Plans Examiner 2; REVISED

Print


Plans Examiner 2; REVISED

Salary

$54,570.24 - $76,367.50 Annually

Location

WA 99260, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

23-00361

Department

Building and Planning

Opening Date

04/19/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Job Summary

This position works 37.5 hours per week. 

REVISION: PLEASE NOTE REVISIONS TO MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN RED.

NOTE: This recruitment is being reopened. If you applied during the initial recruitment (12/27/23-4/12/24), you do not need to reapply. 

This position performs specialized work in review of construction plans and specifications for compliance with County and State codes and ordinances related to building construction. This position is responsible for the review of residential, commercial, and industrial construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable County and State ordinances and codes prior to permit issuance.  Work involves working with construction drawings, design professionals, contractors, Building Inspectors and other office staff offering technical advice and guidance in code requirements.  Work also involves occasional on-site inspections for specific problems. Work is performed with some independence under the general supervision of a superior who reviews work periodically through reports, conferences and meetings.
 
Plans Examiner 2 positions are technical, ICC Building Plans Examiner certified positions. Incumbents exercise independent judgment with minimal supervision and their duties and responsibilities include all aspects of construction plan review for one and two-family dwellings, townhouses, accessory structures, multifamily, commercial and industrial projects. 
 
At the discretion of the Building Director, Plans Examiner positions may be specifically assigned to review any of the building occupancy classifications/categories, or combination thereof, as the departments workloads and operational needs require.
 
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $59,704 - $83,624 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Examples of Duties

  • Examine and review construction plans and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable local and State Building, Fire, Accessibility and other construction codes and ordinances, under minimal supervision.
  • Provide technical and educational information, assisting department customers by phone, electronic communication, or in person with: code requirements, permit application procedures, review of building plans, providing written or verbal information pertaining to code interpretations, occupancy/construction type, department policy, and on-site deviations revealed as result of inspection.
  • Coordinate plan reviews with other departments, agencies, and staff.
  • Attend pre-application conferences as required.
  • Correspond with architects, contractors, engineers and property owners regarding code requirements and plan deficiencies.
  • Review requests, act upon applications and may inspect work relating to permits.
  • Interpret ordinances and codes for applicability to projects under review. 
  • Assist office and field staff in resolution of technical construction issues and review of construction plans, and specifications.
  • Review structural plans and specifications for conformance with building code loading requirements.
  • Research proposed alternate materials and methods of construction for conformance with applicable standards.
  • Help and mentor the Plans Examiner 1 positions.
  • Verify computer permit data is correct per the submittal documents.
  • May be asked to perform Plans Examiner 1 duties as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Three (3) years of responsible experience in the various phases of building construction, plan review or inspection work, which includes one (1) year of progressively more complex commercial plan review. 
  • Course work or training in plans examination, architecture or a related field may be substituted, year for year, for the required experience.
  • A Residential or Commercial Building Plans examiner certification and one (1) additional certification in a Commercial category consisting of the following: Mechanical Inspector or Plans Examiner, Plumbing Inspector or Plans Examiner or Fire Inspector I or II or Plans Examiner or Accessibility Plans Examiner.
Or, an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position can be considered at the discretion of the Building Official or the Building Director, with a requirement to obtain the required certification(s) within one year of the start date.
  • Note:  For all license requirements, ICBO Legacy Certifications sanctioned by ICC in the categories of Building Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plans Examiner, Uniform Fire Code Inspector, IAPMO Plumbing Inspector are considered the equivalent of: one (1) commercial and one (1) residential certification in the respective disciplines.
  • Possession of a valid Driver’s License at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment.

Selection Factors

  • Knowledge of State and local construction codes and ordinances relative to general construction, land use, and design practices as demonstrated by experience and certifications relative to the assigned area(s) of expertise.
  • Knowledge of various construction materials and methods.
  • Knowledge of customer service techniques and phone etiquette.
  • Knowledge of the principles, methods, practices and procedures necessary to perform the duties of the position.
  • Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
  • Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, other governmental agencies, and department customers.
  • Skilled in applying customer service techniques.
  • Skilled in the operation of standard office equipment, and computers, including databases, word processing, technical software, and internet based applications/research.
  • Ability to understand and carry out complex written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to read and interpret plans specifications and drawings.
  • Ability to convey and communicate ideas and information effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to deal with customers and co-workers in a tactful, calm, courteous and professional manner often in stressful situations.
  • Ability to exercise initiative and judgment, and to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
  • Ability to handle interruptions efficiently and effectively.
  • Ability to follow work direction and complete projects and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain complex records and files and organize facts and present findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
  • Ability to resolve problems, use discretion, and make sound judgments.

SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
    
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees.  Complete information is available from Human Resources Department.  This information is subject to change.
 

PAID TIME OFF

Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County. 
 
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank.  There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
 
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year.  After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language). 
 
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
 
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave. 
 
INSURANCE BENEFITS

Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available:  Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO).  Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.  Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
 
2024 Rates:
 
Premera                                                                           
Employee Only: $38.04 per month                            
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month   
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month       
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month  

Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family:  $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
 
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available:  Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO).  Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
 
2024 Rates:
 
Delta Dental                                                                 Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month                                       Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month                                           Family: $11.96 per month
 
 
 
 
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL.  This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County. 
 
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month.  Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
 
RETIREMENT
 
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan.  This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
 
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program.  Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
 
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
 
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance.  The employee pays 100% of the premium.
 
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home.  Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage.  This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.


Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars.  Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
 
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance.  New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
 
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

 
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling.  There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
 
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
 
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
 
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.

01
Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "None of the above apply").
  • I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
  • I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
  • I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)
  • I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)
  • None of the above apply

Required Question

Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams

Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750