Senior Plans Examiner

Senior Plans Examiner

Salary

$122,995.10 - $135,776.43 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00258

Department

Development Services

Division

DS Building Review

Opening Date

09/09/2026

Closing Date

9/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

TEAMSH

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

The City of Bellevue is currently seeking a Senior Building Plans Examiner who has experience reviewing complex commercial and residential plans. Development Services is a multi-department line of business that offers one-stop shopping for general information and the permits needed for development activity in Bellevue. We are code compliance officers, engineers, finance analysts, inspectors, planners, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff from the Development Services, Fire, Transportation, and Utilities departments. As a Senior Building Plans Examiner, you will review and evaluate building plans and specifications to ensure the proposed construction complies with local, state and national building, accessibility, energy and related codes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews and evaluates a full range of routine to the most complex construction plans to ensure that proposed construction complies with building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, landscape, clearing, grading, filling, and related codes.
• Assists and supports in the training and mentoring of other review staff to improve consistency in the interpretation and application of the adopted codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, and customer service expectations of the City.
• Applies valuations and permit costs to new projects based on codes, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinates activities with building official, inspectors, planners, engineers, fire inspectors, and other agency staff.
• Provides project management for larger projects that include multiple permits with other Development Services divisions. May provide project management for projects on which they are not the primary reviewer.
• Provides customer service to the public on general code and permitting requirements.
• Performs research on codes and ordinances as assigned to evaluate and recommend improvements.
• Researches problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction, and code compliance.
• Responds to complex and sensitive building and customer service issues.
• Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
• Coordinates plan reviews, inspections, and enforcement actions.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of approved plans.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under the general supervision of the Review & Inspection Supervisor.
• May supervise, as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of building, accessibility, energy and other construction codes adopted by the City of Bellevue and Washington State.
• Skill in applying knowledge of national, state, and local construction codes.
• Understanding of other City Divisions and how their processes relate to construction permits and project design.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public.
• Ability to read and understand complicated construction plans.
• Excellent customer service skills with a focus on expedited and simplified solutions while adhering to city code requirements and interpretations within their discretionary authority.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university.
• Requires a minimum of three years of experience performing plan review for a jurisdiction, enforcement agency, or similar entity.
• Three or more years of professional related experience in the construction industry or related areas.
• ICC Plans Examiner certification required.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Washington State drivers license may be required.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking; talking; hearing; using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office and moderately loud when in the field.
• Work may periodically require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• The employee may be required to work in outside weather conditions, in wet and/or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, near moving mechanical parts, near fumes, airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals, or near risk of electrical shock and/or vibration.

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

Your responses in this section will be used to review your application and determine your eligibility for this position. The experience listed here MUST match the employment history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, please go back and update your application before submitting, as any discrepancies may result in removal from consideration. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above". We do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application. Do you understand and agree to these requirements?

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience performing commercial or multi-family plan review for a jurisdiction, enforcement agency, or similar entity do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

04

Which types of building plans have you reviewed? (select all that apply)

• Commercial buildings
• One- and two- family residential buildings
• Townhouses
• Multi-family buildings
• Highrise buildings
• None of the above

05

For each of the building plans selected above, please give a percentage of your experience.

06

How many years of progressively responsible experience in the construction industry or related areas do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

07

Which types of construction industry experience do you have? (Select all that apply)

• Design or drafting
• Construction management
• Field inspection
• Permit processing or technical review
• Code compliance research or evaluation
• None of the above

08

Do you possess an ICC Plans Examiner certification?

• Yes
• No

09

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/