PORTAGE COUNTY
Building Department
TITLE: Master Plans Examiner, Back-up Building official
JOB OBJECTIVES: Incumbent is responsible for the review and examining of all commercial construction plans and documents, for compliance with the current and adopted Ohio Building Code and its referenced standards.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Review construction plans for code compliance and create formal plan review documents, in
compliance with the Administrative Chapter of the Ohio Building Code, and address those with the
Chief Building Official.
Confer with and advise members of the general public, property owners, developers, design
professionals and others regarding building and construction policies, procedures and standards;
provide and explain requirements of the State building and related codes and ordinances; perform
preliminary plan review’s as deemed appropriate.
Receive calls and answer questions about all code requirements; direct inquiries as necessary.
Review submitted commercial permit applications; review for completion and usage of proper legal
descriptions; recommend corrections or adjustments as necessary.
Handle questions regarding applications and permitting process from persons at permit counter.
Review code changes and bring those to the attention of the Director / Building Official or other
designates within the department or County.
Provide building related inspections when necessary.
Keep current on developments and analyze trends in building codes, laws, plans examinations and
inspections through websites, books, journals, conferences and workshops, and apply new
knowledge to the job.
In the absence of the Director / Building Official, issue Adjudication Orders as defined within the
Ohio Building Codes and the Ohio Revised Code, for both Commercial and Residential Projects
and work with the County Prosecutor’s Office as necessary to gain compliance directly and/or
through the Portage County Courts.
In the absence of the Director / Building Official, prepare documentation for the County and State
Appeals Boards, attend hearings and testify as required.
Attend meetings and conferences as required.
Perform related duties as required.
Operate a motor vehicle as needed to perform the essential functions.
Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related Essential/Non-Essential functions as required.
I. JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment: Incumbent uses reference and code books.
Critical Skills/Expertise:
Knowledge of local and state laws, rules and regulations and enforcement requirements relating to
building code enforcement.
Knowledge of the construction process including standards, methods, materials and equipment.
Knowledge of building construction inspection and enforcement principles and techniques.
Knowledge of basic plan checking principles.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of the plan submittal and permitting process.
Knowledge of the principles of mathematics.
Knowledge of modern office methods, procedures and equipment including use of a computer.
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of record keeping.
Ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications, interpret technical building codes,
determine their applicability to plans under review and determine compliance with various codes.
Ability to explain applicable local and state laws, rules and regulations to private and business
individuals.
Ability to read maps, plats and other diagrams associated with construction.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, reports and some legal documents.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts, such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference and
volume.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establishes facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all
levels of the organization, builders, contractors and the general public.
Ability to communicate information and to articulate problems or challenges to be resolved in a
clear, concise, courteous, nondiscriminatory and professional manner, and be able to provide
clarification as necessary.
Ability to develop and maintain effective customer relations in a professional manner without
compromising the regulatory function of inspection activities.
Ability to operate and use modern office equipment including a computer.
Ability to compile and maintain records.
Job Standards: Incumbent must be an Ohio Registered Architect or Professional Engineer. Must have an Ohio Board of Building Standards certification as Master Plans Examiner and Building official. A minimum of 5 years’ experience required. Must also have a valid Ohio driver’s license in accordance with County policy and motor vehicle liability insurance.
II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work involves moderately complex, relatively standardized tasks, processes and operations following
established laws and procedures.
III. RESPONSIBILITY
Incumbent independently follows established practices and clear-cut policies. Incumbent receives
detailed instruction from supervisor upon request or when policy changes. Incumbent does make some
decisions independently on a daily basis.
IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Incumbent has contact with co-workers, employees in department, public and private sector agencies,
and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to discuss plans and answer questions regarding
code compliance, accepted construction practices, etc.
V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements: Incumbent performs light work which may require lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds occasionally.
Physical Activity: Incumbent is required to perform the following physical activities: stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, feeling, grasping, talking, listening, driving and repetitive motions.
Visual Activity: Incumbent performs work where the seeing job is close to the eyes.
Job Location: Incumbent works both inside and outside with exposure to temperatures below
32 degrees and above 100 degrees for periods of more than an hour.
Master Plans Examiner- Wage- Salary is commensurate with the experience required for the job
Please also use the live link with the posting.