Description
The City of Boise is hiring a Plans Examiner I to add to our Planning and Development Services team!
Use your construction industry knowledge to support safe, code-compliant building projects in Boise. As a Plans Examiner I, you will review residential and select minor commercial construction plans, apply building and energy codes, and work with contractors, design professionals, and property owners throughout the permit process. This role is ideal for someone with construction industry experience, while also welcoming applicants with related knowledge, a strong interest in learning plan review and codes, and a commitment to public service. If your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we encourage you to use your cover letter to share your specific interest in plans review, building safety, and serving the City of Boise.
To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.
Why the City of Boise?
The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:
Zero-premium medical coverage for you and your family
PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
10 weeks paid parental leave
$500 annual wellbeing incentive
Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost
Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.
Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.
Essential Functions
Performs plan reviews on construction plans, engineering calculations and specifications for new and existing buildings. Reviews minor commercial and multifamily projects, researches buildings and applicable codes. Prepares reports outlining design deficiencies to applicants, owners and design professionals. Creates, reviews and modifies electronic permits to describe the scope of projects. Prepares plans and documentation for the issuance of permits. Assists and conducts reviews of residential plans when necessary during peak work periods. (40%)
Conducts prescreens to verify the completeness of permit applications and construction documents. Analyzes project complexity to determine the appropriate plan review track and routing. Participates in project management as a multi-disciplinary team member. Communicates code requirements, design issues and permit processes to applicants in large meeting environments. Monitors project review progress and coordinates with others to facilitate building permit issuance.
Schedules and conducts meetings to answer questions and facilitate service. Answers questions, explains building permit review processes to a diverse range of people, resolves conflicts and communicates options for code compliance.
Assists in assigning, monitoring and tracking the work, work hours and cost of the contracted structural engineering review service.
Reviews and assists applicants in preparing acceptable alternate code requests or modifications to adopted building codes. Reviews and evaluates current policies, recommending updates or determining if policies can be retired. Reviews and recommends amendments to proposed ordinances for the adoption of new codes. Works with building inspection staff, contractors and design professionals after the permit has been issued to resolve code issues encountered during construction. Reviews plan changes and modifications for projects under construction. Performs site visits as necessary to resolve issues or verify construction elements under existing conditions.
Attends meetings, represents and votes as a proxy for the city at International Code Council (ICC) conferences and/or represents the city in the local Building Safety Professionals of Southwest Idaho Chapter, as assigned.
Participates in an internal and/or on-the-job training program to expand knowledge and skills, as necessary. Assists in the training of peers and others on topics related to the residential codes. Reviews minor commercial projects occasionally to heighten code knowledge.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of:
The International Residential Code (IRC)
The International Energy Conservation Code as it applies to the IRC
Residential design, methods, materials and construction practices
Vertical load analyses and lateral bracing design as applied to residential building construction
Computer usage including related software
Local ordinances on residential building and zoning codes.
Ability to:Provide effective customer service to a diverse population having a wide range of expertise
Understand and explain city code, policies and the review process
Read and interpret residential building plans and specifications, property descriptions and contour maps
Explain technical information and code requirements
Structural engineering principles of wood frame construction
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 degree in construction management or related field and three years of experience reviewing residential or minor commercial building plans for building and energy code compliance as a plans examiner or building inspector.
Current International Code Council (ICC) residential building inspector and residential plans examiner certifications.
Licensing And Other RequirementsAbility to obtain the International Code Council (ICC) certification as a residential building inspector within 18 months.
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
