Coordinator, Permit and Plan Review

Overview:

The Coordinator, Plan Review reports to the Manager of Plan Review and assists the Manager in the coordination of service delivery of plan review and related activities, for all building types, to ensure consistency in application of technical standards, building codes, and bylaws. The position coordinates the day-to-day activity of the Plan Review and Permit Processing teams through the daily monitoring of processes, providing routine evaluations with recommendations for improving procedures and referring any complex matters to the Manager.

Examples of key work activities include:

• Providing team and individual guidance to ensure completeness, accuracy and consistency in plan review.
• Provide direction for permit processing functions through ensuring proper staffing and resolving problems identified at the front counter for permit intake and processing.
• Assess technical complexity of applications and assign plans based on qualification and experience of individual staff.
• Provide technical advice on internal and public inquiries related to Building Code interpretation, plan review, development application process and other related inquiries on plan review.
• Monitor turnaround time of permits processing and plan review to measure efficiency.
• Prepare report summaries for complex projects and projects with technical or regulatory issues.
• Review plans and make decisions for complex and large scale projects.
• Responsible for training of new and junior plan review staff.
• Complex matters are referred to the Manager of Plan Review.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of standards, Building Codes, regulations and bylaws for Building Approvals.
• Thorough knowledge of methods, practices, and materials used in construction of all types of buildings and structures.
• Knowledge of the applicable City Divisional and Departmental policies and procedures preferred.
• Ability to plan, assign and prioritize, and review the work of plan review and processing staff and to select and train staff as required.
• Expert ability to read, understand and interpret plans and supporting documents for buildings and structures, and to recognize technical requirements and make changes or corrections as required.
• Experience to enforce regulations and codes tactfully and to maintain effective and positive working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to organize, prepare and maintain records, reports and correspondence.
• Ability to resolve disputes and sensitive issues regarding compliance with codes and regulations.
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and enterprise systems (AMANDA) and GIS.
• Ability to use REDMS or a similar document management system.
• Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with City staff and clients.
• Ability to assist building inspection staff on complex, unique and problematic technical issues through expert knowledge of Building Code interpretation.
• Experience in a building code review capacity or related role in a construction regulatory environment.
• Demonstrate excellent understanding of the BC Building Code through consistent application and interpretation of code for plan review.
• Maintains and updates current knowledge, skills and professional certification to meet organizational and provincial standards.
• Maintains excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative rapport with City staff and clients
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, professionally both verbally and in writing with all stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Diploma of Building Technology (or similar Applied Science, Architectural Technologist, or Engineering), plus a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Building Officials Association of British Columbia (BOABC) Level 3 Certification or eligibility.
• Experience working in a Municipal and/or service oriented regulatory environment is considered an asset.
• Supervisory experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Working Conditions:

Generally, work is performed in an office environment.