Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class

Under supervision, performs plans examination work reviewing residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC); requires progressive code and industry knowledge in the plans examiner's primary discipline plus good code knowledge in one other discipline – electrical, energy, building, mechanical, plumbing or fire protection; begins to apply basic code plans examination knowledge and techniques; receives guidance on solutions for unusual problems, complex features and other non-routine assignments; and performs related work as required. 

Positions allocated to the Plans Examiner II class are technical assistants to the building official operating at an intermediate level within the Plans Examiner career ladder performing work that develops a full understanding in applying plans examining principles; refer to "Plans Examiner Career Ladder Matrix." The Plans Examiner II is distinguished from the Plans Examiner III in that the Plans Examiner III independently performs the full performance level of plan examining and project management work. Furthermore, Plans Examiner II is the entry level for the 'Facilitator' position which will be the point of contact for homeowner-applicant projects, start-up or expanding small- to mid-size businesses and first-time in the City contractors and property-owners. The Plans Examiner II is distinguished from the Plans Examiner I in that the Plans Examiner II performs developmental plans examining work and begins to apply basic plans examining principles, whereas the Plans Examiner I performs work of an entry-level nature in the development of plans examining skills.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Depending on the functional area of assignment:
Performs all the duties of the Plans Examiner I and as applicable
May provide guidance and direction to Plans Examiner I's
Assist inspectors regarding code interpretations and functional-intent of USBC requirements, construction methods and performance of materials
Reviews construction documents with contractors, homeowners, architects and engineers regarding the requirements of the USBC, related construction practices and industry standards
Coordinates architectural layouts with structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire-protection to minimize potential construction or performance conflicts between systems
Conducts research, as needed, and evaluates equipment, materials and construction assemblies for compliance with USBC requirements and industry standards
Reviews and approves shop drawings and third party quality control inspection reports submitted pursuant to the USBC and the City of Alexandria Special Inspections Program
Utilizes available electronic tools to assist in reviewing and processing permit and construction documents
Works with other plans examiners, inspectors, permit center staff and administrative staff
Attends training to maintain continuous education and certification requirements
Maintains a current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures and guidelines
Attends meetings as required

The following duties pertain to the Facilitator position:

Provides a single point-of-contact for both customers and staff throughout the entire permit process
Guides designated permit applications throughout the regulatory process, monitoring progress toward permit issuance, final inspection and certificate of occupancy
Acts as the ombudsmen and partner with other City departments to help ensure the applicant successfully manage requirements for each department
Provides, when appropriate, a complete code review for qualifying homeowner and small businesses projects
Acts as a customer advocate
Manages relationships and perform public outreach to establish the best customer service practices
Continually reviews, evaluates and implements best code processes and customer relation practices found across the country
Establishes a strong, cooperative relationships with department management to help ensure the permit process is consistent, reliable, efficient and seamless
Encourages cross-departmental coordination
Monitors public perception through the use of surveys or other means and adjust the program to maintain a high-quality level of service
Manages qualifying projects from application submission to final inspection or certificate of occupancy
Develops relationships with other departments, at the appropriate level to build a like-minded team to resolve issues and expedite the permit process
Develops strong working relationship with Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), Small Business Resource Center and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to discuss potential projects and implementation strategies
 
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Depending on the functional area of assignment:

Knowledge of USBC and reference standards and codes and City of Alexandria ordinances which apply to building construction or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge
Knowledge of the principles, theory and practice of plans examination and engineering
Knowledge of computer applications and software associated with the plans examination
Knowledge of topographic and construction surveying
Knowledge of common methods and equipment used in building construction and inspection methods used to review such work
Ability to interpret plans in terms of architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire protection and plumbing disciplines
Ability to work in a team environment and foster a positive work atmosphere
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with design and construction professionals, the public and city staff
Ability to prepare technical reports and to present findings in a clear and concise format
Ability to collect and compile research data
Ability to relate complex plans to construction in progress
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in verbal and written form

Job Family, Contribution Level and Career Ladder

Job Family: Medical/Scientific/Engineering/Technology Professions

Contribution Level: 4

Career Ladder: This job class is part of a Career Ladder program

Plans Examiner I
 

To qualify for the Plans Examiner I, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Plans Examiner II
 

To qualify for the Plans Examiner II, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; three years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing energy or structural; or one year of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner I; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Plans Examiner III
 

To qualify for the Plans Examiner III, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; or five years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, energy or structural; or one year of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner II with the City of Alexandria; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Plans Examiner IV
 

To qualify for the Plans Examiner IV, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; seven years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, energy or structural; or two years of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner III with the City of Alexandria; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.