Plans Examiner II

City of Arvada; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Plans Examiner II to review residential and commercial construction plans for code compliance and to guide applicants through the permitting process.

Responsibilities include performing plan reviews, calculating permit fees, coordinating with other departments, reviewing documentation, and maintaining detailed records while providing excellent customer service to contractors and residents.

Qualifications

• Five years of building inspection or plan examination experience, including three years as Plans Examiner I or equivalent.
• ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification and Building Plans Examiner certification, plus two Commercial Plans Examiner certifications and two additional Plans Review or Building Inspection certifications.
• Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• 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, commercial projects, additions, and alterations, while also explaining building ordinances and codes to customers.

Skills

Inspection processes

Building codes

Customer service

Communication

Education

High School/GED

Engineering/Architecture degree preferred

Tools

Permitting software

Inspection software

Plan review tools

Job description

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, commercial projects, 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.
• Assists 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.

License & Certification

• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Plans Examiner certification and Building Plans Examiner certification.
• Two (2) additional International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Plans Examiner certifications and two (2) additional Plans Review or Building Inspection certifications.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

Education Degree

• High School/GED

Education Required

• Yes

Work Experience Related

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

Work Experience Preferred

• Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related field.