Plans Examiner I / II

Skagit County; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Skagit County is seeking a Plans Examiner to review residential, accessory, and commercial building plans for compliance with codes and ordinances. You will inspect sites, explain codes to the public, and ensure safe, code-compliant occupancy.

Responsibilities include detailed plan reviews, field inspections as needed, and coordinating with engineers, architects, and contractors to resolve issues in a timely manner. A strong knowledge of codes and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 2 years as plans examiner or related construction experience.
• ICC Plans Examiner OR ICC Building Inspector certification within 1 year of employment.
• For Level2: 3 years as plans examiner and ICC certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed analysis of residential, commercial, accessory, and agricultural building plans for code compliance.
• Review calculations and design criteria; coordinate with other disciplines and consultants.
• Explain and interpret applicable building, flood, and stormwater codes to staff and the public.
• Maintain electronic permitting records and write plan review comments and corrections.
• Assist the public by phone, email, or in person on code compliance matters.
• Conduct field inspections as needed and coordinate re-inspections as required.

Skills

Plans Examiner

Building Inspector

Construction Experience

Building Designer

Education

ICC Plans Examiner

ICC Building Inspector

CESCL Certification

Job description

Review residential, accessory, and commercial building plans and construction drawings for structural and non-structural compliance with building codes, flood management, stormwater management, federal and state-mandated codes, and County ordinances and policies. Inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with approved building plans and applicable code requirements. Provide information to the public on permits, codes and code interpretation. Ensure that public and private buildings and other construction projects in Skagit County are compliant with codes and safe to occupy.

Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 dependent on qualifications:

• Plans Examiner I - $39.67/hr. - $42.50/hr.
• Plans Examiner II - $42.50/hr. - $45.50/hr.

Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps. Top steps and ranges are listed below:

• Plans Examiner I - Top Step $50.46/hr., range 17 of the PROTEC Planning II/GIS salary schedule
• Plans Examiner II - Top Step $54.06/hr., range 18 of the PROTEC Planning II/GIS salary schedule

Perform detailed analysis of residential, commercial, accessory, and agricultural building construction plans for compliance with building codes, state energy codes, accessibility codes, manufactured home installation standards, stormwater codes, flood damage prevention requirements, and County ordinances and policies. Review engineering calculations, data and design criteria. Coordinate the plan review process with other disciplines within the department and outside consultants, engineers, architects, contractors and homeowners.

• Perform detailed analysis of residential, commercial, accessory, and agricultural building construction plans for compliance with building codes, state energy codes, accessibility codes, manufactured home installation standards, stormwater codes, flood damage prevention requirements, and County ordinances and policies. Review engineering calculations, data and design criteria. Coordinate the plan review process with other disciplines within the department and outside consultants, engineers, architects, contractors and homeowners.
• Assist other team members by explaining, interpreting, and reviewing applicable building, flood, and stormwater codes.
• Maintain electronic permitting workflow records. Write detailed plan review and inspection markups, comments, and corrections.
• Assist members of the public and professionals by phone, email, or in-person, to ensure code compliance with building, flood, and stormwater codes.
• Perform field inspections as alternate Building Inspector. Reviews field work for consistency with approved plans and specifications. Complete field inspection reports and construction correction notices after each inspection using electronic permitting software. Coordinate re-inspections as required.
• Prioritizes and plans own work activities and plan reviews as assigned by the Building Official. Uses resources effectively.

Supervisory:

No supervisory functions.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Required experience/certification

Level1

• 2 years as plans examiner, building inspector, construction experience, building designer &
• ICC Plans Examiner OR
• ICC Building Inspector & Stormwater CESCL certification within 1 year of employment

Level2

• 3 years as plans examiner &
• ICC Plans Examiner AND
• ICC Building Inspector & Stormwater CESCL certification

Requires knowledge of:

• Current building codes, standards and other regulations pertaining to construction and development policies.
• Construction methods and materials.
• Local, County, State and Federal laws, agencies, policies, codes, rules and regulations applicable to the area of assignment. Code Violations at various stages of construction.

Requires the ability to:

• Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed.
• Fulfill the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, inter- and intradepartmental customer service.
• Read, understand, interpret and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment. Read, understand and interpret a wide variety of maps, charts, site plans and images, studies, drawings, blueprints, legal descriptions and other documents applicable to the area of assignment.
• Be resourceful and flexible in seeking solutions.
• Enforce ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• Plan, schedule, and review the work and performance of subordinates to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the public.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computer (word processing).
• Keep current with new information on changing codes and technology.
• Review plans for conformance with guidelines and codes in a quality and timely manner.
• Communicate with the public effectively, orally and in writing, and to resolve conflicts.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• See Qualifications above.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Most work is performed in an office environment. Occasional fieldwork at various job sites. Inspections may require walking on steep or uneven terrain, lifting, crawling, climbing on ladders and forms, entering and exiting awkward, limited, or confined spaces.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment. Physical hazard may be present during inspection of unsafe job sites. Occasional walking on uneven or steep terrain. Driving hazards to sites and meetings. Possible hazards in the field such as dogs, upset landowners, etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.