PLAN EXAMINER SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2209-1851-001

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Introduction

With your background in building construction inspection or a related field, you could have a direct, positive impact on the safety and well-being of customers of the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) in this varied and interesting position!




Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

Purpose

Under the direction of the Permit and Development Center Manager, the Plan Examiner Specialist provides primary service to walk-in customers of the DNS Development Center who are seeking building permits and certificates or information regarding City of Milwaukee building and zoning codes. The Specialist also provides support to Plan Examiner IIs and IIIs in reviewing plans and preparing documents related to the issuance of building permits.

Essential Functions

Plan Examination

  • Examine and approve plans and permit applications for the construction or installation of architectural and related mechanical systems, pursuant to State and City codes and other regulatory agency requirements.
  • Review, approve, and process applications for certificates of occupancy.
  • Review and process applications for zoning statements.
  • Prepare denials of applications for proposed projects and uses that require approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Standards and Appeals Commission.
  • Assist in the maintenance of permit records, building and zoning code regulations, and other data necessary to provide a uniform flow of plan processing and issuance of permits in a timely manner.
  • Seek ways to improve departmental efficiency, such as reducing the time required to review, approve, and process applications for certificates of occupancy.

Customer Service

  • Provide timely, professional and courteous customer service by responding to customer inquiries in-person, over the telephone and via email regarding the building and zoning code and the development and permitting process.
  • Coordinate the issuance of permits with other City departments and governmental agencies.
  • Explain departmental policies to customers.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City's Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

· Must be able to perform light physical work, including lifting and moving objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

· Must comply with the departmental dress code.

· Must be able to work in an office environment daily.

 

Minimum Requirements

1.    Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a related field from an accredited college or university. 

OR

 

2.    Four years of experience as a building construction inspector, construction trades inspector, construction superintendent, contractor. journey-level carpenter, mason, steamfitter, or sheet metal worker or code enforcement official.  Code enforcement experience will be considered only for the time period it is accompanied by certification as a UDC Construction Inspector.

 

3.    State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) certification as a UDC Construction Inspector and UDC HVAC Inspector within six months of appointment and throughout employment.

 

 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

 

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Registration with the State of Wisconsin as a professional architect or engineer.
  • Current certification as a commercial building code inspector, a building construction inspector, and HVAC inspector of 1- and 2-family dwellings.
  • Familiarity with the City of Milwaukee zoning ordinance (MCO Ch. 295).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of the building and construction field, including the materials, methods, and tools involved in the construction or repair of houses and other buildings to ensure the safety of the public.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, regulations, and technical publications.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical plans, blueprints, drawings, models, and maps.
  • Ability to evaluate plans to ascertain whether they comply with building and zoning code regulations.
  • Ability to use job-specific computer applications such as the Land Management System (LMS) and standard programs such as spreadsheet, database, and word processing.
  • Ability to learn, retain, and apply work rules, practices, and policies.

Communication and Customer Service

  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service.
  • Ability to serve customers in a courteous, professional, and calm manner on the phone and in person. 
  • Interpersonal skills to be able to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, City managers and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the public.
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity; ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with co-workers and customers whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Written communication skills, including the ability to write error-free correspondence and reports.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with diverse individuals regarding inquiries about projects.
  • Active listening skills and patience.

Judgement and Planning

  • Critical thinking skills to be able to resolve complex issues and implement solutions on a daily basis.
  • Ability to effectively plan work, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement methods, and ability to take steps to improve efficiency.
  • Ability to represent the department honestly and ethically.
  • Ability to work efficiently and independently.
  • Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement.
  • Organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
  • Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and to be highly organized.
  • Commitment to serving the public with the utmost honesty and professionalism.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2EN) for City of Milwaukee $57,293-$68,171 annually, and the residency incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $59,012-$70,216.  Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

 

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

· Defined Benefit Pension Plan

· 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

· Health and Dental Insurance

· Paid Parental Leave

· Comprehensive Wellness Program

· Onsite Clinic Services

· Onsite Employee Assistance Program

· Alternative Work Schedules

· Long Term Disability Insurance

· Group Life Insurance

· Tuition Benefits

· Paid Vacation

· 11 Paid Holidays

· Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves

· Flexible Spending Arrangement

· Commuter Value Pass

 

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

 

INITIAL FILING DATE: The examination will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

  • Applications can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Conclusion

EEO 201

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.