Associate Plans Examiner

Salary Range

7,830.00 - 10,013.00

Job Summary

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment.
We’re currently recruiting for an Associate Plans Examiner position. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform professional and technical level work in the building codes field. Review plans, permit submittals and construction documents for compliance with applicable city and state building and construction codes. Assist contractors, architects, engineers, homeowners, and general public with technical aspects of construction codes and the plan review approval process.
Associate Plans Examiner work includes:
• One- and two-family dwellings, adult family homes, and townhouses up to 3 stories and their accessory structures.
• Wood framed multi-family residential structures up to 3-stories high
• Group B, M, S and U occupancy structures up to 4,000 SF.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the JLC union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Technical review of construction plans, specifications, and calculations to verify that structural elements of buildings will safely resist the forces of wind, snow, and the dead and live loads noted in the codes and safely resist the shear and torsion imposed by expected seismic forces.
• Technical review of plans to verify the code compliance of required health and welfare features of buildings such as; minimum light and ventilation, heating and cooling equipment, air handling equipment, water distribution systems, waste drainage systems, etc.
• Meet with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other permit applicants to assist them in understanding the code requirements; research into the intent of code requirements to assist people in their attempt to comply with such requirements; conduct site inspections as necessary. As assigned, provide building codes assistance to permit counter staff and customers.
• Research, analyze, and review existing and proposed code requirements, and make recommendations for changes and/or adoption to management.
• Analyze building, fire, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes for specific code requirements for particular types of buildings; confer with supervision, building inspectors, and other technical sources to determine the appropriate interpretation of code items.
• Enter plan review information and update permit tracking system. Maintain necessary files, records, and reports related to the plan review and code interpretation process.
• Coordinate plan review activities with permit team, Building Inspectors, Land Use Planning, Engineering Services, Fire Marshal’s Office, and other departments and agencies.
• Determine and enter permit approval conditions and requirements; assist contractors and applicants during temporary occupancy approval and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Two (2) years of experience in construction trades as contractor, building inspector, plans examiner. 
• Equivalent to an Associate’s Degree with major coursework in architecture, engineering, building inspection, construction technology, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Basic skills in permit and inspection tracking database systems; experience preferred with Hansen CDR, Project DOX, GIS and Hummingbird;
• Basic skills in electronic review software
• Basic skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of/Ability to obtain:

• ICC certification as IBC Building Plans Examiner and one other Plans Examiner or Inspector certification within one year of hire

Knowledge

• International Building, Energy, Residential, Fire, Mechanical Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, and related amendments and ordinances of State of Washington and City of Vancouver.
• National and industry standards and specifications for materials of construction and their proper use. Operation, services, and activities of the building department and code enforcement process.
• Legal and administrative principles and techniques of permitting, building inspection and plan review process. Principles of structural design, and engineering mathematics.
• Methods of construction and materials generally used for building construction. Pertinent federal, state and local laws and regulations governing building construction. Modern office methods, practices, procedures and computer equipment.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Read and interpret complex building construction plans, specifications, and calculations.
• Apply technical knowledge in examining plans to identify materials, construction processes, or concepts that may not comply with the code requirements.
• Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Enforce necessary regulations fairly with firmness and tact.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email [email protected]

Job Posting End Date

September 23, 2026