Building Inspector - Plans Examiner I

Oregonbuildingofficials; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 71,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Building Inspector - Plans Examiner I to join their Community and Economic Development Department. This full-time role focuses on residential building inspections and requires a keen eye for detail and compliance with Oregon building codes. The ideal candidate will possess the necessary certifications and experience to ensure safety and adherence to regulations. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the community by ensuring that construction meets established standards, providing valuable guidance to builders and homeowners alike. If you are passionate about building safety and compliance, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Oregon Inspector Certification and one additional certification needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct residential inspections and plan reviews under supervision.
• Explain regulations to builders, architects, and the public.
• Enforce compliance with building codes and safety standards.

Skills

Blueprint Reading

Customer Service

Time Management

Safety Standards

Decision Making

Education

Associate's Degree

Oregon Inspector Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary: $71,022.67 - $90,645.31 Annually

Inspector

Summary

The City of Bend Community and Economic Development Department is accepting applications for one (1) regular full-time Building Inspector - Plans Examiner I in the Building Safety division. This position is hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) and is represented by the City of Bend Employee Association. This position will focus on residential building inspection. The ideal candidate will have the certifications and experience required to complete residential inspections.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following items:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on the City of Bend website under Human Resources/JobOpenings)
• Attached formal cover letter (required)
• Attached formal resume (required)
• Attached valid credentials and licensing (if applicable)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here.

Applications received by Friday, March 21, 2025 (3/21/2025) at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Time will receive preference for initial review, but the position will remain open until filled.

This class performs inspections or plan reviews of new and existing structures to determine compliance with plumbing, mechanical, electrical or structural requirements for State of Oregon building codes and other specified codes applicable to the City of Bend. Performs routine-to-complex duties of building inspector and/or plans examiner and other duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Distinguish from Building Inspector – Plans Examiner II/III/Lead: The Building Inspector – Plans Examiner I is the entry level class in the series and performs basic and routine supportive and technical tasks such as residential plan review and inspections. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy. Determination of Building Inspector/Plans Examiner level classification (I, II, or III) is based on work assignment; possession of certification alone does not qualify incumbent for a higher classification.

Complexity of Work

Complexity: Work is either routine or basic, or varied within a subject matter but with limited standardized situations requiring judgment. Many situations are resolved using standard procedures and established guidelines. Requires knowledge of procedures and the ability to evaluate and select the correct solution from limited potential alternatives. Expertise may be developed regarding tasks specific to the work area or team.

Degree of Independence: Sets priorities and organizes work within general guidelines; follows standard practices and makes some deviations from standard practices with minimal supervision; outcomes are monitored.

Decision Making Authority: Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Makes recommendations that affect policies, procedures, and practices. Refers decisions involving exceptions to accepted practices to lead and/or supervisor.

Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions Include:
The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this position.

• Performs a variety of residential inspections and/or plan reviews under the general supervision of the Building Official or designee.
• Applies established policies and procedures in the electronic review and evaluation of plans and specifications.
• Explains how regulations apply to builders, architects, homeowners, engineers, and the public in a setting where consistency is of high importance.
• Participates in issuance of permits, calculation of fees, and maintenance of records.
• Performs inspections of residential structures being constructed and repaired. Issues approvals or disapprovals, and writes correction notices. Cites applicable code sections for deficiencies in construction or design. Examines and evaluates building plans and specifications for code compliance and accepted engineering practices.
• Enforces appropriate State specialty codes, ORS, OAR, City ordinances, and other related regulations. Works with builders, homeowners and design professionals to assure construction, remodeling, or repair complies with approved plans. Provides information regarding permits, specialty codes, and compliance procedures to architects, engineers, builders, and the public.
• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position is a non-management position and does not encompass supervisory responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications

Skill Profile
The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Maintain working knowledge of basic development principles and processes.
• Reading, interpreting and evaluating blueprints, plans and specifications.
• Maintain working knowledge of planning principles and land use regulations.
• Basic building permit and construction principles.
• General ORS, OAR, Oregon specialty codes, City ordinances and regulations.
• Entry level residential inspections and/or plan review.
• Customer service principles.
• Safety standards and work procedures related to building inspections.
• Modern office principles and practices.
• Mathematical principles.
• City geography.
• Providing efficient and effective customer service to a diverse population having a wide range of expertise.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment.
• Prioritizing and managing time.
• Using a computer and related software applications.
• Reviewing plans for compliance with applicable standards and guidelines.
• Interpreting building plan specifications and detecting design faults.
• Understanding and applying code standards.
• Resolving code issues with contractors and designers.
• Providing technical guidance and information to customers.
• Decision making and routine or procedural problem solving.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and other stakeholders sufficient to exchange or convey information to provide and receive work direction.
• Manage a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work.
• Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.
• Demonstrate a high attention to detail.
• Maintain advanced working knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and other interactive computer programs as well as operating common office equipment.

Education, Experience, Certifications and/or Licenses
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.
• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) AND 1 of the following Oregon certifications:
  • Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)
  • Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)
  • Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP)
  • Residential Electrical Inspector (CAE)
• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.