Plans Examiner III

Oregonbuildingofficials; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 41,328 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid leave program

Job summary

The City of Bend is seeking a full-time Structural Plans Examiner III in the Building Safety Division. In this role, you'll review commercial plans for compliance with building codes and standards while collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

Applicants should have a strong background in structural plan review, be customer-service oriented, and hold relevant certifications. A competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement options, is offered.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in structural plan review and compliance.
• Proven track record of collaborative work with diverse stakeholders.
• Certifications in building inspection and plan review are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review commercial plans for code compliance.
• Manage workload and priorities effectively.
• Coordinate reviews with other departments.
• Build relationships with internal and external partners.
• Provide guidance and training to team members.
• Update internal documents to reflect current codes.
• Evaluate Alternate Means and Methods requests.

Skills

Electronic plan review of commercial projects

Strong customer service

Teamwork skills

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Bluebeam

Job description

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Structural Plans Examiner III in the Building Safety Division of the Community Development Department. This position is hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible), and represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA).

Be part of a fast‑paced, dynamic, and resilient team that plays a vital role in supporting safe, collaborative development in the City of Bend. We value strong partnerships within our community and share a common goal: fostering responsible, efficient growth that enhances Bend’s built environment.

Join the City of Bend’s Building Division as a member of our Plan Examining team, where you’ll engage with projects of all sizes and complexity. In this role, you’ll work closely with property owners, design professionals, and cross‑functional City teams to help bring projects from initial concept through final approval and occupancy.

We welcome applicants who bring demonstrated experience, a proven track record, and strong customer service and teamwork skills.

Classification Framework

Building Inspector – Plans Examiner III

Key Responsibilities

• Review commercial plans and development projects for compliance with applicable building codes, standards, and City requirements.
• Manage a personal workload and priorities to ensure timely and accurate completion of plan reviews within established timelines.
• Collaborate with Building Division team members and other departments to coordinate reviews and ensure consistent application of codes and policies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff, external partners, and the development community through proactive communication and follow‑through.
• Participate in meetings such as pre‑application conferences, team meetings, and department meetings to support project coordination and problem‑solving.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to new or developing team members, serving as a resource for technical questions and best practices.
• Contribute expert feedback and recommendations to improve existing processes, policies, and procedures and support the development of new approaches.
• Assist with updating and maintaining internal documents, resources, and review materials to reflect current codes and practices.
• Evaluate and apply Alternate Means and Methods requests, exercising professional judgment to ensure code compliance and safety.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with electronic plan review of commercial projects.
• Experience using Bluebeam or similar plan review software.
• Previous inspection experience in addition to plan review.
• Advanced or multiple certifications in building inspection, plan review, fire‑life safety, accessibility, energy, or fire protection systems (sprinklers and alarms).

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree from a two‑year college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and one of the following single or combination of Oregon certifications:
  1. A‑level Plumbing Inspector (PI)
  2. A‑level Electrical Inspector (EI)
  3. A‑level Structural and A‑level Mechanical Inspector (SIA & MIA)
  4. A‑level Plans Examiner and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEA & PEF)
• Valid Oregon driver’s license.

Equity Statement

The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers.

Benefits

The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents that includes health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program.

Starting Compensation

Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering candidate education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.