Building Plans Examiner I or II (Structural)

Salary: $28.22 - $47.41 Hourly

Location : 80112, CO

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 05979

Department: Public Works and Development

Opening Date: 11/18/2024

Closing Date: 12/8/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

Description

Arapahoe County's Public Works and Development (PWD) Department is an American Public Works Association Accredited Agency, the first County in Colorado to obtain this status. Within PWD, we are seeking a Plans Examiner to join our team in the Building Division. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with commitment to excellence and a desire to serve Arapahoe County through this technical position. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, meaningful work, and a flexible and supportive work environment.

Some of the benefits of working for PWD include:

• 15 days (120 hours) of paid vacation per year
• 13 paid holidays (104 hours) and 3 additional floating holiday (24 hours) per year
• 12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave per year
• Flexible work schedules available
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your professional career
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan - see benefits tab for more detail

The mission of the PWD Building Division is to ensure the timely and courteous application of County-adopted Life Safety Codes in a professional and unbiased manner while fostering and maintaining the respect of the customers we serve. The Plans Examiner reviews construction plans for compliance with County-adopted codes and regulations.

This Plans Examiner position has a professional focus on the Structural elements of building construction. For recruiting purposes, this position is being posted as Plans Examiner I or II. Candidates will be considered for the highest level for which they qualify based on relevant work experience and professional certifications/licenses. The hourly pay range for a Plans Examiner I is $28.22 to $42.33 and for a Plans Examiner II is $31.62 to $47.41. While the position will be filled at either the Plans Examiner I or II level, it will be eligible for future potential career progression to the Senior Plans Examiner level, with the hourly pay range for a Senior Plans Examiner being $35.40 to $53.10. Career progression eligibility is dependent upon the certifications/qualifications of the individual and level of work being performed.

Duties

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

The primary responsibilities of a Plans Examiner are as follows, with the Plans Examiner II performing these functions with a higher level of independence than a Plans Examiner I and across multiple disciplines.

• 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, architect, 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.

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of construction practices, procedures, and materials.
• Knowledge of codes, laws, regulations, and resolutions related to construction.
• Knowledge of proper inspection methods.
• Knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and practices.
• Knowledge pertaining to ADA, ANSI, and Accessibility aspects of building construction.
• Knowledge of commercial mechanical construction principles and practices.
• Knowledge of basic computing and software skills and ability to learn systems related to permitting and budgetary spreadsheets, along with email and communications systems.
• Ability to effectively read blueprints and interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to prepare plan review, inspection, and financial reports and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to calmly and effectively work through and resolve issues pertaining to angry or upset clientele.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES (required for all position at ACG):
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 4+ years of experience in the construction industry focusing on areas that require inspections (such as IRC/IBC building construction and design, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, etc.) is required for a Plans Examiner I. 5+ years of such experience is required for the Plans Examiner II. 6+ years of experience is required for potential career progression to a Senior Plans Examiner.
• 2+ years of inspections or plan review experience as a certified inspector or plans reviewer is preferred.
• 5+ years of commercial building construction and design experience is preferred.
• Experience as a Plans Examiner, Plans Analyst, Design Professional, Project Manager, Superintendent, or related experience is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered. All candidates are encouraged to apply who are interested in this position and who meet the above-listed requirements or a combination thereof. Having the "preferred" experience or licenses/certifications is not required in order to be eligible for the position, so please don't let that discourage you from applying.

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. Applicable licensure issued by the State of Colorado in a relevant trade is also preferred, but not required.

Supplemental Information

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background and motor vehicle checks is required.
• Possession of a valid Colorado Class "R" driver's license or the ability to obtain within two (2) weeks of appointment is required.

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 is 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, 25% walking, and 10% upright while in the field or office.
• 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.

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.

As a Regular Full-Time employee at Arapahoe County Government, you are eligible for benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Mandatory Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Pre-paid Legal Services
• Vacation and Sick Leaves
• Holiday pay
• Training and Educational Reimbursement Opportunities

For a more detailed listing of our benefit programs, click on the MENU link on the left and then Benefits Summary.

01

Please choose the response that best describes your educational background.

• High School Graduate or GED
• Some College
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

02

Choose the response that best describes your years of experience in construction, building, and/or design.

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years to less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years to less than 6 years of experience
• 6 years to less than 7 years of experience
• 7 years to less than 8 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

03

Choose the response that best describes your years of experience performing building inspections or completing plan reviews.

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years to less than 5 years of experience
• 5 or more years of experience

04

Choose the response that best describes your years of commercial building construction and design experience.

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 4 years to less than 5 years of experience
• 5 or more years of experience

05

Please list any professional licenses or certifications that you hold.

06

Do you have a valid Class "R" Colorado driver's license or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of hire?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you received eight or more points within the past twelve months or twelve or more points within the past twenty-four months against your driving record?

• Yes
• No

08

How many moving traffic violations have you been cited for in the past two years?

• Less than 3 violations
• 3 or 4 violations
• 5 or more violations

09

In the past three years, have you had your driver's license revoked or suspended?

• Yes
• No

Required Question