Arapahoe County's Public Works and Development (PWD) Department is an American Public Works Association Accredited Agency, the first County in Colorado to obtain this status.   Within PWD, we are seeking a Plans Examiner to join our team in the Building Division.  We are seeking a highly motivated individual with commitment to excellence and a desire to serve the needs of Arapahoe County.  We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, meaningful work, and a flexible and supportive work environment.
 
Some of the benefits of working for PWD include:

• 15 days (120 hours) of paid vacation per year
• 13 paid holidays (104 hours) and 1 additional floating holiday (8 hours) per year
• 12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave per year
• 4x10 work schedule available, and limited remote work opportunities following completion of the initial training period
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your professional career.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan – see benefits tab for more detail.

 
The mission of the PWD Building Division is to ensure the timely and courteous application of County-adopted Life Safety Codes in a professional and unbiased manner while fostering and maintaining the respect of the customers we serve.  The Plans Examiner reviews construction plans for compliance with County-adopted codes and regulations.  
 
This Plans Examiner position has a professional focus on the Plumbing and Mechanical elements of building construction.  For recruitment purposes, this position is being posted as a Plans Examiner I or II.  Candidates will be considered for the highest level for which they qualify based on relevant work experience and professional certifications/licenses.   The hourly pay range for a Plans Examiner I is $27.03 to $40.54 and for a Plans Examiner II is $30.28 to $45.41.  
 

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.
 
The primary responsibilities of a Plans Examiner are as follows, with the Plans Examiner II performing these functions with a higher level of independence than a Plans Examiner I and across multiple disciplines.  

• Performs detailed plan review involving an initial review of multiple trade areas and then routing of plans as required into the remaining structural, electrical, or plumbing/mechanical/fuel gas, energy or accessibility components of construction for new buildings and remodels/repairs to existing structures. Plans are examined for compliance with adopted codes, resolutions, and regulations enforced by Arapahoe County.  
• Communicates and collaborates with various County departments, divisions, and agencies, along with outside referral agencies, including fire departments and various special districts.
• Provides advice to construction industry professionals, contractors, and property owners concerning building plan modifications/corrections necessary for plan approval.
• Assists inspectors in obtaining information specific to given plans both in the office and while in the field.
• Interprets code based on jurisdictional guidelines, analyzing and documenting differences in the International Building/Residential Codes in new editions, which are published every three years.
• Updates files for all new or revised codes, provides data to assist with difficult code interpretations, and communicates this information both within the department and on-site to provide assistance with interpretation and application of codes.
• Reviews quality of new products, materials, and methods of construction; reviews and maintains records of same.
• Answers inquiries and technical questions posed by contractors, engineers, architect, and owners; investigates complaints and citizen requests on construction; answers questions concerning code interpretation or inspection techniques; assists in the issuance, inspections, case tracking and final resolution of Building Violations and Stop Work notices.
• Performs building inspections on a regular basis and as operational needs dictate.  Performs inspections of buildings to confirm that the construction is in accordance with the submitted plans, codes, and regulations enforced by the County; reviews submitted plans for code compliance, reads/interprets blueprints and inspects construction activities to assure it is built in a safe manner and in accordance with the adopted codes, the plans, and specifications.  
• Reviews quality of materials and methods of construction; posts "Stop Work" orders at construction sites where permits are absent or work is not up to code; maintains records of inspections and the results and posts Dangerous Building notices.
• Performs any other required functions related to building inspections.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of construction practices, procedures, and materials.
• Knowledge of codes, laws, regulations, and resolutions related to construction.
• Knowledge of proper inspection methods.  
• Knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and practices.
• Knowledge pertaining to ADA, ANSI, and Accessibility aspects of building construction.
• Knowledge of commercial mechanical construction principles and practices.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of computer software/applications.
• Ability to effectively read blueprints and interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to prepare plan review, inspection, and financial reports and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to calmly and effectively work through and resolve issues pertaining to angry or upset clientele.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES (required for all position at ACG):
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 4+ years of experience in the construction industry focusing on areas that require inspections (such as IRC/IBC building construction and design, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, etc.) is required for a Plans Examiner I.  5+ years of such experience is required for a Plans Examiner II.
• 2+ years of inspections or plan review experience as a certified inspector or plans reviewer is preferred.
• 5+ years of commercial and/or residential building construction and design experience is preferred.
• Experience as a Plans Examiner, Plans Analyst, Design Professional, Project Manager, Superintendent, or related experience is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered. All candidates are encouraged to apply who are interested in this position and who meet the above-listed requirements or a combination thereof.  Having the “preferred” experience or is not required in order to be eligible for the position, so please don’t let that discourage you from applying.
 
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• License as a Journeyman or Master Plumber issued by the State of Colorado is required
• One of more of the following are preferred at the time of hire:
  1. Colorado Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer (focusing on the mechanical elements of building construction)
  2. Applicable certifications issued by the International Code Council (ICC), especially those that directly relate to plan review.

 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background and motor vehicle checks is required.
• Possession of a valid Colorado Class "R" driver's license or the ability to obtain within two (2) weeks of appointment is required.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally limited to a standard office environment, but field work is required on an as-needed basis to conduct inspections.  Field visits to construction sites is also required on occasion.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 75% of the time sitting and 25% of the time walking or standing while in the field or office.
• Occasionally lifts or carries up to 20 lbs. when moving books or recording equipment.
• Occasionally stoops, kneels, and crouches while organizing files in the office or moving about in the field.
• Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone, texts and emails. Oral and auditory capacity to present and participate during public hearings and meetings.
• Eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling the safe effective operation of office and field machinery.
• Visual capacity including depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision enabling completion of field inspections and operation of machinery.

 
Definitions:
Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.