Plans Reviewer Manager

Salary Range: $64,893 - $104,479  Pay Grade: 21  Job Code: 51070  FLSA Status: Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification, under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official, is to manage a team of ICC-certified building and fire plans examiners, interface with various departments to coordinate the plan review process, ensure compliance with local, state and federal building, structural, fire, accessibility and systems codes, policies, rules, regulations, and standards.  

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

The position requires the incumbent to manage a team of ICC-certified building and fire plans examiners, interface with various departments to coordinate the plan review process, manage customer relations and resolve problems, be the point of contact for high-profile or complex projects, manage the workload, meet the department goals, provide oversight and quality control of the plan review process, make code determinations and provide technical expertise, represent Development Services Department for outreach with the community, facilitate meetings, respond to requests from management, manage the electronic plan review program, and train plans review staff.

Manages, supervises, directs and evaluates work of assigned staff; processes employee concerns and problems; directs work, counsels, disciplines, and completes employee performance appraisals; and provides technical expertise to staff.

Manages customer relations by providing education and feedback, leading pre-submittal informational meetings, resolving problems during the permitting process and construction, and resolving conflicts with the customers.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that reviewers have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise.

Represents the department for community outreach and development, serves in the absence of the Chief Building Official; provides progress and activity reports to management; assists in developing and implements strategic plans, policies and procedures for plans review; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews policies and procedures; and makes recommendations regarding process improvements to increase operational efficiency and expedite workflow.

Reviews proposed construction projects for adherence to established codes, policies, and procedures; reviews and evaluates construction plans and approves or denies non-conforming uses; provides leadership to coordinate plan review information with County staff and departments, to include the Permit Manager, Fire Marshal Office, Watershed Department, Business License, Planning, building, fire and trade inspectors, and other concerned parties; and ensures preparation of comprehensive records, reports, and documentation.

Performs skilled architectural and engineering analysis related to plans review for townhouses, condominiums, multi-family and mixed use projects, commercial construction to include new construction, additions and alterations  of simple to complex commercial business, mercantile, assembly, educational industrial, storage, factory, and  institutional projects, among others. Ensures compliance with structural and non-structural requirements accessibility, fire, firesite and systems reviews for compliance with applicable codes; provides technical information to building inspectors; and performs field inspections of buildings with special structural issues, unusual construction techniques and procedures, or new construction materials.

Receives and responds to requests for information, complaints, interpretation of code requirements, and provides technical assistance to architects, engineers, developers and other concerned parties; and attends meetings to discuss plan review procedures and comments.

Leads the electronic plan review process by training plan reviewers, staff from other departments, the customer base and interested parties in the county.

Provides training and ensures opportunities for training to improve the plan reviewers’ technical expertise, and acquire additional certifications and maintaining them.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field required; five (5) years of experience in building design, construction document preparation, plan review, code analysis, building inspections, construction, systems review, or a related field, to include three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Specific License or Certification Required:  

Must possess and maintain ICC Commercial Building Plans Examiner certification; must possess and maintain, or obtain with 12 months of employment, ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification.

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of additional ICC certifications is highly desirable, including but not limited to:

• ICC Commercial Electrical Plans Examiner and/or Inspector
• ICC Commercial Mechanical Plans Examiner and/or Inspector
• ICC Commercial Plumbing Plans Examiner and/or Inspector
• ICC Commercial Building Inspector or Combination Inspector certification

Condition of Continued Employment:

Failure to obtain the required ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification within the specified timeframe may result in disciplinary action, up to and including reassignment or separation, in accordance with DeKalb County policies.