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Title: 615 - Combination Plans Examiner

Organization: Building Inspections/Permits

Department: Building Inspection/Permits

Location: Planning & Redevelopment Srvcs. City Plaza

Rate of Pay: $20.08 - $24.61 DOQ

Job Summary

The ideal candidate for Combination Plans Examiner aspires to be a model of innovation, inclusion and empowerment who enables bold people and ideas to thrive. The Combination Plans Examiner will be a participatory leader: a results-oriented, relationship-building, self-aware team player who also possesses high integrity and politeness, and who foster trust by building relationships with tolerance, patience and support to provide the best value in service of the citizens of Brownsville.

The Combination Plans Examiner is responsible to review building plans and specifications ensuring full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and adopted building codes and city ordinances. The Combination Plans Examiner is responsible for code research, plans review, information and assistance and reporting. The Combination Plans Examiner independently plans and implements projects; reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings. The Combination Plans Examiner works within a general outline of work to be performed; develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

Competencies

Ethical Practice
Customer Focus
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Problem Solving
Effective Verbal & Written Communication

Key Functions/Knowledge/Skills

KEY FUNCTIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
• Review plans and permit requests for new commercial and residential projects, not limited to interior finish, repairs, additions, swimming pools and single trade permits for compliance with all applicable building, fire, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, city ordinances, state and federal regulations.
• Examine a wide variety of reports, calculations and related documents for new construction or alteration projects involving complex nonstructural code issues to assess compliance with applicable building codes.
• Verify the adequacy of designs based on construction principles and meets with applicants to explain corrections when needed.
• Review plans and interprets the proposed use classification of the building and its conformance to special classifications such as covered malls or special entertainment. Checks for additional requirements on certain areas of the building that will have multiple uses or not classified by the code.
• Review plans to confirm conformance to the required allotted construction area, type of construction and height of the buildings. Checks for special exemptions on buildings located on larger tracts of land or that will have fire protection systems.
• Review plans to confirm conformance with the required fire and smoke rated construction and separation between areas or between adjacent buildings. Checks the required separation for buildings with multiple tenants and a mixed use.
• Review plans to confirm conformance with wall and ceiling finishes, insulation, and foam plastics comply with flame spread and smoke-developed index density requirements. Verify proposed floor finishes comply with the critical flux rating required by the code.
• Review plans to confirm conformance with the applicable fire protection systems based on the use and classification of the area or building. Verifies certain alternatives and exemptions based on area of use, occupant load and special classifications.
• Review plans to confirm conformance with the general means of egress requirements, exit access, exits, and exit discharge. Verify means of egress based on use or special occupancy requirements. Verifies conformance with required emergency escape and rescue requirements including but not limited to number of doors and size of stairs, guardrails and required hardware.
• Review plans to confirm conformance of accessibility requirements on the site, building, elements and spaces intended for occupancy. Verifies conformance of requirements based on use and classification of the buildings.
• Review plans to confirm conformance with the proposed structural design of the building including but not limited to roof system spans, bearings and its coverings, slope and fastening requirements. Verifies proposed live and dead load requirements based on wind, snow and earthquake criteria. Verifies proposed foundation designs conform to the site's soil load-bearing capacity and stability including footing depth and size. Verifies that the proposed bearing wall systems comply with masonry, metal, wood or conventional construction requirements.
• Review plans to confirm conformance with the proposed mechanical systems including electrical, plumbing, gas, air conditioning and exhaust systems based on the use and classification of the building.
• Review special inspection and tests required during certain phases of the project based on the type and method of construction when is not specified in the code.
• Assist clients through the development process; planning, permitting and inspections, and works closely with all zoning and subdivision staff involved in the development process.
• Coordinates pre-development meetings with owners, developers, contractors and professional designers providing guidelines and support for a smooth transition thru the development process.
• Researches and responds to requests relating to code intent and variations in construction methods using applicable codes.
• Confers with contractors, architects, engineers, property owners, and others regarding compliance with and interpretation of building, fire, handicap, energy, and various other codes and ordinances being enforced by the City.
• Issues written notices concerning plan deficiencies and advises citizens, builders, developers on measures to achieve compliance.
• Provides technical handouts and interprets codes and city ordinances to assist the customer in obtaining approval and permits for the development project.
• Greets internal and external customers daily, accessing needs, and determining best resources based on information given. This includes in person, on the telephone, via email, and in written communication.
• Assists in problem solving customer needs and coordinates the customer in-take process, providing communication on how to access permitting services and facilitating in-take of new customers.
• Make presentations to groups about how to obtain permits for a small business and/or residential development.
• Provides information to developers, contractors, architects, engineers and citizens on local ordinances, zoning requirements and adopted codes.
• Attends meetings with other departments, developers and community members to stay abreast of current planning issues.
• Interfaces with and provides assistance to the general public as to what is required to obtain a building permit for minor scale projects.
• Reviews and approves plans for building construction and alterations after verifying contractor's licenses, and issues building permits.
• Assists general contractors with project revisions and code interpretations during construction.
• Responds to a wide range of public inquiries concerning building and related code compliance issues.
• Confers with supervisor on non-routine questions of technical interpretation of codes.
• On a need to basis, consults with other City departments on code interpretations.
• Assists construction inspectors as needed during the different construction phases to monitor projects for compliance with approved design drawings and specifications.
• Verifies that other City Departments have completed and documented reviews and approvals of submitted plans as required.
• Assists other staff with building code questions and problems.
• Verifies general accuracy of energy forms.
• May performs onsite inspections on as a needed basis for compliance with building codes, ordinance requirements and construction specifications.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an effective and timely manner.
• Demonstrates a respectful attitude towards coworkers that promotes teamwork, open communication, and effective customer service.
• Must have 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; Zoning aspects of land planning.
• Must have knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.
• Must have knowledge of construction practices as well as a working knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.
• Must have knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes including how to read and interpret plans and specifications, including shop drawings.
• Must be skilled in performing more complex analyses, including mathematical calculations, to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes.
• Must be skilled in communicating general code requirements orally and in writing to architects, contractors, developers and the general public.
• Must possess strong verbal and written skills.
• Perform other work as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree (no experience) in Construction Science or Science in Architecture, or associate’s degree plus two years of experience in building design, construction or building inspections.
A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience with an architecture firm as project manager or a similar position is preferred.

