Job Description

Posting number: 05M00000190

Department: Planning and Development Review

Job classification: Plans Examiner*

Posting type: Open

Categories: Code Enforcement, Planning and Development, Economic Development

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Plans Examiner - Residential Building.This class 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.

Supervision Exercised/Received:
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.
Note Other reporting relationships may apply.

Examples of duties

Note:

Class description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. The employee may perform other duties of a similar nature or level subject to the needs of the department.

• Examines and evaluates plans, specs, 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, etc.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

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
  • Employee 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