HomeMy WebLinkAbout#12 - Plan ReviewerSTAFF REPORT
DATE: November 21, 2023
CONSENT
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Plan Reviewer Job Description and authorize job posting
SUBMITTED BY: Karissa Goers, Administrative Services Director
BACKGROUND: A full-time plan reviewer was approved to be added in the 2023 budget. This position would enhance the building department and could be a strategic solution to succession planning for the department.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Council approve the new job description and authorize advertising for the Plan
Reviewer position? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Included in your packet is a job description and job posting for a Plan Reviewer.
The Plan Reviewer helps to promote quality construction and high standards of design
throughout the City. This includes the administration and enforcement of MNBC Building
Codes, City Zoning Ordinance enforcement, and implementation of property maintenance codes within the City. Work is performed under limited supervision. FISCAL IMPACT: This position has been included in the 2023 budget.
OPTIONS:
1) Approve the job description as presented and authorize issuing the posting for Plan Reviewer
2) Amend and then approve one or both the job description or posting for Plan Reviewer 3) Do not approve the job description and/or advertise for Plan Reviewer.
RECOMMENDATION:
If removed from the consent agenda:
“Motion to approve the Plan Reviewer job description and authorize advertising the position.”
ATTACHMENTS: • Plan Reviewer Job description • Plan Reviewer Job Posting
City of Lake Elmo
Plan Reviewer
Job Title: Plan Reviewer
Department: Community Development Status: Full-time regular position, Exempt Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits Reporting Relationship: Reports to Building Official Supervisory Duties: This position provides general and technical, daily supervision of teams
and projects as assigned by the Building Official. This position assumes the supervisory roles of
the Building Official in their absence.
Position Details: The Plan Reviewer helps to promote quality construction and high standards of design throughout the City. This includes the administration and enforcement of
MNBC Building Codes, City Zoning Ordinance enforcement, and implementation of property
maintenance codes within the City. Work is performed under limited supervision.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
City Zoning Ordinances and Regulations:
• Respond to building project needs, setbacks and encroachments, variances, and
customer inquiries on development of land.
• Respond to complaints and establish enforcement actions as necessary to gain
compliance with City ordinances and regulations.
• Responsible for keeping the Building Official informed of issues and proactively working
through solutions.
Building and City Code:
• Perform plan reviews and some building inspections on all types of structures
(commercial, residential, and industrial) to ensure that they meet the MNBC and the
City Municipal Code.
• Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners to interpret
and clarify code requirements.
• Verify that site construction activity is in conformance to approved plans, coordinate
City action to bring non-compliant sites into compliance.
• Ensure complaints involving building codes, related ordinances and investigations are
addressed.
• Keep abreast of innovations and developments in the construction industry and how
changes in materials and construction practices relate to code requirements.
• Provide written documentation of findings and record keeping.
Customer Service:
• Provide customer service on-site, front counter, e-mail inquiries, and phone calls.
• Receive and issue permits.
• Issue violation notices and stop-work orders until building is compliant.
• Provide filed inspections of building plumbing, mechanical, utility and accessibility.
• Monitor construction sites to ensure overall compliance.
• Review and approve commercial, industrial, and residential building plans.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental
and applicable City policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity
expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including
willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with
confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters
which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside
contacts, and constituencies.
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and
employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.
Position Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Skills in mediation, complaint resolution and problem solving.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate and implement effective customer service
• Strong initiative to improve processes and productivity.
• Ability to effectively use a computer and various software programs, including software
for tracking building inspections and permitting activity.
• Ability to maintain a positive and effective working relationship with council,
commissions, businesses, designers, contractors, residents, and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the pertinent state and local codes and
licensing requirements applicable to the City of Lake Elmo and the legal aspects of code
administration.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, engineering and architectural project
drawings, and electronic documents accurately and to compare them with construction
in progress.
• Ability to enforce codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially and deal with
difficult situations.
• Understanding and experience working with best management practices for
construction activity.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other City departments,
Administration, Public Works, Fire, Planning, Engineering, etc.
• Ability to physically move about all areas of construction properties to carry out duties.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines working in a fast-paced
environment.
• Ability to manage internal and external relationships with residents, contractors,
developers, engineers, and planning staff via in-person, phone, or e-mail on a regular
basis.
Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions: Positions in this job typically
require: sitting, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing.
This position encounters unexpected and prolonged workdays and stress and pressure from
dealing with emotional issues and conflicts. There is also sustained exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force on occasion and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and
move objects. Most work is performed in an office environment involving working inside.
Some portions of the day will be performed in a field environment and involve working
outside of vehicles and in confined spaces. Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat
or cold. Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery, or dusty and windy conditions.
**The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Two-year degree in construction or related field. Three years of experience (in addition to the experience required below) may substitute for a degree. Requirements: Extensive experience working for a State, Local Municipality, or Private
Inspection Firm performing building inspections or plan review. Must possess a valid Driver’s
License.
License/Certifications:
• Certified Building Official in the State of Minnesota.
• ICC Certification in Commercial Plumbing and Mechanical or ability to obtain within 1
year of hire date and must maintain during employment.
Desired Qualifications: • Expertise in plumbing, electrical and/or HVAC.
