SENIOR PLANS EXAMINER

SENIOR PLANS EXAMINER

Salary

$78,268.74 - $82,231.34 Annually

Location

City-County Building - Helena, MT

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600023

Department

Community Development

Division

Building

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

11/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Helena is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Purpose

Are you a master of building codes ready to step into a pivotal leadership role? We are looking for a dynamic professional to plan, coordinate, and supercharge the day-to-day operations of our Plan Examination Section. In this role, you wont just look at blueprints-you will masterfully coordinate complex technical reviews that transform community blueprints into reality. You will collaborate daily with field inspectors, administrative support, external agencies, and the construction community to keep projects moving forward. Bring your deep legal and structural code expertise to the table, and serve as a trusted technical advisor to the Chief Building Official.

Essential Duties

Duty 1: Building Plan Review and Code Compliance

40% Time

Essential

Tasks:

• Examine residential and commercial building design proposals and submitted documents for completeness
• Review and evaluate minor to complex building project plans, details, specifications, and related documents to

ensure construction as proposed complies with all building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental,

flood hazard, energy, barrier-free design requirements (accessibility), and grading or filling code requirements

and related codes, standards, rule,s and laws.

• Perform electronic markup of plans for new commercial and residential buildings, interior remodels of both

commercial and residential structures, communication towers, garages, decks, re-roofs, and miscellaneous outbuildings

to ensure compliance with all City and State adopted building codes and administrative rules, City of

Helena ordinances and accessibilities laws.

• Develop comprehensive written code summary of all deficiencies in submitted documents and provide summary

to the client with approved or disapproved plan reviews comments.

• Review client plan review responses to determine if acceptable and incorporated into the resubmitted plan set or

sent back for additional information.

• Oversee the complete building plan review process and monitor reviews of other City departments, ensure the

client has received a copy of all comments and incorporate other department comments into the plans.

• Ensure and monitor all correspondence both written and verbal, resubmittals, addendums and all other documents

relating to the project are entered into the permitting software system for permanent record.

• Act as the point of contact for all resubmitted changes for review and approval, answer questions from designers

and contractors during the construction and assist in providing an acceptable resolution to field inspection issues.

• Position involves reviewing multiple projects simultaneously so multi-tasking is an essential requirement.
• Time management is imperative to ensure timely review and response to designers, owners and contractors.
• Review applications for city business licenses regarding changes in use of the building and inquire about proposed

alterations requiring permits.

o Research address file, contact applicant for intended use of the space.

o Meet with the applicant to perform a walk-through to determine if there are any deficiencies

o Determine if permits are required in order to obtain a business license,

o Work with the owner and/or business applicant to assist with the building permit submittal process.

• Evaluate and make recommendations on acceptability of new building products and technologies to the Chief

Building Official.

Duty 2: Customer Service - Public Relations

30% Time

Essential

Tasks:

• Explains, interprets, answer questions and provides guidance regarding applicable building codes, and regulations

to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners and other interested parties

• Accurately interpret building code requirements and laws related to changes-of-use for existing structures

encountered during plans examination

• Meet with designers, contractors, developers, and owners to perform preliminary review of proposed project prior

to submittal to identify potential building code issues. Applicable for both new and existing building construction

and remodel.

• Perform on-site walk-throughs of existing buildings to determine code requirements involving change and nonchange

of use in the spaces.

• Respond to phone calls and e-mails from homeowners, contractors, architectural & engineering companies,

insurance, and real estate firms concerning building code questions, what information is required on plans for

submittal and the process of how to submit projects for review.

• Conducts on-site inspections related to plan examination of design proposals
• Attend various meetings related to new building projects and developments within the city

Duty 3: Plans Examiner Section Supervision

20% Time

Essential Duties

Tasks:

• Supervise full-time and part-time plans examination staff.
• Oversees Plan Reviewer training on city policies and procedure and code related training
• Establishes and evaluates completion of daily work assignments of plan review staff
• Sets goals and objectives for section to provide excellent customer service, complete plans reviews and standards

for documentation

• Keep the Chief Building Official apprised of section goals and performance status
• Review completed work of plan reviewers to ensure completeness, evaluate completed plan review documents

for timeliness, effectiveness, and consistency

• Answer questions and assist as needed on projects plans reviewers are working on
• Provide in-house training, including attendance in outside training seminars as they are available.
• Monitor reports for outstanding reviews and completed reviews by staff to ensure reviews are being completed

in a timely manner.

• Monitor other departments reviews to ensure timely response on plan reviews and send out reminders for

completion of reviews.

• Perform annual employee performance reviews.
• Makes programmatic recommendations for section with analysis of improvements in level of service to the Chief

Building Official.

