Plans Examiner - (Plumbing)

Building Plan Examiner

The purpose of this classification is to review construction plans and related documents to ensure compliance of proposed construction with applicable codes prior to issuance of permits. The starting annual salary for this position is $72861.64. This figure is negotiable and will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Interprets and applies building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, fire prevention codes, life/safety codes, energy codes, accessibility codes, pool codes, and other applicable codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; communicates with other plans examiners, building inspectors, customers, or other staff regarding code interpretation; contacts outside agencies to obtain additional opinions/interpretations on questionable code sections.

Identifies non-compliance issues and corrections required for plans to achieve compliance with codes; ensures necessary corrections are made to plans and meet compliance prior to issuance of permits.

Performs field inspections as required to review construction of buildings, plumbing systems, mechanical systems, gas systems, electrical systems, and related systems in relation to plans/specifications; assists field inspectors as needed.

Prepares and maintains records of plan review activities; organizes all documentation; utilizes checklists to facilitate plan review process; summarizes and enters pertinent information such as building type, square footages, occupancy loads, building valuations, or other data into computer system; maintains plan review files, checklists, reference materials, and related correspondence.

Assists with preparation of plan review checklists.

Provides technical assistance and information concerning code requirements, code interpretation, code compliance, and related issues; discusses construction plans, the permit process, current status of plan review, problem areas, changes, needed corrections, and contractor responsibilities with property owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and architects; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution; provides information and technical expertise to other staff members; assists front counter staff in explaining relevant information to customers.

Coordinates plan reviews, permit processing, and other work activities with other staff members, other Town departments, and outside agencies as appropriate.

Participates in the development and adoption of model codes.

Reads and interprets construction documents.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, plan review checklists, project status reports, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, construction plans, plan revisions, architectural drawings, engineering drawings, electrical diagrams, surveys, soil analyses, energy efficiency reports, gas tables, windload certifications, floodplain development forms, agency approvals, product information, manufacturer installation literature, UL listings, technical reports/articles, trade journals, codes, ordinances, standards, rules, regulations, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Maintains current library of reference materials.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, e-mail, Internet, or other software programs including electronic plan review.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, drafting instruments, engineer's scale, architect's scale, video camera, calculator, and general office equipment.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Town officials, building inspectors, property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, local/state/federal agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Participates in hurricane preparation or hurricane recovery planning and activities as necessary.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; reviews new codes and changes to existing codes; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

Participate in Development Review Committee.

Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED. College level course work or vocational training in general building construction and a variety of construction plan review specialties. Three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes general building construction, code interpretation, building inspection, and a variety of building plan review specialties. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job may be considered a substitute for the experience requirement. Must possess and maintain valid State of Florida license in at least one of the following areas are required: Building Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, or Residential/Commercial Electrical Plans Examiner. Persons currently licensed or certified to practice as an architect pursuant to FS 481 or an engineer pursuant to FS 471 can be a substitute for the State of Florida license in the areas previously listed. A valid Florida driver's license is required. For application purposes, a valid driver's license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized and the ability to obtain the State of Florida license within thirty (30) days from the date of employment is required.

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds); may occasionally involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature extremes, electric currents, traffic hazards, or bright/dim light.

The Town of Jupiter, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.