Special Certifications & Licenses

Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Building Plans Examiner, Electrical Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, or Plumbing Plans Examiner Certification from the International Code Council (ICC) is required. Consideration may be given to applicants that do not hold a certification at entry but that secure the required certifications within six (6) months from start date as a condition of employment.

Independence & Judgement

Average judgment: must recognize and resolve problems such as bad grammar, type of procedure to apply, where to refer call or correspondence without specified destination, whether there is a problem/malfunction with a piece of equipment that needs attention, etc.; may involve freedom in selection of work methods among approved routines, setting of priorities, or sequencing of tasks within established schedules.

Initiative & Ingenuity

General guidelines: occasionally requires interpretation of available options to apply to non-standard situations; day-to-day work drives priorities.

Supervisory & Responsibility

Does not supervise.

Financial Responsibility

Does not deal with money.

Level & Frequency of Outside Contact

Direct contact may be infrequent but may require considerable tact and courtesy when it does occur.

Physical Demands

Light physical effort: may require brief periods of heavy muscular exertion, such as standing, lifting, moving, pulling, pushing, etc., ability to exert up to 25lbs. of force occasionally to move objects.

Responsibility for Equipment & Property

Responsible for assigned equipment/property used outside of office; responsible for handing out to and retrieving property/equipment from employees and keeping inventory; use of agency vehicle.

Working Conditions

Fair inside or outside conditions; exposure to disagreeable conditions is brief or otherwise insignificant; space problems; only occasional situations that place the employee in a stressful environment.

Other Requirements

The City of Brownsville requires all employees to successfully pass a Drug & Alcohol and a physical examination and a Background Check.

ADA Requirements

The City of Brownsville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Benefits

The City of Brownsville offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees' well-being and future. Employees participate in a robust retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) City to Employee Matching Ratio 2:1, with eligibility for retirement after 5 years of service at age 60 or 20 years of service at any age.

The City provides exceptional health benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance plans for employees and their families, along with vision coverage for employees enrolled in health insurance through MetLife. Employees and their dependents can also access care at Frontier Clinic at no cost when covered by the City's health plan. Additionally, pet insurance is available as a voluntary benefit.

Employees have access to deferred compensation plans through Equitable and supplemental insurance options from AFLAC and Colonial Life. Full-time employees accrue 10 sick days and 15 vacation days annually.
The City offers parental leave concurrent with FMLA for eligible employees, longevity pay, and 100% tuition assistance up to $5,000 annually. Furthermore, Brownsville observes 14 holidays per year, plus two floating holidays, giving employees a balanced and rewarding work-life experience.

Starting in fiscal year 2025, employees will have access to flexible scheduling options as part of our commitment to work-life balance.

EEOC Statements

The City of Brownsville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.