Chief Plans Examiner (Senior Inspector) - City of Salem, OR

Make an Impact:
The City of Salem is currently seeking a Chief Plans Examiner (Senior Inspector). The work for this position involves the responsibility for the daily coordination and assignment of both commercial and residential plan review, as well as performing the technical work of a Plans Examiner II.

Learn and Grow: 
We are committed to growing the capabilities of our people, where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your capabilities. We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for innovation, career development, flexible work schedules, and great work-life balance.

What you will do: 
The successful candidate will counsel customers on appropriate permits, building code requirements, plan review submittal requirements, enter accurate data into computer records, and calculate fees. The candidate will also respond to inquiries from the public and other city departments. The ideal candidate is a seasoned plan reviewer with people-oriented skills able to work independently, accomplish and manage daily plan review timelines while working with walk-in-customers. This position acts as a working lead, assigning reviews and advising the Division Administrator on technical decisions. Work direction is exercised over a group of Plan Examiners, but full supervision is not required of this position. May act-in-capacity for the Division Administrator in their absence. Due to the lead and in-person customer service responsibilities, this position is an in-office position. 
 
Additional information on job responsibilities: 

• Review plans and specifications for all building and related structural construction or alteration for compliance with municipal codes, engineering standards, and material specifications, and recommend changes to meet code standards.
• Assignment of daily plan review workload
• Advise Division Administrator on technical decisions.
• Investigate complaints of code violations.
• Respond to inquiries from the public.
• Perform research activities and prepare reports as directed.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Position schedule is Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
• Candidates with qualifying certifications may receive an additional $3.03 - $9.08 hourly. 
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must have of a valid Oregon driver's license or Class C license and the ability to meet City driving standards.
• Graduation from a two-year college, university, or trades school with major course work in construction, code enforcement, or plans review; and five years of experience in building construction at journey or foreman level and in building code enforcement involving lead work experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledges, skills, and abilities.
• Certification as Commercial Plans Examiner (State of Oregon Structural Plans Examiner A Level (PEA) and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF) certification) and/or Commercial Structural Inspector A Level (State of Oregon SIA certification) is required. 
• Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

What you will bring along:

• State and municipal building, zoning, and related ordinances and codes.
• Modern office practices and ability to use office equipment.
• Construction safety practices and equipment.
• Read and accurately interpret complex plans, specifications, and blueprints and to reconcile them while construction is in progress.
• Perform complex structural computations and provide professional advice.
• Tactfully enforce codes and regulation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, officials, and the public.
• Respect, seek to understand, and value individual differences to foster and support a diverse and inclusive workplace.

 
About us:
The City of Salem is the second largest City in the State of Oregon, located in the heart Willamette Valley, and is the capital city of Oregon with a population over 170,000. Centrally located, Salem is 47 miles south of Portland and an hour from the Cascade Mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem is an exceptional community for living and working with exciting new and comfortable well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings. 
 
A full-service City, Salem has eight primary departments:
Community Planning and Development, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, and Public Works. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City has five labor unions and employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members. The Urban Renewal Agency and the Salem Housing Authority are separate municipal corporations. The Agency contracts with the City for services and the Authority is led by the Housing Administrator within the Community Planning and Development department.
 
Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Inspector, Senior or view by clicking here.  
 
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
 
To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.
 
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
 
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!
 
For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.