Title:  Plans Examiner I or II (Hybrid Work Schedule)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

The Plans Examiner I reviews construction plans for compliance with County-adopted codes and regulations.

DUTIES:

• Performs detailed plan review involving an initial review of multiple trade areas and then routing of plans as required into the remaining structural, electrical, or plumbing/mechanical/fuel gas, energy or accessibility components of construction for new buildings and remodels/repairs to existing structures. Plans are examined for compliance with adopted codes, resolutions, and regulations enforced by Arapahoe County. 
• Communicates and collaborates with various County departments, divisions, and agencies, along with outside referral agencies, including fire departments and various special districts.
• Provides advice to construction industry professionals, contractors, and property owners concerning building plan modifications/corrections necessary for plan approval.
• Assists inspectors in obtaining information specific to given plans both in the office and while in the field.
• Interprets code based on jurisdictional guidelines, analyzing and documenting differences in the International Building/Residential Codes in new editions, which are published every three years.
• Updates files for all new or revised codes, provides data to assist with difficult code interpretations, and communicates this information both within the department and on-site to provide assistance with interpretation and application of codes.
• Reviews quality of new products, materials, and methods of construction; reviews and maintains records of same.
• Answers inquiries and technical questions posed by contractors, engineers, architects, and owners; investigates complaints and citizen requests on construction; answers questions concerning code interpretation or inspection techniques; assists in the issuance, inspections, case tracking and final resolution of Building Violations and Stop Work notices.
• Performs building inspections on a regular basis and as operational needs dictate.  Performs inspections of buildings to confirm that the construction is in accordance with the submitted plans, codes, and regulations enforced by the County; reviews submitted plans for code compliance, reads/interprets blueprints and inspects construction activities to assure it is built in a safe manner and in accordance with the adopted codes, the plans, and specifications. 
• Reviews quality of materials and methods of construction; posts "Stop Work" orders at construction sites where permits are absent or work is not up to code; maintains records of inspections and the results, and posts Dangerous Building notices.
• Performs any other required functions related to building inspections.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:  

• High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalent, with advanced training in the specialties represented.
• Four (4) or more years of experience in the construction industry focusing on the areas that require inspections (such as IRC/IBC building construction and design, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, etc.).
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• One or more applicable certifications issued by the International Code Council (ICC), especially those that directly relate to plan review, are preferred at the time of hire. 
• Licensure issued by the State of Colorado in a relevant trade is preferred.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Two (2) or more years of inspection experience in the specialty field being hired into and/or plan review experience as a certified inspector or plan reviewer.
• Five (5) or more years of commercial building construction and design experience.
• Experience as a Plans Examiner, Plans Analyst, Design Professional, Project Manager, Superintendent, or related experience.

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
• Certification with the International Code Council as a Plans Examiner desired at time of hire, though required within twelve (12) months of appointment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally limited to a standard office environment, but field work is required on an as-needed basis to conduct inspections. 
• Field visits to construction sites are also required on occasion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 65% of the time sitting and 35% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts or carries up to 20 lbs. when moving books or recording equipment.
• Occasionally stoops, kneels, and crouches while organizing files in the office or moving about in the field.
• Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone, texts and emails. Oral and auditory capacity to present and participate during public hearings and meetings.
• Eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling the safe effective operation of office and field machinery.
• Visual capacity including depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision enabling completion of field inspections and operation of machinery.

Definitions:

• Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.