• Experience with inspections, sign permits and/or planning and zoning in the public sector.
• Certification from ICC in building inspections.
• Experience with basic computers skills, including a good knowledge of and experience
using:
- E-mail and Microsoft Outlook - Web Browsing
- Basic Computer Mapping (Google Maps, Bing)
- Adobe PDF Viewer
- Microsoft Office Products
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
Created – November 2023
Employee Acknowledgement
I have read and understand the job requirements, essential functions, working conditions, responsibilities and expectations set forth in the job description provided. I attest that I can
perform the essential job functions as outlined with or without any reasonable
accommodations.
Employee Signature Date
Employee Name: _____________________________________________________
The City of Lake Elmo offers competitive pay and benefits in addition to professional development opportunities
to all employees. The city’s number one value statement is to foster an environment based on trust and
ethics. These philosophies and practices help the City in recruiting and retaining exceptional employees.
Accepting Applications for the Position of:
PLAN REVIEWER
ANTICIAPATED HIRING PAY RANGE: $71,442 - $82,822 per year
OPENING DATE: 11/09/2023
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled, with first review of applications taking place 12/08/2023
POSITION TITLE: Plan Reviewer
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Building Official
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
Position Details: The Plan Reviewer helps to promote quality construction and high standards of design
throughout the City. This includes the administration and enforcement of MNBC Building Codes, City Zoning
Ordinance enforcement, and implementation of property maintenance codes within the City. Work is
performed under limited supervision.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
City Zoning Ordinances and Regulations:
• Respond to building project needs, setbacks and encroachments, variances, and customer inquiries on
development of land.
• Respond to complaints and establish enforcement actions as necessary to gain compliance with City ordinances
and regulations.
• Responsible for keeping the Building Official informed of issues and proactively working through solutions.
Building and City Code:
• Perform plan reviews and some building inspections on all types of structures (commercial, residential, and
industrial) to ensure that they meet the MNBC and the City Municipal Code.
• Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners to interpret and clarify code
requirements.
• Verify that site construction activity is in conformance to approved plans, coordinate City action to bring non-
compliant sites into compliance.
• Ensure complaints involving building codes, related ordinances and investigations are addressed.
• Keep abreast of innovations and developments in the construction industry and how changes in materials and
construction practices relate to code requirements.
• Provide written documentation of findings and record keeping.
Customer Service:
• Provide customer service on-site, front counter, e-mail inquiries, and phone calls.
• Receive and issue permits.
• Issue violation notices and stop-work orders until building is compliant.
• Provide filed inspections of building plumbing, mechanical, utility and accessibility.
• Monitor construction sites to ensure overall compliance.
• Review and approve commercial, industrial, and residential building plans.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable City
policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer
staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the
applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts, and constituencies.
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to
perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Skills in mediation, complaint resolution and problem solving.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate and implement effective customer service
• Strong initiative to improve processes and productivity.
• Ability to effectively use a computer and various software programs, including software for tracking building
inspections and permitting activity.
• Ability to maintain a positive and effective working relationship with council, commissions, businesses,
designers, contractors, residents, and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the pertinent state and local codes and licensing requirements
applicable to the City of Lake Elmo and the legal aspects of code administration.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, engineering and architectural project drawings, and electronic
documents accurately and to compare them with construction in progress.
• Ability to enforce codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially and deal with difficult situations.
• Understanding and experience working with best management practices for construction activity.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other City departments, Administration, Public
Works, Fire, Planning, Engineering, etc.
• Ability to physically move about all areas of construction properties to carry out duties.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage internal and external relationships with residents, contractors, developers, engineers, and
planning staff via in-person, phone, or e-mail on a regular basis.
Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions: Positions in this job typically require: sitting, feeling,
manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. This position encounters unexpected and prolonged
workdays and stress and pressure from dealing with emotional issues and conflicts. There is also sustained exposure
to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion of up to
20 pounds of force on occasion and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects. Most work is performed in
an office environment involving working inside. Some portions of the day will be performed in a field environment
and involve working outside of vehicles and in confined spaces. Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or
cold. Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery, or dusty and windy conditions.
**The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications: Education: Two-year degree in construction or related field. Three years of experience (in addition to the experience
required below) may substitute for a degree.
Requirements: Extensive experience working for a State, Local Municipality, or Private Inspection Firm performing
building inspections or plan review. Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
License/Certifications:
• Certified Building Official in the State of Minnesota. • ICC Certification in Commercial Plumbing and Mechanical or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire date and must maintain during employment.
Desired Qualifications:
• Expertise in plumbing, electrical and/or HVAC. • Experience with inspections, sign permits and/or planning and zoning in the public sector. • Certification from ICC in building inspections. • Experience with basic computers skills, including a good knowledge of and experience using: - E-mail and Microsoft Outlook - Web Browsing - Basic Computer Mapping (Google Maps, Bing) - Adobe PDF Viewer - Microsoft Office Products
OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS TAKING PLACE 12/08/2023
SEND COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ATTN: KARISSA GOERS, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR
3880 LAVERNE AVENUE NORTH, LAKE ELMO, MN 55042
OR KGOERS@LAKEELMO.ORG
A CITY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.LAKEELMO.ORG
CITY OF LAKE ELMO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER