Bella Vista is located in the NW corner of the state of Arkansas. Our city boasts nearly 100 miles of bicycle/walking trails that wind through beautiful hills and trees and around seven (7) lakes within the city limits. Bella Vista is a wonderful place to live and work, particularly if you are an outdoor enthusiast.

The Plan Reviewer is responsible for providing a wide range of tasks relating to the review of construction plans and associated documents. Such tasks are necessary to ensure the compliance of proposed construction with applicable codes and ordinances relating to residential, multi-family and commercial properties. The individual in this role will answer a variety of questions from the public. Knowledge of city codes and ordinances, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills are essential for this position.

This position reports to the Building Department which is responsible for ensuring public safety through the effective enforcement of development and construction standards which include issuance of permits, plan reviews, and inspection services for conformity to the City of Bella Vista’s adopted Model Codes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIILITIES:

• Reviews and examines plans and specifications, and completes minor structural calculations for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Reviews related documents for compliance with building codes and regulations and for accuracy.
• Researches adopted codes, confers with developers, engineers, architects, contractors, property owners and others to provide information and guidance regarding codes, regulations and procedures.
• Coordinates with other departments to ensure that all applicable standards have been met.
• Recommends necessary changes to obtain compliance with accessibility, building, electrical, energy, mechanical, plumbing, zoning and other codes and regulations. Conveys information to individuals submitting plans and suggests alternative ways to meet code requirements when necessary.
• Works closely with building inspectors and others to advise where problems may occur in the field.
• Communicates procedures, status of plan reviews, problem areas, corrections required and facilitates problem resolution with the public.
• Maintains accurate records of plans, plan review status and work performed.
• Monitors technical developments and legislation related to new materials and methods of construction, zoning, and subdivision code changes and recommends procedural or ordinance changes as appropriate.
• Answers phone calls and emails, and interacts in-person with the public.
• Provides excellent customer service to contractors, residents, applicants, and city employees while maintaining a positive attitude regardless of circumstances.
• On occasion will converse with Arkansas Department of Health, Village Waste Water, and Bella Vista POA Water department.
• May be called upon to assist other office and/or field employees with tasks and projects.
• Works on special projects and assignments as requested.

Pre-employment background check is required.

• Knowledge of building construction materials, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national building, maintenance, and zoning codes and standards.
• Excellent knowledge of City codes and standards and related ordinances.
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications.
• Ability to exercise judgment, tact and discretion in the impartial application of departmental policies, codes and regulations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with the public and City employees and officials.
• Ability to learn new systems and software used within department and city.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to use mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Must possess the confidence to adhere to codes, processes and regulations when challenged.
• Customer service orientated.
• Ability to learn new tasks as assigned.

Individuals in this position are typically required to work indoors in an office setting however, may at times, be required to review work in progress outdoors, at building sites, on various topography and in a variety of weather conditions.

Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or other field related to the work is preferred but not required. Professional level experience and/or education that has provided the skills and knowledge necessary to perform all job functions may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum of one (1) year of full-time, professional experience in a combination of residential, commercial, zoning and/or industrial plan examination is required.
• Current I.C.C. Plans Examiner Certification a plus.
• Prior experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe, and/or Bluebeam construction software preferred.
• Experience working as a Building Inspector a plus.
• Possess current driver’s license.