Building Inspector - Plans Examiner I, II Or III

The City of Bend Community and Economic Development Department is currently seeking one (1) Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner position at any level within the job family. This fulltime, regular, FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible) position is represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA).

This recruitment will be used to determine an eligibility list for potential future Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner positions in the Community and Economic Development Department. The eligibility list will be used for no more than six (6) months (August 16, 2024 - February 15, 2025). The eligibility list may be canceled at any time at the discretion of the City.  

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
• Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
• Attached formal Resume (required)
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here.

Applications received by Friday, September 6th, 2024 (9/6/2024) at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific time will receive preference for initial review, but position shall be open until filled.  

This class performs inspections or plan reviews of new and existing structures to determine compliance with plumbing, mechanical, electrical or structural requirements for State of Oregon building codes and other specified codes applicable to the City of Bend. Performs routine-to- complex duties of building inspector and/or plans examiner and other duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I is the entry level class in the series and performs basic and routine supportive and technical tasks such as residential plan review and inspections. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy. Determination of Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner level classification (I, II, or III) is based on work assignment; possession of certification alone does not qualify incumbent for a higher classification.

Min. Wage $34.1442 - Max. Wage $43.5778

The Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner II is a journey level residential inspector and/or entry level commercial class in the series and performs standard to moderately difficult inspections or plan reviews that are fairly complex and technical. Assignments include a range of basic to moderately complex projects, such as single-family dwellings and/or a smaller portion of a non-residential project and generally do not have sole responsibility for project. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy. Determination of Building Inspector/Plans Examiner level classification (I, II, or III) is based on work assignment; possession of certification alone does not qualify incumbent for a higher classification.

Min. Wage $37.6442 - Max. Wage $48.0446

The Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner III is the advanced level class in the series and performs moderate to difficult inspections and plan reviews requiring independent judgment and specialized technical knowledge and experience. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy. Determination of Building Inspector/Plans Examiner level classification (I, II, or III) is based on work assignment; possession of certification alone does not qualify incumbent for a higher classification.

Min. Wage $41.5027 - Max. Wage $52.9691

Complexity of Work

Complexity:

Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I: Work is either routine or basic, or varied within a subject matter but with limited standardized situations requiring judgment. Many situations are resolved using standard procedures and established guidelines. Requires knowledge of procedures and the ability to evaluate and select the correct solution from limited potential alternatives. Expertise may be developed regarding tasks specific to the work area or team.

Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner II & III: Work is varied within the subject matter area and multifaceted, but there are standardized limited situations requiring judgment. Some problems are not covered by policy or guidelines. Expertise is developed for certain tasks specific to the work area or team.

Degree of Independence:

Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I & II: Sets priorities and organizes work within general guidelines; follows standard practices and makes some deviations from standard practices with minimal supervision; outcomes are monitored.

Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner III: Sets priorities and organizes work; existing practices are used as guidelines to determine work methods; works independently and resolves most problems; important, non-routine work is reviewed.

Decision Making Authority:

Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I, II & III: Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Makes recommendations that affect policies, procedures, and practices. Refers decisions involving exceptions to accepted practices to lead and/or supervisor.Essential Functions Include:

The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

The individual in this position, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I, is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Performs a variety of residential inspections and/or plan reviews under the general supervision of the Building Official or designee.

• Applies established policies and procedures in the electronic review and evaluation of plans and specifications.

• Explains how regulations apply to builders, architects, homeowners, engineers, and the public in a setting where consistency is of high importance.

• Participates in issuance of permits, calculation of fees, and maintenance of records.

Performs inspections of residential structures being constructed and repaired. Issues approvals or disapprovals and writes correction notices. Cites applicable code sections for deficiencies in construction or design. Examines and evaluates building plans and specifications for code compliance and accepted engineering practices.

• Enforces appropriate State specialty codes, ORS, OAR, City ordinances, and other related regulations. Works with builders, homeowners and design professionals to assure construction, remodeling, or repair complies with approved plans. Provides information regarding permits, specialty codes, and compliance procedures to architects, engineers, builders, and the public.

• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.

• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.

• Other related duties as assigned.

The individual in this position, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner II, is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Performs the duties described for Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I.

• This intermediate-level position performs a variety of complex residential and non-complex commercial inspections and/or plan reviews under the general supervision of the Building Official or designee.

• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.

• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.

• Other related duties as assigned.

