Plans Examiner (Building Division)

City-of-Kingsport,-T; Cherokee Village (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kingsport is seeking a skilled Building Inspector/Plans Examiner to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes on commercial and residential projects. You will review plans, coordinate with architects and engineers, and ensure adherence to all applicable codes and ordinances.

Responsibilities include in-depth plan reviews, site inspections, and collaboration with multiple departments to expedite permits.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent with 6 years construction experience as a building inspector, superintendent or foreman; OR Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering or closely related area with 4 years construction experience as a building inspector, superintendent or foreman.
• Experience reviewing architectural drawings, plans, and specifications for compliance with codes and regulations.
• Ability to determine plan-submission requirements and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review submitted plans and drawings for compliance with building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas codes and zoning ordinances.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and developers to ensure permit approvals and plan adherence.
• Inspect commercial construction projects during various phases to verify compliance with codes and standards.
• Attend pre-construction and weekly project review meetings and respond to inquiries on plan status and floodplain requirements.
• Coordinate plan review process with other city departments to expedite development.

Skills

Building codes knowledge

Plan review

Contract coordination

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering or related field

Tools

ICC Certification as Commercial Building Inspector

ICC Certification as Building Plans Examiner

ICC Certification as Commercial Inspector of a trade

ICC Certification as Plans Examiner of same trade

ASFM Floodplain Manager Certification

Job description

Performs administrative and technical work relating to all construction projects within the City of Kingsport to ensure compliance with appropriate building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, contract specifications, and related ordinances.

The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.

• Acts in the absence of the Chief Building Official pertaining to plan submittal, permit approvals & general administrative procedures. Coordinates with Senior Building Inspector to ensure department operations continue to operate smoothly;
• Reviews detailed architectural drawings, sketches and specifications for conformance to applicable codes;
• Prepares review evaluations and coordinates renovations with architects and engineers;
• Works on a daily basis with contractors, owners and developers to secure compliance with approved plans and permits;
• Maintains records on all review comments initiated from city staff on the review of construction plans;
• Enforces locally adopted building codes and national standards for structural integrity;
• Determines requirements for permit and plan submissions, reviews and updates standards and forms;
• Receives inquiries regarding the status of a plan review and relays the appropriate information;
• Maintains necessary records and reports;
• Assists office personnel and building inspectors in responding to questions/problems relating to building issues;
• Coordinates the building and plans review process with other departments to expedite construction development projects.
• Attends pre-construction and weekly project review meetings.
• Reviews submitted residential and commercial construction specifications and/or plans for adherence with all applicable building and/or zoning codes, regulations, and ordinances;
• Responds to a variety of inquiries providing information and guidance pertaining to code, plan submittal, and Flood Plain requirements.
• Inspects commercial projects throughout the various construction and/or remodeling phases for compliance with applicable city, state and federal codes, regulations and/or ordinances including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas;
• Checks location of structure or additions against approved plans to ensure proper positioning within property lines.
• Works closely with and coordinates with office personnel for permit approval, contractor licensing & plan submittal requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles and theories of community development;
• Knowledge of general management principles and practices;
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of building/construction inspection activities;
• Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations;
• Knowledge of City of Kingsport codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental restrictions and other regulations;
• Knowledge of acceptable safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential projects; Skill in interpreting complex laws, ordinances and codes;
• Skill in working effectively in an environment subject to quickly changing priorities, constant interruptions, frequent exposure to varying environmental conditions as well as hazards of in-process construction;
• Skill in determining if construction plans/specifications conform to code requirements;
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with contractors, city personnel, and the public.

High school graduate or equivalent; and 6 years construction experience as a building inspector, superintendent or foreman: OR Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering or closely related area and 4 years construction experience as a building inspector, superintendent or foreman.

*Required Certifications are as follows:

• ICC Certification as Commercial Building Inspector
• ICC Certification as Building Plans Examiner
• ICC Certification as Commercial Inspector of a specified trade
• ICC Certification as Plans Examiner of same trade as Inspector Certification
• ICC Certification as Commercial Inspector of remaining two trades; Plans Examiner of remaining two trades; and ASFM Certification as Floodplain Manager within two (2) years of hire date.

*Must possess validTN/VA Driver’s License.