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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Plans Examiner A
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (50) Para-Prof
Class Code: 19538 Salary Grade: VE1
Approved: Last Revised: August 03, 2017

Purpose:
 

Under general direction, perform tasks in the review and analysis of plans and specifications of proposed projects. Work is performed under continuous supervision with increasingly independent work related to the review, examination, interpretation and approval of plans for less complex buildings for compliance with applicable building codes, including codes dealing with life safety issues, policies and practices.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Utilize computerized software plan review programs and perform reviews of ink or pencil generated design drawings and maps.
  2. Develop, analyze, and generate technical reports by preparing a variety of reports, correspondence and official documents related to the review and approval of construction related permits.
  3. Research, investigate, and respond to appropriate parties by meeting with other city of Austin departments, external agencies, and those affected by projects being reviewed.
  4. Examines less complex plans, reports, calculations and related documents for new construction or alteration projects to ensure compliance with building codes, other construction and land development related codes, policies and precedents.
  5. Verifies the adequacy of designs based on construction principles, prepares written correction comments, meets with applicants to explain corrections, and approves less complex plans for permit issuance.
  6. Identifies and notifies contractors, design professionals, owners and other parties of areas of non-compliance; approves solutions.
  7. Assists DSD inspectors as needed during construction to monitor projects for compliance with approved design drawings and specifications and assists in solving a variety of problems encountered during construction phases.
  8. Verifies that other City Departments have completed and documented reviews and approvals of submitted plans as required.
  9. Responds to public inquiries concerning building and related code compliance issues.
  10. Performs research and analysis of existing building records to determine impacts on proposed designs.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.  Certain positions require a basic knowledge of zoning regulations and the ability to research the City of Austin’s zoning regulations.
  • Knowledge of the terminology and techniques for one or more of the following professional disciplines:
    Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical and/or Electrical Services or Engineering; or zoning and land use planning.
  • Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of construction practices.
  • Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.
  • Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
  • Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications, including shop drawings.
  • Skill in the use of common computer software programs, including productivity software, computer aided design software, and basic data entry for databases.
  • Skill in performing basic analyses to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes.
  • Skill in communicating basic code requirements orally and in writing to architects, engineers, design professionals, contractors, developers and the general public
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, customers and the general public.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
  • Ability to maintain records.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture or other field related to design or construction and one (1) year of related technical or professional experience. 
  •  One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. 
  •  Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

None.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.