SUMMARY:

**This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) term-limited temporary (TLT) or special duty assignment (SDA) position. The TLT/SDA is anticipated to end December 31st, 2025, with possibility of extension. 

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Plans Examiner (Plans Examination Engineer II). 
 
The Plans Examiner will perform plan examination of building plans and supporting documentation for structures and developments to ensure compliance with structural, fire/life safety, energy, accessibility, and other county, state, and federal building code regulations. This person provides direct service by conducting pre-application and construction consultation meetings, researching code requirements, and permit histories.
 
About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.
 
To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.  Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

JOB DUTIES:

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As a Plans Examiner, you will:

• Review of building and related permit applications documents to ensure construction proposals meet code requirements for life and safety, structural integrity, energy performance, accessibility, mechanical and other applicable codes. 
• Review structural plans and calculations to verify conformity with structural engineering principles; and perform structural engineering analysis of designs and related features of construction plans. 
• Performs site observation visits to evaluate potential construction conflicts and/or general construction progress towards complying with state codes. 
• Provide public with information on codes, regulations, and permit requirements. 
• Receive and respond to complaints about buildings/construction from citizens, other agencies and jurisdictions, King County Council, and Executive staff. 
• Interpret and apply codes and regulations for architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and property owners. 
• Provide direct customer assistance for the public, design professionals, property owners on building code questions and their application and the permit process. 
• Offer alternatives and initiate problem-solving conferences with owners, contractors, and design professionals. 
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflects well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent. 
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service. 
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS: 

Minimum Qualifications:    

• Construction or plans examination experience or education and experience in a related field such as architecture, engineering, or construction management. 
• Demonstrated experience in the application and interpretation of national, state, and local building and fire codes and standards. 
• Knowledge of the permitting process. 
• Knowledge of structural materials, systems, and engineering. 
• Skill in reading, interpreting, and explaining construction documents, specifications, codes, ordinances, and policies. 
• Conducting meetings with builders, professionals, or other customers to review construction, code, or other technical requirements. 
• Handle multiple competing priorities and producing quality detailed work within tight timeframes. 
• Working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Must work well in a fast-paced, results oriented, team environment with the ability to think quickly and independently. 
• Strong communication skills, collaborative working style, and the ability to handle stressful situations in a positive manner. 

Desired Qualifications:    

• Experience as a plans examiner in reviewing both residential and commercial projects. 
• ICC certification as a building inspector and/or plans examiner. 
• Experience with electronic review of construction documents.
• Engineer or architect license or professional degree.  

Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
• Must be able to lift 20lbs.