Residential Plans Examiner (Building Codes)

Clackamas County; Oregon City (OR); On-site; USD 82,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Clackamas County is seeking a Residential Plans Examiner for the Building Codes Division to review 1- and 2-family dwelling plans for compliance with Oregon Residential Specialty Code, including structural, mechanical, and life safety provisions. The role requires strong collaboration and customer-facing communication.

You will prepare plan review letters, assist the public, coordinate with fire prevention officials, and support continuous improvement of building codes administration.

Qualifications

• Review 1-2 family dwelling plans for compliance with Oregon codes.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with code interpretations and plan reviews.

Responsibilities

• Review residential plans for code compliance and write review letters.
• Interact with the public and collaborate with fire prevention officials.
• Maintain and update correspondence on plan reviews.

Skills

Plan review expertise

Customer service

Communication

Ethics

Policy compliance

Tools

Accela Automation

BlueBeam

ProjectDox

Job description

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be on Monday, September 21, 2026. Afterwards, applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.

COMPENSATION

Annual Pay Range: $82,198.15 - $103,690.26

Hourly Pay Range: $39.518339 - $49.851087

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Are you knowledgeable and/or experienced in reviewing one and two-family dwelling building plans and plans for related accessory structures for compliance?
• Do you enjoy taking on challenges and turning them into opportunities?
• Are you ready to join the Building Codes team that operates in a fast-paced environment by effectively managing and leading change and innovation?
• Do you have exceptional skills in building partnerships through a commitment to providing excellent customer service?
• Do you have a personal commitment to putting ethics into action by holding yourself to the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, and objectivity?

If you answered "yes" to the questions above, please read on! We are searching for a Residential Plans Examiner to join our team at the Clackamas County Department of Transportation & Development. If selected for this position, you will be joining the Building Codes Division, a team responsible for administering the State of Oregon building, mechanical, fire alarm, sprinklers, plumbing, electrical, and Clackamas County ordinances and regulations.

As a Residential Plans Examiner in the Building Codes Division, your main focus will be reviewing 1 and 2 family dwelling building plans and plans for related accessory structures for compliance with the State of Oregon Residential Specialty Code, including residential structural, mechanical, and life safety codes. If selected for this position, you will also have an opportunity to review other types of plans and specifications related to residential construction projects. Another component of this position is writing plan review letters and other correspondence related to necessary Code related corrections. In this role, it will be critical to demonstrate excellent communication skills and a strong collaborative approach, as you will be expected to interact with the public while providing codes and permits related information as well as cooperate with fire prevention officials and others on various projects during plan reviews and inspections.

We are committed to being an exemplary team with best practices in Building Codes Administration, working together towards the common goal of achieving overall success of our organization. It is critical that every member of our team recognizes the vital role we play in our community, as well as understands the value a community places on safe buildings and structures, and how our Building Codes team satisfies this demand. To that end, we are searching for an individual, who is motivated to be a positive and collaborative contributor, demonstrating strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills that will allow us to improve, develop and enhance our operations.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:

• Certification Requirements (Note: Proof of possession of required certifications will be confirmed prior to the final offer of employment is extended to the selected candidate. Out-of-state applicants should consult the State of Oregon website at http://www.oregon.gov/BCD/pages/index.aspx regarding reciprocity requirements.):
  • Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) ~AND~ at least one of the following three certification sets:
    1. State of Oregon Certifications:
       • Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)
       • Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)
    2. International Code Council Certifications:(Please note: To use International Code Council (ICC) certifications you must be able to provide documentation showing the appropriate experience as outlined by the Oregon State Building Codes Division in order to convert these certifications to Oregon Certifications, or be registered to take the necessary Oregon State Building Codes Division training class in order to convert the ICC certifications, within six (6) months of hire, to Oregon Certifications.)
       • ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1)
       • ICC Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)
    3. State of Oregon Legacy Certifications:
       • State of Oregon 1 and 2 Family Plans Examiner
       • State of Oregon 1 and 2 Family Structural Inspector
       • State of Oregon 1 and 2 Family Mechanical Inspector
• Experience providing excellent customer service to the public as well as to other external and internal stakeholders within various levels of an organization

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:

• Experience as a plans examiner in a building codes, public works or similar department
• Experience as a structural and mechanical inspector within a jurisdictional setting
• Completion of a recognized building inspection program, where building and mechanical code classes, inspection classes and training, and plan review were an integral part of the program
• Experience using Accela Automation or similar permitting software
• At least two (2) years of experience working in the construction industry
• Experience reviewing and marking-up plans electronically, using software such as BlueBeam, ProjectDox or similar plan review platforms

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass a post-offer physical assessment; accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

*For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

TYPICAL TASKS

Please review the classification specification which includes the typical tasks of this position by clicking on the following link: Commercial Plans Examiner.

KEY COMPETENCIES

We are searching for someone who:

• Aligns with Clackamas County Core Values of Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Individual Accountability, and Trust "SPIRIT".
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with internal and external customers, partners, and stakeholders by honoring commitmentsanddelivering exceptional customer service.
• Commits to teamwork and collaboration by working effectively towards a shared goal, encouraging sharing of information, productive problem solving, and putting team success first.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service by anticipating, assessing, and responding effectively to the needs of those we serve.
• Communicates professionally, demonstrating self-awareness, respect for others, and adjusting to various levels of technical skills & understanding of subject matters.
• Embraces continual learning through commitment to self-improvement and willingness to grow within the job as technology and organizational changes demand it.
• Seeks to problem solve by using critical thinking and analytical skills, identifying alternative strategies & developing a solution-focused approach to address challenges or issues.
• Displays creativity and innovation by taking initiative in improving processes, programs, services, and products through new approaches or ideas and being open to others’ ideas.
• Promotes cross-cultural effectiveness by engaging in a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
• Puts ethics into action by holding themselves to a high standard of professional, honest, and objective behavior in all dealings and interactions.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

Please Note: This position is designated as on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The majority of duties are completed in an office setting, using a computer and monitor to review plans and applications. Incumbents may perform residential inspections as a back up to inspection staff. These field duties requiresquatting, kneeling, balancing, climbing, and the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects. Duties also involve exposure to loud noises, moving traffic, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, working at heights on ladders and roofs, confined crawl spaces, and adverse weather conditions.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Department of Transportation and Development (DTD) is to assist residents and businesses in creating vibrant, sustainable communities through innovative and responsive public service.

DTD is responsible for a broad range of county services involving land use planning and permitting, building permits, county code enforcement, solid waste and recycling, road construction and maintenance, surveying, plat approvals, public land corner restoration, economic development, libraries, County parks, and dog services.

Learn more about the divisions in DTD