The City of Oregon City is recruiting for the next Plans Examiner in the Building Division.
Application Process
All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This recruitment will remain open until filled; however, may close at any time. The first review of applications will take place Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at 5:00pm.
Candidates must apply online and include the following:
-
Oregon City Application
-
Cover letter
-
Current resume
Classification Summary
Receives and reviews building plans for compliance and conformance with applicable codes and regulations governing the construction or alteration of commercial and/or residential structures, based on certifications. Sets up and maintains computer aided systems for monitoring work in progress. Conducts site inspections as needed.
Distinguishing career Features
The Plans Examiner is the first level in a two-step career path for the review of building plans. The Plans Examiner requires an Associate Degree and ICC certifications as follows: R3 – Residential Plans Examiner, 79 – Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner, B1 - Residential Building Inspector & M1 - Residential Mechanical Inspector, along with the OIC – State of Oregon Inspector Certification. Equivalent certifications from the State of Oregon or other recognized certifications may be considered. Additional certifications desired may include: P3 – Plumbing Plans Examiner, 3B – Building Plans Examiner, among others.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The list of duties is a representative sample of the work appropriate to this class and does not include all the duties or specific tasks that may be assigned to a particular position. The incumbent may perform a combination of some or all the following duties:
-
Reviews permit applications and construction documents for predominately residential buildings and construction. May review permit applications and construction documents for commercial and industrial buildings, based on certifications. Verifies adequacy of documents after preliminary reviews. Review construction methods for the type of occupancy.
-
Conducts reviews of construction documents for buildings to evaluate and determine compliance with the state building codes and other regulations including standards for structural adequacy, energy conservation, and accessibility.
-
Examines residential building plans for building code requirements including location on property, structural adequacy, fire walls and fire rating of materials, egress requirements, stair and guardrail construction, smoke detection, minimum room sizes/dimensions, light and ventilation requirements, energy codes, weatherproofing and decay prevention, flood plan requirements, and other elements.
-
Coordinates and facilitates reviews in conjunction with other agencies such as but not limited to Fire departments.
-
Answers questions and interprets code, technical, and procedural concepts orally, graphically, and in writing to a diversity of technical and non-technical people with a wide range of expertise.
-
Writes check sheets identifying required corrections and necessary additional information. Determines need for review by others such as engineering. Answers applicant’s questions and resolves or refers problems to higher levels of expertise.
-
Conducts plan re-reviews for corrections and changes. Processes plans for final approval.
-
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends in construction methods and materials and changes in codes.
-
Sets up and maintains files and data including statistical data on permitting activity.
-
Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
-
May perform residential and/or commercial inspections per certifications, as needed.
Knowledge and Skills
Requires a working knowledge of codes, regulations, and laws governing building and land use for one-and-two family dwellings. Requires a working knowledge of the permitting process steps and special policies, practices, technicalities, and work methods for the department. Requires sufficient knowledge of and skill in English grammar and composition, to prepare routine correspondence in business and/or legal formats. Requires knowledge of and skill at using personal computers, common office productivity software, and databases to access and enter information. Requires sufficient human relations skill to communicate standard yet technical information, to employ specific lines of inquiry, to resolve problems, and to maintain harmony in a work setting.
Abilities
Requires the ability to carry out the essential functions of the position. Requires the ability to learn, interpret and apply processes, codes, regulations, and laws governing building and land use for one-and-two family dwellings. Requires the ability to operate a personal computer and peripheral office equipment. Requires the ability to work cooperatively with senior citizens. Requires the ability to work as a contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City. Requires the ability to resolve customer service problems in a positive manner. Requires the ability to organize and prioritize work assignments to optimize service level.
Physical Abilities
Requires the ability to function primarily indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature. Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to move about to office locations. Requires auditory ability to carry on ordinary and telephonic conversation. Requires near visual acuity to read detailed maps, drawings, other printed material, computer screens, and observe physical layouts. Requires manual and finger dexterity to write and operate microcomputers and other office equipment. Requires the ability to alternatively sit and stand for sustained periods of time to deliver presentations, perform counter work. May require, during inspections, the cardiovascular fitness to walk 400 yards over varying terrain. Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to move about to office and outdoor field locations and to bend, stoop, reach, and climb.
Education and Experience
The position typically requires an Associate degree and prior construction or inspection experience.
Licenses and Certificates
May require a valid driver’s license. ICC certification as R3 – Residential Plans Examiner & 79 – Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily indoors where minimal safety considerations exist. May be required to perform field inspections as needed per certifications.
This job/class description, describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.
The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity Employer; it is the City’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, uniformed/military service or veteran’s status, use of the worker’s compensation system, expunged juvenile records, or any other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law. It is the City’s policy to make employment, internship, volunteer selection, etc. decisions based on its evaluation of an individual’s qualifications, ability and contribution to the success of the City.
We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, certifications, and experience to meet the minimum positions qualifications. If you are interested in applying for this position, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skillset for the role.
Studies have shown that many candidates are less likely to apply for a job if they do not believe they meet all of the hiring criteria. Our talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of this role. We therefore encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, and to take the time to explain how those skills and experiences qualify them for this role.
