Electrical Plans Examiner/Inspector

Summary Statement

Electrical Plans Examiner/Inspector reviews plan specifications and accompanying electrical engineering to verify compliance with the adopted electrical code and city ordinances for various construction projects. Performs skilled electrical inspections and licensing compliance activities in residential, commercial, and industrial construction to ensure that engineered electrical plans and installations are in accordance with applicable codes and safety requirements. This position works under general supervision.

Essential Functions

• Works with electrical inspectors, contractors, and design professionals after a permit has been issued to resolve moderately complex code issues encountered during construction. Handles complex issues and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff. Writes and issues correction and violation notices. Monitors inspection areas for work performed without permits or proper occupancy approval and for dangerous conditions. Issues notices of violations, including stop-work orders, citations, and penalties where unsafe or illegal conditions exist. Verifies the proper licensing of electrical contractors and journey-level workers. Responds to complaints from tenants about possible substandard housing conditions due to electrical code violations.
• Reviews plan changes and modifications for projects under construction. Performs site visits to resolve issues or verify construction elements of existing conditions as required. Reviews and assists applicants in preparing acceptable alternate code requests or modifications to the electrical or building codes. Assists with evaluations of submitted alternate code requests or modifications.
• Participates in plan intake meetings with applicants for various projects to verify the completeness of permit applications and construction documents, accepting projects into the review system. Analyzes project complexity to determine the appropriate plan review track. Attends and participates in project management early assistance meetings for large complex projects.
• Communicates code requirements, design issues, and permit processes to applicants in a large meeting environment. Assists in proposing, researching, drafting, and commenting on building division interpretations and policies related to commercial and residential electrical projects. Works with electrical inspection staff, contractors, and design professionals after a permit has been issued to resolve code issues encountered during construction. Performs site visits to resolve issues or verify construction elements of existing conditions.
• Performs plan reviews on construction plans, engineering calculations, and specifications for various projects to verify compliance with the applicable international codes. Review reports and calculations to verify compliance with applicable national codes. Verifies identified deficiencies have been corrected before final approval. Researches buildings and applicable codes. Creates written reports outlining design deficiencies for design professionals. Prepares plans and documentation for issuance of permits.
• Responds to questions about electrical codes. Provides electrical code interpretations and technical advice. Resolves conflicts and communicates options for code compliance. Schedules and conducts meetings with customers to answer questions and facilitate service.
  
  

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

High school diploma or equivalent and four years of related licensed electrical journey level work experience building electrical systems and codes.

Knowledge Of

• local, state, and national electrical codes, rules and ordinances, installation practices, and system materials
• legal processes involved in the enforcement of building codes and ordinances
• computer usage, including related software.
  
  

Ability to:

• understand and explain city code, policies, and the review process
• read plans and interpret various types of reports, building plans and specifications
• evaluate electrical engineering reports and calculations
• provide training and technical support to others
• provide effective customer service to a diverse population having a wide range of expertise
• communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
  
  

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Associate's or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field and five years of related electrical journey level experience or governmental or third-party electrical code inspection or plan review experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

Licensed journey level Electrician in the State of Idaho.

Certified by the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) or the International Code Council (ICC) as an Electrical Inspector.

Certified by (IAEI) or (ICC) as an Electrical Plans Examiner.

Valid state-issued driver’s license.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

Driving Record Check

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment 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.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate and rarely loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to chemicals.