Building Official/Fire Plans Examiner

This position provides leadership, technical expertise, and cross-department coordination to protect life, property, and community standards.  This individual coordinates building plan review, building inspections, permitting, and building code enforcement, as well as fire plan review functions.  Tasks include examining and reviewing complex residential, commercial, and industrial plans – including building, site development, and fire protection systems – and ensuring permits demonstrate compliance with all adopted building, fire, and life safety codes.  The role supports the Fire Department in fire code plan examination.  Coordination with local jurisdictions to fulfill interlocal agreements or shared service contracts may also be required.

• Serve as the authority on building standards of Washington State and the City of Lynden.  Responsible for enforcing all City-adopted building code, construction specifications, policies, and procedures.
• Building plan review.  Conduct and/or oversee plan review and inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with adopted building code during the construction process; provide stamped or written approval or denial. Issue written and oral instructions regarding building permit conditions and requirements. Independently review, interpret, approve, condition, or deny building permit applications and construction plans based on applicable codes and regulations.
• Fire plan review.  Conduct and/or oversee fire plan review within the permitting process, including fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, emergency access, accessibility, water supply, hazardous materials compliance, and other fire protection components.  Issue written conclusions of each review.
• Final authority on permit conditions.  Issue Certificate of Occupancies after ensuring project compliance across all departments.
• Inspection of ongoing construction.  Oversee or conduct field inspections of all building construction projects, ensuring compliance with applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, energy, barrier-free, and other associated codes and standards.
• Interdepartmental coordination.  Consult with the staff of the Technical Review Committee (Planning, Public Works, and Fire Department, etc) on projects in the pre-application stages regarding feasibility, processes, interpretations, and workflow.
• Enforcement of code.  Manage building code enforcement activities related to existing structures.  Coordinate enforcement activities with the Lynden Fire Department, external agencies, and stakeholders.
• Technical interpretations. Provide technical code interpretations and explain building code and fire code compliance to owners, contractors, and design professionals. Exercise independent judgment in interpreting and applying building and fire codes to complex construction projects where established guidelines require analysis and professional discretion.
• Provide a community presence. Maintain strong relationships with developers, citizens, and the construction community.  Seek to resolve complex and sensitive customer service issues in a manner consistent with the City’s vision and values.
• Represent the City in meetings, professional organizations, and development-related discussions.
• Assist with department training goals, performance evaluations, hiring, coaching, and disciplinary processes.
• Participate in process improvement.  Shape the permitting process to run efficiently.  Support and improve electronic plan review software, permitting systems, workflows, and performance metrics.
• Manage application of the building division fee structure and related amendments.  
• Guide building division operations. Assign, prioritize, and oversee tasks assigned to the Building Inspector and Permit Technician.
• Coordinate third-party professional services.  Maintain listings and approvals of special inspectors; maintain contact with special inspectors during construction projects; maintain special inspector reports. Verify inspections and approvals on those projects. Execute contracts with third-party services according to City code and policy.
• City Facilities. Support the Public Works Department by providing inspections as needed of City facilities, which may include satellite facilities such as the Museum, Library, and Community Center.
• Policy development.  Provide technical building code advice to supervisors; make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the public, as needed.  Review current trends and developments in the field of construction, and recommend revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations.
• Serve as industry expert.  Maintain ongoing knowledge of building-related codes and practices by attending training and through membership in Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO).
• Perform other related duties as needed and assigned.

•  Two (2) years of post-secondary college or technical instruction in building technology, construction management, mechanical, plumbing, or building construction; AND
• Four (4) years of experience in general construction and related fields; OR
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the incumbent with the necessary qualifications may be considered.

• Extensive knowledge of building codes, fire codes, FEMA standards as referenced in the building code, and municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to building safety, fire prevention, and code enforcement programs.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials common to commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
• Knowledge of plan review procedures, permitting software, blueprints, specifications, and fire protection system requirements.
• Skill in interpreting codes accurately, enforcing regulations with fairness and impartiality, and solving complex technical problems.
• Skill in reading and interpreting building and fire protection plans.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and apply appropriate precautions, standards, and code requirements.
• Understand erosion control methods, grading operations, and Washington State stormwater practices.
• Skill to prepare and deliver clear and concise written, graphic, and verbal communications, reports, and technical documents utilizing computer technology such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with staff, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ability to lead, train, direct, and evaluate staff; foster teamwork and support high-performance operations.
• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion in interpreting and applying codes.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and to effectively handle multiple tasks and assignments to achieve desired outcomes.
• Enforce building codes and regulations with tact, control, and impartiality, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, architects, co-workers, and the public.
• Represent the City in a positive and professional manner.
• Support and promote the City's mission, vision, and core values in all aspects of job performance. 

• A valid driver's license at the time of hire for work-related travel.
• Must pass appropriate background checks.
• Candidates must possess, or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment, Washington Building Official (WABO) certification. Candidates are expected to possess the majority of the remaining required ICC certifications at the time of hire and must obtain any remaining required certifications within twelve (12) months of employment, including:
  1. Building Inspector;
  2. Building Plans Examiner;
  3. Mechanical Inspector;
  4. Plumbing Inspector; and
  5. Fire Inspector.

Our Vision: Cultivating Exceptional Service for Our Extraordinary Community.

The City of Lynden is an equal opportunity employer.