Plans Examiner Supervisor

About This Position

The Plans Examiner Supervisor, under managerial supervision, supervises subordinate staff engaged in the review, examination and interpretation of building plans to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, policies and precedents.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Manage the review of complex technical code issues relating to building, zoning (residential), mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy codes, update and maintain program records and generate monthly performance data for programs.

• Organize, call and chair meetings dealing with issues affecting special projects and develop and administer new programs such as Registered Industrial Plant and Special Inspections.

• Consult with contractors, engineers, architects and other City staff to identify and resolve issues and problems, and designate projects for Special Inspections program.

• Develop and implement specific strategies for achieving department’s goals and objectives as they affect special projects, and communicate with engineer, owner, general contractor, and testing lab to resolve Special Inspections problems.

• Interact with and advise inspectors concerning unusual projects and alternative methods and approve alternate methods of code compliance and mediate code related problems with customers and Plans Examiners.

• Track plans and review history of buildings.

• Prepare rejection comment lists.

• Develops code amendment language for ordinances adopting related codes, and coordinate work of Plans Examiners on overlapping code issues and coordinate with other programs or divisions for problem resolution

• Answer code related questions from customers, City management and other divisions, and speak to public groups on code issues

• Coordinate with other divisions for planning, zoning, environmental protection and inspections.

• Provide field inspection assistance for Special Inspections problem resolution.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Leads and trains plans examiner staff.  The Plans Examiner Supervisor has supervisory responsibility including employee development and evaluation of employee performance using the City of Austin SSPR process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge in the use of building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.  Certain positions require recognized expertise in zoning regulations and the ability to research the City of Austin’s zoning regulations.

• Knowledge expertise in the terminology and techniques for one or more of the following professional disciplines:
  Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Plumbing, Mechanical and/or Electrical Services or Engineering; Zoning aspects of land planning.

• Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.

• Knowledge of construction practices.

• Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles.

• Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.

• Skill in reading and interpreting complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications, including shop drawings.

• Skill in the use of common computer software programs, including productivity software, computer aided design software, and data entry for databases.

• Skill in performing complex analyses including skill in interpreting code provisions in order to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes, including the analysis of alternate methods of compliance or performance-based designs.

• Skill in communicating code requirements orally and in writing to city plan review and inspections staff, architects, contractors, developers and the general public

• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other employees, customers and the general public.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to communicate with and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.

• Ability to maintain records.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture or other field related to design or construction and four (4) years of related technical or professional experience.  The Plans Examiner Supervisor position requires a minimum of one (1) year of the related experience involved supervisory or lead experience, or completion of formal training in basic supervisory skills. 

•  One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. 

•  Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Plans Examiner Supervisor shall meet the requirements of a Plans Examiner C plus an additional certification in a related field by ICC, IAPMO, AICP, NFPA or other recognized authority; or a Master State issued license with one (1) State issued license endorsement.

•  An employee who is certified by ICC or other recognized authority as a Certified Building Official (CBO) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for the Plans Examiner Supervisor position.

•  An employee who is a Texas registered professional engineer (PE) or an active Engineer-In-Training (EIT) who has passed the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE) principles and practices examination for a related discipline shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for the Plans Examiner Supervisor position.

•  An employee who is a Texas registered architect (RA) or has passed the Architect Registration Examination shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for Building or Zoning Plans Examiner Supervisor positions.

•  An employee who is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for Zoning Plans Examiner Supervisor position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience successfully training staff, coordinating a fast paced and complicated work process, and communicating complex technical construction or code issues to a wide variety of staff and members of the public in a manner that all will understand the issues when needed.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively across departments and/or various technical disciplines.

• Experience providing excellent customer service, equitable solutions, and conflict resolution.

•  Experience motivating team members and creating strategies to boost productivity.

• Relevant work experience with technical codes including building design, reviewing plans for compliance with building codes, building inspections, building construction, or construction administration.

• Experience working in a complex governmental or regulatory environment with diverse stakeholders and competing priorities

• ICC B3 Building Plans Examiner certification

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Development Services assists homeowners, business owners, and contractors when they build, demolish, remodel or perform any type of construction to ensure compliance with applicable city and building codes.

Position Overview:

Austin Development Services, Commercial Plan Review is seeking a Plans Examiner Supervisor that provides leadership, technical oversight, and administrative direction for the City’s plans examination and development review functions. This position supervises plans examiners and related staff responsible for reviewing building plans, site plans, construction documents, and permit applications for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, adopted standards, and City policies.
 

Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5: 00 pm

Pay Range: $75,930 - $96,430.00

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Employment Application:
The City of Austin Employment Application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. A detailed, complete employment application is required.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all relevant employment to be considered as part of your qualifications.

• This detailed application will be evaluated for the qualifications and will be used to establish base pay if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles, number of employees supervised and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position including all job duties and responsibilities.

Post Interview Verification:

• If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, DSD-HR will contact the current and former employer, as well as the professional references listed in the application. Please ensure the contact information on the application is accurate.

• Top candidates will also be required to provide proof of education from an accredited organization, copies of any professional licenses or certificates listed on the application and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran’s preference.

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Critical Employee: Critical employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.