The individual in this position, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner III, is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Performs the duties described for Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I and II.

• This advanced-level position performs a variety of complex commercial, multi-family, and industrial inspections and/or plan reviews under the general supervision of the Building Official or designee.

• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.

• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.

• Other related duties as assigned.

These positions, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiners I, II, and III, are non-management positions and do not encompass supervisory responsibilities. Skill Profile

The individual in this position, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I, is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Maintain working knowledge of basic development principles and processes.

• Reading, interpreting and evaluating blueprints, plans and specifications.

• Maintain working knowledge of planning principles and land use regulations.

• Basic building permit and construction principles.

• General ORS, OAR, Oregon specialty codes, City ordinances and regulations.

• Entry level residential inspections and/or plan review.

• Customer service principles.

• Safety standards and work procedures related to building inspections.

• Modern office principles and practices.

• Mathematical principles.

• City geography.

• Providing efficient and effective customer service to a diverse population having a wide range of expertise.

• Operating a variety of modern office equipment.

• Prioritizing and managing time.

• Using a computer and related software applications.

• Reviewing plans for compliance with applicable standards and guidelines.

• Interpreting building plan specifications and detecting design faults.

• Understanding and applying code standards.

• Resolving code issues with contractors and designers.

• Providing technical guidance and information to customers.

• Decision making and routine or procedural problem solving.

• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and other stakeholders sufficient to exchange or convey information to provide and receive work direction.

• Manage a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work.

• Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.

• Demonstrate a high attention to detail.

• Maintain advanced working knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and other interactive computer programs as well as operating common office equipment.

The individual in this position, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner II, is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In addition to the Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I:

• Structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and other applicable Oregon Specialty Codes

• Entry level commercial, industrial, and multifamily inspections/plan review.

• Commercial, industrial, and multifamily residential design, construction methods, and materials for non-complex structures.

• Resolving code deficiencies with contractors, designers, and homeowners up to an intermediate level of complexity.

• Ability to collaborate with staff to promote consistent code application.

• Knowledge of ORS, OAR, Oregon specialty codes, City ordinances and regulations.

• Knowledge of engineering principles.

• Rules and procedures for the administration of building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes for commercial, industrial, public, and single and multifamily residential buildings.

• Conducting inspections of any size and complexity single family, two family and townhouse structures for compliance with all applicable Oregon Specialty Codes with minimal supervision.

• Conducting inspections of non-complex commercial occupancies for compliance with all applicable Oregon Specialty Codes with minimal supervision.

The individual in this position, Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner III, is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In addition to the Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I & II:

• Advanced development principles and processes.

• Advanced building inspection and construction principles, practices, and procedures as applied to industrial, commercial, or residential construction.

• Advanced knowledge of ORS, OAR, Oregon specialty codes, City ordinances and regulations.

• Advanced knowledge of engineering principles.

• Complex computer applications and techniques.

• Commercial, industrial, multifamily residential, and one and two-family residential building design, construction methods, and materials of a technical nature.

• Rules and procedures for the administration of building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes for commercial, industrial, public, and single and multifamily residential buildings.

• Performing complex inspection and/or plan review thoroughly, accurately, and effectively.

• Identifying and resolving non-routine problems.

• Project leadership.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects.

• Determining building occupancy status and appropriate fire and life safety construction requirements.

Education, Experience, Certifications and/or Licenses

The following are the minimum qualifications for Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner I.

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) AND 1 of the following Oregon certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of hire date:

• Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)

• Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)

• Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP)

• Residential Electrical Inspector (CAE)

The following are the minimum qualifications for Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner II.

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and ALL of the following Oregon certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of hire date:

• Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)

• Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP)

• Residential Electrical Inspector (CAE); OR

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and both of the following Oregon certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of hire date:

• Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)

• A-level Plans Examiner (PEA); OR

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and both of the following Oregon certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of hire date:

• Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)

• A-level Structural Inspector (SIA)

The following are the minimum qualifications for Building Inspector

• Plans Examiner III.

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and 1 of the following single or combination of Oregon certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of hire date:

• A-level Plumbing Inspector (PI)

• A-level Electrical Inspector (EI)

• A-level Structural and A-level Mechanical Inspector (SIA) & (MIA)

• A-level Plans Examiner and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEA) & (PEF)

A current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook is needed for Building Inspector/Plan Examiners I, II, and III.