Position Summary
Under the direction of the Building Commissioner, the Plans Examiner is responsible for reviewing residential and commercial/industrial construction plans to ensure compliance with building, zoning, engineering and relevant codes and regulations. This involves coordinating with various departments, architects, and engineers, issuing building permits, and providing comprehensive customer assistance. Also provides advanced support by attending pre-construction meetings and acting as a liaison between inspections and plan review. This position is critical in maintaining building safety and regulatory compliance while offering educational outreach and departmental support.
The nature of the work performed requires a professional manner in all dealings with the public and City and department staff. Work requires the exercise of considerable judgment, initiative, and discretion along with the ability to learn and improve operational processes.
Position Requirements
The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and have proven strong technical skills in various software applications including Microsoft Office Suite. The candidate must also have outstanding organizational and time management skills, and be detail oriented with multi-tasking capabilities in a fast-paced environment. Critical thinking and problem solving skills along with excellent customer service skills, including the ability to deal tactfully with the public and a high level of integrity in dealing with confidential and sensitive information is essential. Knowledge of engineering, building construction, and zoning terminology as applicable to a municipal setting is a plus.
Some essential job functions include:
- Review residential and/or commercial construction plans to ensure compliance with architectural, structural, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and landscaping codes.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, and appropriate departments for plan reviews, ensuring zoning and building regulations adherence.
- Issue building permits following thorough plan approvals.
- Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and customers, addressing inquiries and resolving complaints related to building and zoning codes.
- Educate developers, architects, engineers, and citizens on building codes and ordinances through meetings and direct responses to inquiries.
- Maintain and update reference materials, manuals, and departmental files; attend pre-construction meetings and serve as a liaison between inspections and plan review.
- Assist with customer service by handling difficult phone calls and responding to inspection or code-related inquiries.
- Independently provides technical assistance and a high level of quality customer service in a thorough and professional manner to members of the public regarding building, planning, zoning, engineering, and property maintenance procedures and processes.
This position requires a combination of training and experience which provides the following minimum knowledge, abilities, and skills:
- High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by at least five years of related working experience as a plans examiner, building inspector, or architect; or
- ICC certification as Residential Plans Examiner and Commercial Plans Examiner or Residential and Commercial Building Inspector, supplemented by at least three years of related working experience; or
- Graduation from a two or four-year college with a degree in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Architecture, Computer Aided Design, or a related field; supplemented by at least one year of related working experience.
- ICC Certification as Residential Plans Examiner and Commercial Plans Examiner is required or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
- General knowledge of blueprints and construction documents and the ability to review the documents against the building codes, including accessibility requirements; principles and practices of structural and civil engineering; constructions methods and materials.
- Ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints, review plans and specifications on paper and electronically; interpret and apply related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and conduct field inspections.
Related working experience can include, however is not limited to, work in the building or construction trades as an architect, contractor, or inspector. Valid driver’s license is required. Starting salary range: $36.03 to $40.00 per hour depending on qualifications with a competitive benefit package, including health and dental insurance.
Hours are generally 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of background check and drug screen. Qualified individuals interested in being considered for the position should submit an employment application, available at www.crystallake.org and attach a letter of interest with resume.
This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be considered as received.
The City of Crystal Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer