Plans Examiner/Senior Plans Examiner

Job Description:

Plans Examiner/Senior Plans Examiner

Description

CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job-someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.

Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Plans Examiner/Senior Plans Examiner is responsible for technical work reviewing building construction plans and applications for compliance with City building codes and other City ordinances. Work includes examining plans and specifications of proposed residential, multi-family and commercial structures for compliance with codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Westminster; interpreting and explaining building ordinances and code regulations to builders, architects, designers, contractors, and home owners; assisting individuals who request building permits offering advice regarding materials and methods of construction; and interpreting applicable codes for inspectors, architects, designers, contractors and engineers. This position reports directly to the Plans Examiner Supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Community Services Department, which plans, promotes, and sustains an attractive and high-quality living and working environment by facilitating appropriate land use and infrastructure decisions, ensuring that the community is developed in a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and maintainable manner.

Every employee is accountable to:

• Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
• Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
• Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
• Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
• Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility and take calculated risks when appropriate
• Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
• Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
• Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
• Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:

• Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
• Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self-development
• Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
• Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance
• Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

Job Specific - Every employee in this position must be able to:

• Utilize a working knowledge of design and construction principles, as well as building materials, modern construction, and material assembly practices
• Display thorough knowledge of building codes, zoning codes, ordinances and related state and local regulations
• Communicate effectively and establish working relationships with developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and the public
• Read and interpret plans and specifications
• Communicate City requirements to permit applicants
  
  

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Tasks
Plans Examiner
Examines plans and specifications of proposed residential, multi-family and commercial structures for compliance with codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Westminster Interprets and explains building ordinances and code regulations to builders, architects, designers, contractors, homeowners, and other individualsAssists individuals who request building permits offering advice regarding sizes and types of materials to be used as well as appropriate methods of constructionWorks closely with other divisions and departments as coordinator of the plan review processMaintains regular and punctual attendance Other Duties and Responsibilities
Prepares and maintains records and reportsPerforms occasional field inspections Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion.

Senior Plans Examiner
Performs cursory reviews of all new permit applications for completeness and required documentationTrains and mentors plans examiners and performs occasional oversight of their reviews.Delegates reviews to the Plans ExaminersAttends preapplication meetings with external stakeholdersParticipates in public meetings, pre-application meetings and interdepartmental working groups; schedules and conducts preconstruction meetingsProvides recommendations and coordinates building code updates; prepares code update documentation for the public Other Duties and Responsibilities
Additional responsibilities may be assigned at the City’s discretion.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Plans Examiner
Required :

• Graduation from high school or GED
• Completion of at least two (2) years of college level education in engineering or construction related field
• Must possess ICC Residential or Commercial Plans Examiner Certification
• Possession of a valid driver's license and maintenance of safe driving record

Preferred :

• Possession of Commercial Plans Examiner Certification
• At least four (4) years of experience in building codes enforcement as a plans examiner or building inspector
• Additional ICC Plans Examiner Certifications

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Senior Plans Examiner
In addition to the Plans Examiner responsibilities listed above, progression to the Senior Plans Examiner requires:

• Completion of the probationary period and four (4) years of Plans Examiner experience
• Possession of Commercial Plans Examiner, Residential Plans Examiner and one (1) additional ICC plans examiner certification; Mechanical, Plumbing or Energy
• Demonstrated experience understanding and interpreting complex building code requirements
• Demonstrated leadership qualities to colleagues such as Plans Examiners, Building Inspectors and Permit Technicians
• Experience serving as acting Plans Examiner Supervisor when delegated

Progression is not automatic and depends on the incumbent's proficiency and experience as a Plans Examiner.
Physical Requirements
Work is sedentary in nature and requires sufficient physical stamina and strength for:

• Constant sitting to perform daily tasks; occasional walking through a multilevel facility to retrieve information; frequent standing sometimes for extended periods
• Frequent squatting, reaching above shoulder and twisting to file documents and lift supplies and material; occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, balancing and reaching below shoulder to store documents, material and supplies
• Constant light grasp, fine manipulation, and handling to perform daily duties; occasional firm grasp to safely use equipment
• Frequent lifting, carrying, push/pulling of up to ten (10) pounds to move material and supplies; occasional lifting, pushing/pulling of up to 25 pounds with dollies and cart
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is generally performed indoors. This is primarily sedentary office work. Must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical demands of the job including the ability to retrieve information from various locations in the office when needed. Exposure to periods of high activity and high stress under demanding conditions. The position requires a great deal of communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies.
Required Materials and Equipment
Pens, pencils, computers, calculators, office supplies, measuring tape, and other standard office equipment. Occasional use of hard hats and other equipment for field use. May occasionally be required to use personal vehicle or City vehicle for fieldwork.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Background checks will include employment references and criminal history and when applicable, credit check, driver's license record, education verification
• Pre-employment drug screen
• Must be legally entitled to work in the United States

The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Health and Dental
• Flexible Spending
• Pension/Retirement Plans
• Term Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability
• Survivor Benefits
• Wellness Program
• Career Development Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Leave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on the job injury

For a more detailed overview of our General Non Exempt employee benefit package:
Benefit Package

The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.

401(a) Contribution Rates:
Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.
Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.

Employer Contribution Vesting Schedule

• Less than 3 years - 0%
• 3 to 4 years - 60%
• 4 to 5 years - 80%
• Over 5 years - 100%
• For employees age 55 and older, the employer contributions are 100% vested

The City of Westminster provides employees with innovative and practical ways to improve their commute through two key features, EcoPass and Commute Benefits powered by Commutrics. EcoPass provides unlimited trips on RTD's core transit services and Commute Rewards allows you to record your trips and get rewards based on your commute mode.

Closing Date/Time: 11/2/2026 8:30 AM Mountain

Salary:

$80,537.60 - $110,801.60 Annually