Summary Statement
Looking to start your career in planning and development - or take the next step to grow your expertise? Join the City of Boise as a Plans Examiner I and gain hands-on experience reviewing residential and small commercial projects for code compliance. In this role, you’ll build technical knowledge of building codes and ordinances, work directly with applicants, contractors, and design professionals, and be part of a collaborative team where promotions and professional growth are the norm. With hybrid work options and opportunities for training, certifications, and advancement, this is an excellent way to launch or expand your career with the City’s Planning & Development Services team.
The City offers one of the best benefits packages in the Treasure Valley, including:
Zero-premium healthcare for you and your family
PERSI retirement benefits plus 401(k)/457 options with employer match
- Paid parental leave and generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Wellbeing perks like cash incentives, free local bus pass, and employee assistance programs
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. (10%)
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 Requirements
Ability to obtain the International Code Council (ICC) certification as a residential building inspector within 6 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
Working Conditions
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is rarely pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.