Plan Design Specialist jobs in Fairbanks, AK

Qualified applicants to this position are eligible for a $20,000 hiring bonus and up to $10,000 in reimbursement of moving expenses. 

* * * * * * * * *  The City of Fairbanks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  * * * * * * * * *

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing skilled inspections and plan reviews to secure compliance with the City’s building code and related construction regulations, serving as liaison to the building industry and property owners for the interpretation and utilization of the city’s building codes.  The two primary functions of this job class are to conduct on-site inspections of residential and commercial construction and to perform residential and commercial nonstructural and structural plan reviews.   Work is performed with considerable technical independence and judgement in seeking compliance with the city building and related codes while under the general supervision of the Building Official, who evaluates work based on results achieved and services rendered.     

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The examples listed below are representative of general assignments performed by this class and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Receive, review, and process building permit applications for new construction, additions, remodeling, and repair of residential buildings and structures to determine compliance with building codes as adopted by the City of Fairbanks.
• Conduct comprehensive structural plan review of all commercial structures.
• Check residential plans for compliance with structural and life safety codes as adopted by the city. 
• Inspect residential and commercial buildings in the process of construction.
• Assist and advise the community in matters related to construction and code requirements, including interpreting code requirements, and answering questions from contractors, builders, architects, engineers, and homeowners.  
• Prepare written reports and maintain records regarding inspections.
• Inspect buildings on a written complaint basis or after fires to determine if a dangerous condition exists, and work with owners to correct any problems. 
• Assist the Building Official with the abatement of dangerous buildings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

These factors will be the basis for selecting qualified candidates to be interviewed.  Candidates hired must satisfactorily demonstrate these factors during a prescribed probationary period for continued employment:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of structural design.
• Knowledge of building design, construction, materials, and methods and stages of construction where code violations and defects may be easily observed and corrected.
• Knowledge of construction codes and inspection procedures, including the ability to interpret code language, ordinances, and state laws as they relate to building construction and inspection.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to perform fundamental structural calculations.
• Ability to convey ideas and information effectively, both orally and in writing, including the execution of written field reports, letters, and reports. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with department personnel, contractors, architects, homeowners, and the general public. 
• Ability to detect poor workmanship and inferior materials.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Persons applying for this position must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor of Science in civil / structural engineering with major course work in the structural analysis and design of buildings.
• Registration as a professional civil / structural engineer.
• Two years of experience in the design, inspection, or plan review of buildings.

• ICC certification for Commercial Building Inspector within one year from the date of employment.
• Continuing Education and ICC certifications as Plans Examiner and Residential Building Inspector
• Possess and maintain a valid State of Alaska driver’s license throughout the duration of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed indoors in an office environment and on-site in the field when needed.  When work is performed outdoors there is full exposure to the elements.

Individuals in this job class must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed, including:

• Use of a computer, keyboard, and related equipment, data recording equipment, basic hand tools, small and large hand probes, and operation of a motor vehicle on City business.
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, grasping, and lifting, and the moving of filled binders and other items weighing no more than 15 pounds.
• Kneeling, crouching, twisting, climbing stairs, ladders, and inclines, crawling in confined spaces, walking on roofs of single and multi-story structures, and scaffolding and walking on slippery / uneven slopes and surfaces.
• Exposure to extreme noise, damp conditions, construction fumes, solvents, chemicals, dust, soil, electrical hazards, and vehicular traffic.