Plans Examiner II

City of Syracuse; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Syracuse is seeking a Plans Examiner I to review architectural drawings, blueprints and plans for compliance with local, state and city building codes. The role involves independent action on multi-residential and commercial projects, coordination with Fire Department and planning agencies, and issuance of permits.

The ideal candidate has solid knowledge of building codes, energy standards, and construction practices, with strong reading and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of local and state codes for residential and commercial structures.
• Experience interpreting and applying life/safety codes.
• Ability to review plans and issue permits.

Responsibilities

• Review complex plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Advise parties on necessary changes for compliance and permit issuance.
• Coordinate with Fire Department and other city departments on complex plans.
• Assist field staff in resolving technical permit issues.
• Attend State Variance Hearings when required.
• Assist in issuing routine permits.

Skills

Local laws & codes

Fire prevention code

Construction knowledge

New York State Energy Code

Reading drawings

Oral & written communication

Interpersonal collaboration

PC data access & codes databases

Education

Bachelors in Architecture or Engineering

Associate degree in Architectural Technology or Building Construction

2+ years plan review experience (or equivalent)

4 years plan review experience (or equivalent)

Job description

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for the application of moderately difficult technical codes, rules and regulations to architectural drawings, blueprints and plans for the purpose of insuring compliance with those codes, rules and plans for the City of Syracuse. The employee in this class exercises independent action in the application of work under review. This position differs from that of a Plans Examiner I in that the review is undertaken on multi-residential and commercial structure applications that involve a variety of life/safety codes rules and regulations. Assignments are received in the form of permit requests that involve specifications, plans and blueprints. The employee then applies all relevant codes, ordinances, rules and regulations to the permit requests under review that would impact upon the structure being built and/or modified insuring compliance, and issues necessary permit. Supervision is not ordinarily exercised in this class, but guidance is periodically extended to the Plans Examiner I. Work is reviewed through submission of reports or conference with the Assistant Director-Plans Review. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Reviews complex plans, drawings and specifications for compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinance rules and regulations including New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Multiple Residency Law, City of Syracuse Building Codes and Onondaga County Zoning Rules and Regulations.
• Advises concerned parties on necessary changes for compliance and the issuance of permits.
• Meets and discusses complex plans requiring permit issuance, with the Fire Department, other affected city departments and Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency.
• Assists field staff in the resolution of technical problems involving either permit or related violation.
• Attends State Variance Hearings when required.
• Assists in the issuance of routine permits.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Through knowledge of local laws, rules, regulations and codes applicable to residential and commercial structures.
• Good knowledge of all Federal and State Codes relating to residential and commercial structures, particularly relating to Fire Prevention Code.
• Good knowledge of materials used and practices applied in the alternation and construction of residential and commercial structures inclusive of construction principles and practices applied to this field.
• Good knowledge of methods for energy conservation as addressed in the New York State Energy Code.
• Working knowledge of construction methods, functions and physical properties of buildings and building costs.
• Working knowledge of structural, electrical and design principles as related to building construction.
• Ability to read and apply architectural drawings and blue prints to existing codes, rules, regulations and law concerning residential and commercial structures.
• Ability to express oneself both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other public officials, general contractors, builders, architects, engineers and the general public.
• Ability to utilize a PC in the maintenance and retrieval of codes related data.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Promotional:

• One (1) year of permanent competitive class status in the title of Plans Examiner I

• Open-Competitive:
  • A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in Architecture, Engineering or a closely related field; or
  • B) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's Degree in Architectural Technology, Building Construction Technology or a closely related field to the aforementioned and two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the review of plans and determining code compliance for residential and nonresidential structures; or
  • C) Four (4) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the review of plans and determining code compliance for residential and nonresidential structures; or
  • D) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C) above.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

The Aff… The city policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or [e-mail].

All offers of employment will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check and/or drug screen.