Building Plans Examiner

JOB SUMMARY
 
The position of this class is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications and field inspections for compliance with the International Building Codes, other related codes and local ordinances.  May work closely with national code agencies when interpretation of code requirements is necessary.  Applications for permits are referred to the Plan Check Officer for advice concerning code requirements.  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Review, correct, file and recommend approval of all plans submitted for compliance with the International Building Codes, related codes and local ordinances.  

Preparation of all permits and reports related thereto.  

Works under the supervision of the Building Official and may represent the Building Official during his absence.

Participates with other building personnel in conferring with architects or builders concerning improvements required in plans;  

Evaluates proposals and actions involving the building codes and makes recommendations for improvements.

Reviews architectural drawings and specifications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with building, and accessible codes and local ordinances.  

Suggests plan changes to applicants in order to bring drawings and specifications into compliance with City building codes and ordinances.  

Advises other City inspectors in the resolution of complex building and accessible problems.  

Advises the Building Official of recommended revisions to the City of Fairbanks Building Code to bring it into compliance with changes in the federal and state codes.  

Assists in establishing and/or revising departmental policies due to changes in methods of construction or field applications of the codes.

Trains or coordinates with instructors to update departmental staff in application of new codes, policies, and procedures.  

Performs related work as assigned.
 
The preceding examples are representative of assignments performed by this class and are not intended to be inclusive.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
 
Persons applying for this position should preferably have the following:
 
Possession of a bachelor's degree in architectural, engineering or related technical field and  three years of experience in the review of building plans, including some commercial, industrial, and complex residential plans.

Four years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Assistant Plan Checker with the other Cities, including the review of some commercial, industrial, and complex residential building plans and possession of a current registration as an ICC Plans Examiner.

Equivalent combination of training, education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.  

Possess and maintain a valid State of Alaska driver's license throughout the duration of employment.

Registration in Alaska or Washington as an Architect; or Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineer is preferred.

Possession of a current registration as an ICC Plans Examiner is preferred; ability to achieve and maintain within one year of employment is required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
 
These factors will be the basis for selecting qualified candidates to be interviewed.  Candidates hired must satisfactorily demonstrate these factors during a prescribed probationary period for continued employment:
 
Principles and practices of civil engineering.

Applicable residential, commercial, and industrial building construction codes.

Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, disabled access, and energy conservation requirements.

Building construction practices, methods, and materials.

Read, interpret, and apply building codes and regulations to architectural drawings and engineering specifications.  

Communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, engineers, builders, inspectors, and the general public.

Train staff.WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed indoors in an office environment and on-site in the field when needed.  
When work is performed outdoors there is full exposure to the elements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
An incumbent uses a computer, keyboard and related equipment, data recording equipment, basic hand tools, small and large hand probes and drives a vehicle on City business.
 
 An incumbent sits, stands, walks, reaches, bends, grasps and lifts and moves filled binders and other items weighing 15 pounds or less.
 
 When performing inspections an incumbent kneels, crouches, twists, climbs stairs, ladders and inclines, crawls in confined spaces, walks on roofs of single and multi-story structures and scaffolding and may walk on slippery/uneven slopes and surfaces and  be exposed to extreme noise, damp conditions, construction fumes, solvents, chemicals, dust, soil, electrical hazards and vehicular traffic.
 
 An incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.