Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Community Development 316 Washington Steet Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Salary: PW18 Steps 2-4 $5,933.30 - $6,496.13 Longevity Steps 5-8 $6,798.82 - $7,800.78

The position includes a state retirement system, with a deferred comp program available. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, and county contributions to a personal health savings account. Includes up to 11 paid holidays and additional floating holidays per collective bargaining agreement. Along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave. 

SUMMARY

The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector position is under the direct supervision of the Building Official.  The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector performs specialized technical work in plan reviews and inspections of residential and commercial structures to assure compliance with State and County codes as they pertain to life, safety, health, structural, mechanical and energy conservation.  This position requires the individual to be responsible for ensuring certain standards of safety and structural quality are being met for all structures requiring permitting and inspections.  This position will further be responsible for determining if construction work meets current building code requirements, organize daily schedules, answer questions, educate homeowners and builders to any corrections to meet codes, and may be assigned to other Divisions in the Department as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Examines construction drawings and specifications, geotechnical reports, structural calculations, plumbing, mechanical, energy and ventilation calculations to determine code compliance and notifies applicants in writing of plan review corrections.
• Maintains current knowledge of various codes and construction practices due to changes in building materials, building code philosophies and legislative mandates.
• Advise architects, designers, contractors and public on code and design requirements.
• Assist inspectors on code requirements; provide support to permit technicians and counter activities.
• Perform inspections of buildings and a wide variety of other structures in various stages of construction, alteration and repair; inspect foundation, concrete, framing, fire safety requirements, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, facility accessibility and other items.
• Perform field and office review of plans and specifications. Notify permit applicants of information required for correction of any deficiencies.
• Provide information to the public and the building industry to clarify codes and adopted standards at their request. Investigate and resolve complaints from the public.
• Keep detailed records and prepare reports of inspections, investigations and other work performed; participate in cases for legal action as necessary.
• Verify Flood Plain locations for all permits during the construction process.
• Read and interpret building plans and specifications. Read, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes and regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Reading codes, plans, blueprints, specifications, drawings and other permit documents and ensuring compliance with adopted building codes and county ordinances.
• Working knowledge of current construction codes, applicable Uniform, International and County codes, and WAC amendments to State-adopted codes, local ordinances and regulations and construction manuals, and other applicable standards.
• Knowledge of building tools, materials and modern methods of building construction, alteration, repair and workmanship.
• Plans examination and review procedures.
• Field inspection methods, procedures and techniques.
• Record keeping techniques including use of personal computers & specialized software.
• Must have demonstrated oral and written communications skills.
• Must have the ability to interact with customers/public using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Must be able to successfully complete and pass background check.
• Research methods and report presentation.
• Ability to resolve discrepancies with appropriate code and regulations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree or two-year Technical Certificate in Building/Construction Technology desired, with two years of building code compliance experience associated with a variety of building and construction types;

OR

• an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience of five years’ experience in various phases of building construction, inspection work or plans preparation. Demonstrated course work or formal training in reviewing construction plans may be substituted for years’ experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Must be able to communicate with customers and explain potential problems found during inspections, this requires communicating effectively during stressful situations and with customers that might not want to communicate. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.  Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish or bilingual desired.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as square footages, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Current ICC Residential Building Inspector and ICC Commercial Building Inspector certifications, or ability to obtain certifications within six (6) months.
• Current ICC Residential Plans Examiner and ICC Commercial Plans Examiner certifications, or ability to obtain certifications within twelve (12) months.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.
• Spend substantial time driving for site to site and getting in and out of a vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties are performed indoors and outdoors under all-weather condition.
• Conditions at construction sites may include being exposed to falling objects, loose footing, and construction equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.