knowledge of computer applications and software associated with the plans examination
• Knowledge of topographic and construction surveying
• Knowledge of common methods and equipment used in building construction and inspection methods used to review such work
• Ability to interpret plans in terms of architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire protection and plumbing disciplines
• Ability to work in a team environment and foster a positive work atmosphere
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with design and construction professionals, the public and city staff
• Ability to prepare technical reports and to present findings in a clear and concise format
• Ability to collect and compile research data
• Ability to relate complex plans to construction in progress
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in verbal and written form

Job Family, Contribution Level and Career Ladder

Job Family: Medical/Scientific/Engineering/Technology Professions

Contribution Level: 4

Career Ladder: This job class is part of a Career Ladder program

Minimum Requirements

Minimum & Additional Requirements

An associates degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; three years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline - architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing energy or structural; or one year of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner I with the City of Alexandria; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Certificates And Licenses Requirements

• A valid driver's license may be required for some positions.

Necessary Special Requirements

Successful completion of the following Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Plans Examiner II certifications within the employee's probationary period of twelve (12) months after their original appointment:

• Building: DHCD Commercial Building Plans Examiner Certification AND DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner
• Electrical: DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner AND one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification
• Fire Protection: DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner AND one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification
• Mechanical/Plumbing: DHCD or ICC Energy Plans Examiner AND one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification
• Site Plan: ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification AND one additional DHCD Plans Examiner Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience reading and interpreting construction documents, specifications, codes, and regulations with the International Energy Conservation Code and International Building Code.
• Certified as an ICC or DHCD Commercial Energy Plans Examiner
• Certified as an ICC or DHCD Residential Energy Plans Examiner
• Certified as an ICC or DHCD Commercial Building Plan Reviewer

Notes

FLSA Status and BasisFLSA Status: Exempt

FLSA Basis: Prof

EEO Category: Professionals

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)This class specification provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specific function and task of this class title. A job class may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.

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