Plans Examiner II

City of Arvada; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Arvada seeks an experienced Plans Examiner II to review residential and commercial construction plans for code compliance and provide exceptional customer service throughout the permitting process.

Responsibilities include assisting with permit intake, conducting simple over-the-counter plan reviews, and coordinating with other departments to ensure complete reviews before approval or CO issuance.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of building codes and inspections.
• Proficient in reading construction plans and blueprints.
• Experience with permitting and inspection software.

Responsibilities

• Review residential and commercial plans for code compliance.
• Assist with permit intake and issuance.
• Explain building codes to customers during permitting.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Code knowledge

Permitting software

Customer service

Effective communication

Education

High School/GED

Job description

Pay Range: $37.23-$50.91 Hourly

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Plans Examiner II to review residential and commercial construction plans, ensure compliance with building codes, and provide exceptional customer service throughout the permitting process.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists with building permit intake and permit issuance.
• Performs simple over-the-counter plan review for small residential projects.
• Interprets and applies building code requirements to review building plans for new single and multi-family residential construction, additions, and alterations, while also explaining building ordinances and codes to customers.
• Verifies all permit documentation is submitted and all required reviews are completed by other City departments prior to permit approval or CO/TCO issuance.
• Calculates building square footage, permit fees, and use tax.
• Coordinates and attends various construction meetings to educate the customer on building code and permitting requirements.
• Maintains comprehensive computer records by documenting code violations, entering review results, conducting online research for installation instructions, product listings, and specific requirements, while also reviewing building plan records, both digitally and in written form.
• Establishes professional working relationships with contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and other city employees.
• Provides timely information for a variety of people concerning city building, fire and other codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Identifies, documents, and reports any problems or violations to the building official.
• Performs field inspections to assist Building Inspectors with workload as needed.
• Assist with the review and adoption of the building codes.
• Maintains professional certifications and licenses.
• Travels to and attends team and organizational meetings, training, events and activities and appropriately and professionally represents the department.

Other Job Functions

• Attends various meetings and seminars as required.
• Provides training and guidance to Plans Examiner I.
• Performs site investigations, when necessary, to verify adherence to city building codes and other relevant ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of a variety of inspection processes, construction practices, codes, and standards.
• Strong knowledge of building construction and its materials, methods, and practices in all the trades.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and national codes.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to read and interpret building construction plans, site plans, technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong customer service skills with emphasis on conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates proficiency in permitting and inspection software used by the building division, and participates in training and troubleshooting to support staff and ensure efficient system use.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to review permits, building plans, and applications for completeness and compliance to the building codes.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to inspect building construction for conformity to building codes and standards.
• Ability to perform basic structural calculations.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Knowledge Skills Abilities Preferred

License & Certification

• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Plans Examiner and International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner certification.
• Two (2) additional commercial plans examiner certifications and two (2) additional plan review or building inspection certifications.
• A valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable driving record is required.

Education Degree

• High School/GED

Education Major

Education Required

• Yes

Work Experience Related

• Five (5) years of building inspection or plan examination experience, three (3) of which areas a Plans Examiner I or equivalent in another municipal/governmental setting. An equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered.

Work Experience Preferred

• Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related field.

Other Qualifications

• Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Physical Demands

• Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.

Hazards

• Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

Work Environment

• Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.

The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package. To find out more details, select here.

Vision: We Dream Big and Deliver

Mission: We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.

Values:

• Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.
• Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.
• Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

The City's Core values are in every employee's individual Performance Plan which helps us to reinforce our expectations for living and working by our Core Values.

Every City employee is expected to perform his/her job to the highest professional standards. This includes upholding the City's values with integrity and accountability, acting in a manner that is respectful and inclusive towards others, and adhering to the City's policy on employee conduct as detailed in the personnel rules sec. 70-143.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.