Plans Examiner - Residential Building

About the role

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Plans Examiner - Residential Building. This role provides coordination of permit processing activities and reviews plans for compliance with electrical, plumbing, gas, and building construction codes.

As assigned, work may include: reviewing submitted plans for compliance with residential building construction codes; interpreting information shown on plans; determining if construction adheres to applicable codes; meeting with engineers, owners, and contractors to communicate plan reviews; preparing letters and reports; coordinating the permit process to facilitate timely reviews by other employees and departments; providing information about the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code to customers; assisting technicians and engineers at the counter by accepting and processing permit applications; examining systems in building renovations and issuing reports of deficiencies; and providing customer service.

This opportunity is not to exceed a max compensation amount of $76,776.65 annually.

Supervision

Exercised: This classification typically does not supervise other employees but may serve as lead worker, assigning work and monitoring work completion.

Received: This classification typically reports to a unit supervisor. Other reporting relationships may apply.

Responsibilities

• Examines and evaluates plans, specifications, and other documents submitted by contractors, engineers, and applicants for compliance.
• Advises applicants of needed changes (in drawings) to satisfy applicable codes.
• As assigned, may conduct on-site inspections.
• Meets and consults with project coordinators, contractors, engineers, owners, etc., to discuss city requirements pertaining to specific projects.
• Communicates results of review efforts with project owner, engineer, contractor, etc.
• As assigned, prepares letters and reports regarding results of the plan examination efforts and procedures to expedite permit processing.
• Maintains logs, tracking systems, and specialized databases.
• Performs routine administrative duties such as responding to emails/phone calls.
• As assigned, performs other duties including providing customer service support related to processing plans and documents as part of the review process; trains inspectors regarding duties and procedures; and provides assistance in processing permit applications.

Requirements

Knowledge

Some combination of the following:

• Federal, state, and local building codes
• Construction materials and practices
• Engineering and design standards and practices
• Surveying and drafting concepts/techniques
• Building construction techniques
• Mathematics including Algebra and Geometry
• AutoCAD

Skills

Some combination of the following:

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Drafting and Surveying
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Abilities

Some combination of the following:

• 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
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

Licensing, Certifications and/or Other Special Requirements

• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development certifications within a time frame established by the City: Building Plan Examiner, Building Inspector General, and Building Inspector One and Two Family Dwellings
• 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.
• Employees are required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency.
• Applicants already DHCD certified, please provide a copy of this certification upon hire.
• 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.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program