Job Description

Posting number: S202-4311

Department: Building Inspection

Division: 4311 - Building Inspection

Job classification: Senior Plan Examiner (Non-Exempt)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Engineering, Management, Architecture

Summary

Reporting to the Chief Building Official, the Senior Plan Examiner supervises the assigned commercial or residential plan review team and performs complex plan reviews for compliance with adopted codes, ordinances, and applicable regulations. Coordinates interdepartmental reviews and serves as a designated address assigner.

Examples of duties

• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff, assign and prioritize work, and participate in recruitment and selection. Coach staff on consistent application of codes and procedures.
• Review permit applications, construction documents, and supporting calculations for code compliance. Document plan deficiencies and approval conditions, explain how to resolve deficiencies, and maintain accurate permit and review records.
• Explain Building Safety policies, code requirements, and compliance options to applicants, contractors, developers, design professionals, homeowners, and City staff, including for changes of use or occupancy. Resolve plan review concerns within assigned authority and refer formal interpretations and alternative compliance requests to the Building Official.
• Coordinate interdepartmental reviews, review plats for Building Safety concerns, and serve as the Building Safety liaison to the Development Review Committee. Attend pre-development meetings and provide comments on behalf of Building Safety. In the commercial assignment, lead and coordinate Site Plan Review and delegate meeting leadership and coordination to commercial plan examiners as appropriate.
• Assign, verify, and update addresses as needed during development review and permitting. Coordinate any related corrections to City records.
• Assist permitting and inspection staff with questions about approved plans and project scope. Document permitting system issues and coordinate with IT. Track plan review workload, turnaround, and quality. Report trends and resource needs to the Chief Building Official. Review section policies and procedures, recommend service improvements, and help develop and implement those changes.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and perform related duties as required.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field, and at least four years of progressively responsible building plan review experience, including direct review of construction documents for code compliance. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may satisfy the degree requirement. All candidates must meet the four-year plan review experience minimum.

No later than 12 months after hire or appointment, employees must hold at least three current International Code Council (ICC) certifications in plan review, inspection, or a combination of both. Each certification must be relevant to the employee’s commercial or residential assignment. Qualifying certifications already held at hire or appointment count toward the three-certification minimum. After the 12-month deadline, employees must continue to hold at least three current, qualifying certifications.

Valid Texas Driver's License Required

Prior supervisory experience is preferred.

Supplemental information

Knowledge of:

• Adopted construction codes, referenced standards, applicable regulations, and building construction methods and systems.
• Plan review, permitting, site plan and plat review, and address assignment practices.
• Employee supervision, staff development, and plan review quality control.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply codes and evaluate construction plans, specifications, and supporting calculations. Research applicable codes and referenced standards and document the basis for plan review findings and recommendations.
• Exercise sound judgment within assigned authority and identify issues requiring a Building Official determination.
• Supervise and develop staff, prioritize workloads, and monitor review quality and turnaround.
• Coordinate reviews across City departments, use electronic permitting systems, and maintain accurate permit and address records.
• Communicate technical issues, requirements, and review findings clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently use a computer and standard office equipment to review electronic plans and maintain records.
• Review detailed construction drawings and related documents in electronic and printed formats.
• Occasionally walk during the workday and lift or carry plans and other materials weighing up to 10 pounds.