Plans Examiner I

About the Role

Clallam County is seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled professional to join our team as a Plans Examiner I. This role performs technical review of residential plans for compliance with the Washington State Building Code and International Building Codes, interpreting building, plumbing, mechanical, and environmental codes and guiding architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and field inspectors. Working under the Building Official, the Plans Examiner I develops expertise to review plans, interpret specifications, and compare them with construction in progress. This is a career progression role with opportunities to assume increasingly complex responsibilities over time.

What You'll Do

• Examine and review construction plans for residential structures to verify compliance with all applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes.
• Prepare and write comment letters to communicate deficiencies referencing applicable code sections.
• Communicate with project owners and design teams to resolve outstanding items.
• Visit construction sites to provide periodic inspections of foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and energy conservation compliance with applicable regulations and approved plans.
• Answer questions by email, telephone, or in the field regarding code requirements for construction, structural, life safety, mechanical, plumbing, energy and other construction-related questions.
• Operate computer equipment and software to perform plans reviews, generate comment letters, maintain inspection records and notices.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in construction codes, materials, and techniques.
• Use principles of good customer service to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, applicants, contractors, and design teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or balance workload.

What We're Looking For

• Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (High School Diploma or GED).
• Experience: Residential Building Inspector certification from ICC or equivalent; ability to acquire additional ICC certifications; minimum of two (2) years experience performing building inspections; experience or training in the building trades, construction, or related field; proficient regulatory knowledge in building, structural and life safety, energy conservation, mechanical, and plumbing; valid driver’s license and good driving history.
• Special Classification

Requirements

• ICC certifications for Residential Building Inspector and Residential Plans Examiner within the first year of hire; a college degree in architecture or engineering may substitute for these certifications.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with Washington State amendments to the building codes and the ability to cite specific applicable sections (as described in application questions).

Compensation & Benefits

• Generous vacation and paid sick leave; 11 paid holidays annually; personal days and floating holidays; vacation leave accrual based on tenure.
• County-paid benefits: medical (Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, HRA, life and disability insurance, wellness program, infant at work, EAP, transportation program/transit pass, and training/career development.
• Retirement: PERS through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems; LEOFF2/PSERS for Sheriff’s Office employees.
• Deferred compensation options: 457(b) and 401(a).