Duty 4: Record Management and Training

5% Time

Secondary Duties

Tasks:

• Attend code training and code updated seminars on code changes and newly adopted code editions
• Maintain continuing education credits and certifications through ICC and other related credentials.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of approved plans, reviews, and correspondence on all projects
• Conducts ongoing operational review policies and processes, recommend advancements as applicable
• Develops forms, training programs and review aids as needed for improved service delivery
• Participates and represents division on various internal committees and at external functions
• Ensure plan review staff and other city departments are documenting project reviews including, project

documents and correspondence into the permit software system.

• Review processes to maintain and/or improve effectiveness for reviews and client communication.
• Implement actions requested by Chief Building Official and assign duties as needed to review staff for assistance.

Duty 5: Division Support

5% Time

Secondary Duties

Tasks:

• Serves in administrative capacity as acting building official in the absence of the Chief Building Official
• In absence of Chief Building Official answer questions concerning projects new or proposed, attend meetings

both departmental and with clients, sign approved certificate of occupancies and time sheets. Perform other

duties as assigned and oversee projects that the CBO may have in progress or outstanding.

• Performs the duties of a building inspector, as qualified and as needed.
• Meet with clients and contractors concerning project deficiencies and assist the City Fire Marshal as requested
• Assist administrative staff as needed or requested.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Extensive knowledge of the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Existing

Building Code, National Electrical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Mechanical and Fuel Gas

Code, International Energy Conservation Code, Accessibility Standards, and other adopted construction codes

as adopted by State with amendments per Administrative Rules of Montana and other city ordinances and

standards.

• Working knowledge of electrical, carpentry, concrete, mechanical, or plumbing work and skill in applying

knowledge of building codes, zoning, and land use regulations.

• Working knowledge of engineering principles related to structural, civil and soils issues
• Participation in required and optional continuing education courses commensurate with professional licensure as

an architect or engineer; and developed or obtained from ICC professional certificate as a Plans Examiner.

• Knowledge of graphic symbolism and architectural nomenclature required to accurately and effectively read,

analyze, and review various types of building plans, specifications, and contract documents

• Prepare concise summaries and reports of code violations, construction deficiencies and necessary modifications

or corrections for design professional, developers, contractors, and owners.

• General building division administrative and operational procedures, special-reporting requirements.

Skill or ability to:

• Operate modern office equipment and operate a motor vehicle as needed.
• Remain positive and professional under busy working conditions.
• Establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and

the general public, and provide superior customer service-oriented approach to the work.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships within the Building

Division, with other city departments and staff, and with the public and professional communities

regularly contacted in the daily course of work.

• Supervise staff, assist with evaluation and training and professional development.
• Read and understand complicated plans and blueprints
• Conduct research of property ownership and determine the appropriateness of building use on existing buildings
• Evaluate impacts and make recommendations on the applicability of or need for land use variance process.
• Listen effectively and respond accurately to requests for code interpretations
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Remain adaptable to changing circumstances and conditions in the workplace.

Supplemental Information

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):

• This position requires a minimum of four years of progressively more responsible work experience

performing plan review functions for a code compliance regulatory agency and staff supervision and

comply with at least one of the following educational criteria below.

• A bachelor or advanced degree in structural, civil, or related architectural or engineering

discipline.

• Licensure as either an architect or professional engineer (in a building related discipline)

OR

• Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner certified or be a certified building, mechanical or

plumbing inspector and have a construction related engineering or architecture degree or license,

in accordance with State of Montana Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Section 24.301.206.

• Other relevant combinations of education and work experience may be evaluated on an individual

basis.

License or Certificate:

• Must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record at the time of hire and

have the ability to obtain a valid MT driver's license within six months of hire.

• Possession of ICC Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner certification is required
• Additional ICC Plans Examiner certifications, (i.e. Accessibility, Energy, Plumbing, Mechanical

and Electrical), is highly desirable

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit, stand, walk kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, see, hear, and lift up to 25 lbs. Ability to

travel to different sites and locations.

General office environment with some outdoor exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, mechanical hazards and

electrical hazards.

Safety

Performs all functions in the safest possible manner and according to policies and procedures. Participates fully with

safety trainings. Reports unsafe work conditions and practices, work-related injuries, illnesses, and near-misses as

soon as possible to assigned supervisor.

The City of Helena offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance and Prescription Coverage
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance and Hearing Aid Benefits
• Life Insurance
• State of Montana Retirement and Deferred Compensation
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Health Screenings with Paid Incentives
• Supplemental Benefits through Mutual of Omaha
• Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, and Parental Leave
• Longevity Pay

01

Do you possess an ICC Residential and Commercial Plans Examiner Certification?

• Yes
• No

02

Please list any additional ICC Plans Examiner Certifications that you possess?

Required Question

Employer Helena, City of (MT)

Address 316 N Park Ave

Room 106

Helena, Montana, 59623

Phone 406-447-8333

Website https://www.helenamt.gov