What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Examiner position at City of Lakewood, WA?
JOB SUMMARY
Applications accepted until a sufficient number of qualifying applications received.
This is an AFSCME represented position.
Are you seeking an opportunity to work in a collaborative, diverse and dynamic Department focused on improving customer services and processes across several programs and services? The City of Lakewood’s Planning and Public Works Department is a diverse, dynamic and talented team of professionals working to improve the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department is entrusted with a wide range of public services including community planning, building and maintaining transportation and stormwater infrastructure, managing the health of our lakes, building and land use permitting, human services and rental assistance, economic development and much more!
Under the direction of the Building Official, perform reviews of building plans and related documentation and permits for completeness and compliance with Washington State Building Code, local ordinances, and structural requirements; review commercial, residential, and industrial project plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes requirements; and assist field inspections team during construction to ensure compliance with approved plans.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Perform technical work in the review, evaluation, and decision for approval or denial of commercial and residential building plans and specifications for compliance with Building Codes, local ordinances, and construction requirements for structures in the city.
Check plans and specifications to ensure complete submittal of required information; communicate additional application needs to applicants as needed, and coordinate plan submittals for permits with the inspectors, land use administration planners, and/or other divisions and departments.
Check site plans for building location relating to setbacks, projections, and other location requirements; check foundation plans, architectural drawings, engineering calculation, and floor plans for code and structural compliance.
Work with building inspectors during construction to ensure structural, plumbing, Washington State energy code, and mechanical installations in accordance with the appropriate codes, applicable regulations, and approved plans and specifications.
Serve as a mentor, sharing expertise, knowledge, work products, and experiences with co-workers and staff to promote effective teamwork and efficient and consistent building inspection and plan review processes and decisions.
Provide counter assistance to expedite project design issues and to prevent a backlog in the permit issuing process; answer questions, review permit applications, and calculate fees related to plans review and building permits.
Interpret and explain regulations and codes to architects, engineers, owners, tenants, & contractors. Provide information regarding materials requirements, common building inspection processes, and explain local ordinances.
Coordinate communication and activities with other City departments and personnel, various
governmental and private agencies.
Prepare and maintain records and reports related to plan reviews, permits, fees, and field work.
Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.
Perform related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to: an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, architecture, or construction; and two years of experience as a Commercial Building Plans Examiner.
A valid ICBO/ICC certification as Commercial Building Plans Examiner (B3) is required and maintaining such certification throughout employment.Possession of second ICC certification within 12 months of employment is required.
A valid Washington driver’s license is required by date of hire.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, architecture, or construction; and experience with complex commercial and mixed use construction projects is desired.
Additional ICBO/ICC certifications at the time of hire are desired.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Barrier Free Access standards (ICC A117.1), Washington State and Local Construction Codes amendments, & Revised Codes of Washington (RCW).
Digital plan review, procedures, and techniques; construction procedures and methods; field inspection methods, procedures, report preparation, records maintenance procedures, oral and written communication skills, technical knowledge of specific systems to be inspected.
Design standards for the construction of buildings and other structures that are subject to the building code requirements.
Maintain current knowledge of building construction technology and codes including standards practices and methods of all types of residential and commercial construction.
Health and safety regulations.
Bluebeam Revu for reviewing construction documents, plans markups, generating review comments letters.
International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Barrier Free Access standards (ICC A117.1), Washington State and Local Construction Codes amendments, & Revised Codes of Washington (RCW).
Digital plan review, procedures, and techniques; construction procedures and methods; field inspection methods, procedures, report preparation, records maintenance procedures, oral and written communication skills, technical knowledge of specific systems to be inspected.
Design standards for the construction of buildings and other structures that are subject to the building code requirements.
Maintain current knowledge of building construction technology and codes including standards practices and methods of all types of residential and commercial construction.
Health and safety regulations.
Bluebeam Revu for reviewing construction documents, plans markups, generating review comments letters.
ABILITY TO:
Interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Examine plans, architectural drawings, structural calculations, and specifications submitted with development permit applications to ensure completeness, conformance and compliance with the life safety, structural, accessibility, energy conservation, plumbing, mechanical and pertinent provisions of State, & local ordinances.
Provide information at the public counter regarding the building codes and ordinances, fire life safety issues, accessibility, energy conservation and other construction related issues.
Perform occasional field inspections of facilities under construction or alteration.
Maintain computer records and plan checking information utilizing electronic review software and computerized permit tracking system. Utilize electronic email application, electronic word processing, and other office software.
Work and communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers and co-workers, employing tact, patience and courtesy.
Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
Work independently with little direct supervision.
Organize and maintain accurate records.
Prepare clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Confer with architects, contractors, builders, and the general public in the office and on site to resolve complaints and answer questions regarding plan check correction lists, conditions of permit approvals, and use of alternative methods or materials.
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor work environment.
Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site inspections. Climbing ladders and working from heights, seeing to inspect construction sites, sitting and standing for extended periods of time, walking rough and uneven surfaces and construction sites, lifting and carrying boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, bending, kneeling, and crouching in confined areas, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate measuring and testing equipment, and hearing and speaking to communicate with others regarding code requirements.
HAZARDS:
Exposure to falling objects at construction sites, and working at heights on ladders and scaffolding.
Indoor and outdoor work environment.
Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site inspections. Climbing ladders and working from heights, seeing to inspect construction sites, sitting and standing for extended periods of time, walking rough and uneven surfaces and construction sites, lifting and carrying boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, bending, kneeling, and crouching in confined areas, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate measuring and testing equipment, and hearing and speaking to communicate with others regarding code requirements.
HAZARDS:
Exposure to falling objects at construction sites, and working at heights on ladders and scaffolding.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!
BENEFITS SUMMARY
for AFSCME MEMBERS
This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.
WORK HOURS
The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.
SALARY INCREASES
Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
HOLIDAYS
Employees are granted the following paid holidays:
New Year's Day
M.L. King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day
Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
PAID TIME OFF
Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year.
Accrual Rate:
During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year
After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year
After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year
After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year
During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year
After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year
After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year
After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year
Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
SHARED LEAVE
If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees.
MILITARY LEAVE
Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.
The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.
JURY DUTY LEAVE
Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.
RETIREMENT PLAN
Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3.
Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.
Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT
In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.
Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.
VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.
VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.
The effective date of health insurance coverage is the first day of the month following hire.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible).
Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees.Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,600 annually (pro-rated each pay period). Part-time employees may be eligible to opt out to receive an equivalent pro-rated amount.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues. Premiums are paid by the City.
VISION INSURANCE*
The Vision Service Plan (VSP) provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.
DENTAL INSURANCE*
Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of the cost for Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleanings, x-rays, fillings, etc.) is covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits. A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.
- The City pays the entire premium cost for full-time employees and their dependents. Premiums for part-time employees and their dependents are pro-rated based on the employee's FTE status.
LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.
SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE
A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT
A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand.
LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.
VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE
Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.
VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD)
Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PLANS
Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, dental and hospital intensive care.
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