About the Role
Supervises subordinate staff engaged in the review, examination, and interpretation of building plans to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, policies, and precedents. Provides leadership, technical oversight, and administrative direction for the City’s plans examination and development review functions.
Responsibilities
- Manages the review of complex technical code issues relating to building, zoning, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy codes.
- Updates and maintains program records and generates monthly performance data.
- Organizes and chairs meetings concerning special projects.
- Develops and administers new programs.
- Consults with contractors, engineers, architects, and City staff to identify and resolve issues.
- Designates projects for the Special Inspections program.
- Develops and implements strategies for achieving department goals related to special projects.
- Communicates with engineers, owners, general contractors, and testing labs to resolve Special Inspections problems.
- Advises inspectors on unusual projects and alternative methods.
- Approves alternate methods of code compliance.
- Mediates code-related problems with customers and Plans Examiners.
- Tracks plans and review history of buildings.
- Prepares rejection comment lists.
- Develops code amendment language for ordinances.
- Coordinates the work of Plans Examiners on overlapping code issues.
- Answers code-related questions from customers, City management, and other divisions.
- Speaks to public groups on code issues.
- Coordinates with other divisions for planning, zoning, environmental protection, and inspections.
- Provides field inspection assistance for Special Inspections problem resolution.
- Leads and trains plans examiner staff.
- Conducts employee development and performance evaluations using the City of Austin SSPR process.
Requirements
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.
- Ability to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Must meet the requirements of a Plans Examiner C plus an additional certification in a related field by ICC, IAPMO, AICP, NFPA or other recognized authority; or a Master State issued license with one (1) State issued license endorsement.
- 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.
- An employee who is a Texas registered professional engineer (PE) or an active Engineer-In-Training (EIT) who has passed the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE) principles and practices examination for a related discipline shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements.
- An employee who is a Texas registered architect (RA) or has passed the Architect Registration Examination shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements.
- An employee who is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) shall be considered to have met the certification or licensing requirements.
- Experience successfully training staff.
- Experience coordinating a fast-paced and complicated work process.
- Experience communicating complex technical construction or code issues to a wide variety of staff and members of the public.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively across departments and/or various technical disciplines.
- Experience providing excellent customer service, equitable solutions, and conflict resolution.
- Experience motivating team members and creating strategies to boost productivity.
- Relevant work experience with technical codes including building design, reviewing plans for compliance with building codes, building inspections, building construction, or construction administration.
- Experience working in a complex governmental or regulatory environment with diverse stakeholders and competing priorities.
- ICC B3 Building Plans Examiner certification.
Skills
- Knowledge in the use of building codes and related state and local regulations with regard to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
- Expertise in zoning regulations and the ability to research the City of Austin’s zoning regulations.
- Expertise in the terminology and techniques for one or more of the following professional disciplines: Architecture; Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, 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.
- Knowledge of architectural drawing practices, symbols and abbreviations.
- Knowledge of leadership and management principles.
- Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
- Skill in reading and interpreting complex architectural and engineering 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 complex analyses including skill in interpreting code provisions in order to determine compliance with or deviation from applicable codes, including the analysis of alternate methods of compliance or performance-based designs.
- Skill in communicating code requirements orally and in writing to city plan review and inspections staff, architects, contractors, developers and the general public.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other employees, customers and the general public.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
- Ability to communicate with and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
- Ability to maintain records.
Location
- 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752
Work Type
- Full-time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- Minimum of four (4) years of related technical or professional experience.
- Minimum of one (1) year of the related experience involved supervisory or lead experience, or completion of formal training in basic supervisory skills.
- 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.
Education Level
- 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.
Salary/Compensations
- $75,930 - $96,430.00
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision.
- Paid leave time.
- Highly competitive retirement plan.
- Career development opportunities.
About the Company
- Austin Development Services assists homeowners, business owners, and contractors when they build, demolish, remodel or perform any type of construction to ensure compliance with applicable city and building codes.
- At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities.
- Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity are guiding principles.
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
- By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
