Plans Examiner - Commercial

About the role

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Plans Examiner – Commercial. This position will examine and evaluate plans, specs, and other documents submitted by contractors, engineers, and applicants for compliance.

Responsibilities

• Examine and evaluate plans, specs, and other documents submitted by contractors, engineers and applicants for compliance with building construction codes, which have been adopted into the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Interpret the information shown on plans to determine whether the plans comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Determine whether the proposed construction shown on the plans are compliant with the applicable codes
• Meet with engineers, owners and contractors to communicate the results of the review effort
• Prepare letters and reports regarding the results of the plan examination efforts and the procedures to expedite permit processing
• Coordinate the permit process to facilitate timely reviews by other departments within the agency or City
• Communicate the results of the review effort with the owner of the project, their engineer and/or the contractor
• Advise owners, contractors and engineers (face-to-face, email or phone) whether proposed construction techniques satisfy the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Advise applicants of changes needed in drawings so that the proposed construction will satisfy the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
• Prepare written documents for simple projects based on a verbal description from the permit applicant
• Aid, accept and process permit applications from technicians and engineers at the counter
• Train inspectors regarding duties and procedures
• Efficiently coordinate permit processing activities for other City Departments related to a project, so project remains on schedule
• Examine buildings' systems intended for renovation and issue detailed reports/reviews identifying areas of corrections/updates needed, so the building will be compliant with applicable codes for new use
• Provide quality customer service to permit applicants

Qualifications, Special Certifications And Licenses

• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local building codes
• Construction materials and practices
• Engineering and design standards and practices; and, building construction techniques
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with engineers, contractors, and owners to resolve any questions or differences

Minimum Training And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, building construction, or related field
• One year of inspection and plan review experience

Licenses, Certifications and/or Other Special Requirements

• Some assignments may require a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development certifications within a timeframe established by the City: Building Plans Examiner for Commercial
• Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (Building Plans Examiner R3 - ICC) within 12 months of hire. Should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline
• Where required by local policy to have two or more certifications, a technical assistant shall obtain the additional certifications within 3 years from the date of such requirements
• Applicants already DHCD certified, please provide a copy of this certification upon hire

Pay

This opportunity is not to exceed a max compensation amount of $74,360/annually.

Schedule

This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather. This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call, as needed.