Plans Examiner B

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture or other field related to design or construction and two (2) years of related technical or professional experience.
• One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
• Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Building Plans Examiner B employees must possess an International Code Council ( ICC ) certification as either a Residential Inspector or a Building Plans Examiner.
• Mechanical Plans Examiner B employees must possess a Mechanical Plans Examiner certification by ICC or other recognized authority; or hold a current TDLR Class B Environmental Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor’s License with a “C” combined endorsement.
• Electrical Plans Examiner B employees must obtain an Electrical Plans Examiner certification by ICC or other recognized authority; hold a current State of Texas master electrician license; or have 6 years of experience and hold a journeyman level state of Texas electrician license.
• Plumbing Plans Examiner B employees must be an obtain a Plumbing Plans Examiner certification by ICC or other recognized authority; or hold a current State of Texas master plumber, journeyman plumber, or plumbing inspector license.
• Zoning Plans Examiner B employees must obtain an ICC Zoning Inspector certification; or demonstrate completion of 16 contact hours of training (formal classes or documented on the job training) in the core competencies established by the American Institute of Certified Planners ( AICP ).
• An employee who is certified by ICC or other recognized authority as a Certified Building Official ( CBO ) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for the Plans Examiner B position.
• An employee who is a Texas registered professional engineer (PE) or is an active Engineer-In-Training ( EIT ) for a related discipline shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for the Plans Examiner B position.
• An employee who is a Texas registered architect (RA); has passed the Architect Registration Examination; or has demonstrated completion of 120 hours related to building code and regulation analysis, documentation, or review in AXP Experience Area “Project Planning & Design Tasks” or completed the “Design codes and Regulations” IDP knowledge/skills subcategory through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards ( NCARB ) required for licensure by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners ( TBAE ) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for Building or Zoning Plans Examiner B positions.
• An employee who is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners ( AICP ) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements for Zoning Plans Examiner B position.

Notes to Applicants
On January 1, 2020 the City of Austin began enforcing the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code ( IWUIC ). The City of Austin and the Austin Fire Department is hiring reviewers to handle the responsibilities of ensuring compliance with the IWUIC . The selected individual(s) will perform the following duties:



1. Review residential permit plan submittals for compliance with the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and the International Residential Code. Ability to review plans and accurately determine the type of construction materials being used to insure compliance with the WUIC . Reviews will include the main structure and any decks, fences or other accessory structures and/or dwelling units on the lot.

2. Review residential permit plan submittals for compliance with the fire flow requirements of Appendix B of the International Fire Code and fire access requirements of Chapter 5 of the International Fire Code. This would include all residential structures being built or remodeled in the Wildland-Urban Interface areas and any residential structures not in the WUI area that exceeds 3600 SF of fire area.

3. Review commercial site plan and subdivision plan submittals for compliance with the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Ability to review plans to determine topography, amount and type of trees and vegetation and proximity to the structures. Confirm compliance with the International Fire Code for access and water supply to the structure.

4. Review commercial buildings being built, remodeled or moved into the Wildland-Urban Interface areas for compliance with the WUIC . Experience with the International Building Code to confirm structures meet all the requirements for compliance with the WUIC .

5. Provide technical assistance to the public and contractors. Provide code interpretations and rules interpretations to help public and contractors comply with the WUIC . Work closely with the public and contractors to evaluate and recommend Alternate Methods of Compliance for equivalency with prescriptive code provisions. Ability to communicate clearly using email, phone conversations and collaboration software such as MS Teams to assist the public, contractors and inspectors with the WUIC requirements.

6. Act as point of contact and provide assistance to the general public and contractors with regards to helping comply and understand the requirements of the WUI Code.

7. Provide technical assistance to Austin Fire Department inspectors when needed. Assistance to inspectors will be to provide clarification on approved building plans and acceptability of installed conditions.

8. Coordinate code interpretations and application with other City departments and agencies included the City of Austin Development Services Department.

Please note the following when completing the City of Austin application for this position:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all the previous employment experience you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Please include contact information from previous employers. A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• AFD reserves the right to begin interviews before the closing date.
• A resume and cover letter are required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application. Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank. Applications missing information and/or documents will be deemed incomplete applications and will not be considered.
• The Austin Fire Department may close the posting any time after seven days from the initial advertisement. Once a position is closed, no additional applications will be accepted.

Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Credentials & Education:
If you are selected as a Top Candidate for this position, verification of your credentials and education will take place. This includes Education and required Licenses, and Certifications.

Additional Information:

• Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and wellness benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information .

Pay Range
$29.23 - $36.54 per hour

Hours
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday (with some flexibility)

Job Close Date 05/07/2025 Type of Posting External Department Fire Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., 3rd Floor, Austin, TX 78752 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Working knowledge of the International Fire Code and International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Experience in working with and reviewing civil plans would be a plus.
• Experience in arboriculture or vegetation management/landscaping would be desired.
• Working knowledge of various NFPA standards such as NFPA 13, 14, 20 and 72.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Utilize computerized software plan review programs and perform reviews of ink or pencil generated design drawings and maps. Develop, analyze, and generate technical reports by preparing a variety of reports, correspondence and official documents related to the review and approval of construction related permits. Research, investigate, and respond to appropriate parties by meeting with other city of Austin departments, external agencies, and those affected by projects being reviewed. Examines a wide variety of construction plans, reports, calculations and related documents for new construction or alteration projects involving complex nonstructural code issues to assess compliance with applicable building codes, other construction and land development related codes, policies and precedents. Verifies the adequacy of designs based on construction principles, prepares written correction comments, meets with applicants to explain corrections, and approves more complex plans for permit issuance. Identifies and advises contractors, design professionals, owners and other parties of areas of non-compliance, and approves more complex plans and corrected plans. Assists DSD inspectors as needed during construction to monitor projects for compliance with approved design drawings and specifications. Assists DSD inspectors and contractors with project revisions and code interpretations during construction. Responds to a wide range of public inquiries concerning building and related code compliance issues. Verifies that other City Departments have completed and documented reviews and approvals of submitted plans as required. Performs research and analysis of existing building records to determine impacts on proposed designs. Assists other staff with building code questions and problems. Performs related duties of a comparable type/level as assigned. Responsibility of increasingly complex assignments may be assumed and greater independence granted as skills increase and as work progresses.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes. Certain positions require a working knowledge of zoning regulations and the ability to research the City of Austin’s zoning regulations.
• Knowledge of the terminology and techniques for one or more of the following professional disciplines:
  Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical and/or Electrical Services or Engineering; Zoning aspects of land planning.
• Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of construction practices as well as a working knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.
• Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications, including shop drawings.
• Skill in the use of common computer software programs, including productivity software, computer aided design software, and data entry for databases.
• Skill in performing more complex analyses, including mathematical calculations, to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes.
• Skill in communicating general code requirements orally and in writing to architects, contractors, developers and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, customers and the general public.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to maintain records.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position are graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture or other field related to design or construction and two (2) years of related technical or professional experience.One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. A master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Are you an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) in the State of Texas eligible to take the PE exam?

• Yes
• No

* Are you a certified by ICC or another recognized authority as a Certified Building Official (CBO)?

• Yes
• No

* Do you posses an International Code Council (ICC) certification as either a Residential Inspector or a Building Plans Examiner?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have an AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification?

• Yes
• No

* Are you a Texas Registered Architect (RA) and have passed the Architect Registration Exam; or have demonstrated completion of 120 hours related to building code and regulation analysis documentation, or review in AXP Experience Area “Project Planning & Design Tasks” or completed the "Design codes and Regulations" IDP knowledge/skills subcategory through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) required for licensure by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE)?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have knowledge or experience with the International Fire Code (IFC) and the fire protection provisions of the International Building Code (IBC)? If so, briefly describe. If not, please indicate No Experience/Knowledge.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience with the Wildland Urban Interface Code or equivalent WUI regulations. If you do not have experience in this area, please enter Not Applicable.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have knowledge or experience of various National Fire Protection (NFPA) standards including NFPA 13, NFPA 72, NFPA 14, and NFPA 20? If so, briefly describe. If not, please write No Knowledge/Experience.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter

• 

• City of Austin

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