Commercial Plans Examiner

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The first review of applications will take place: Sunday, October 19, 2026

Accepting Online Applications only through the City of Eugene Website

Information on How to Apply

Do you want to be a part of making a great community even greater? As part of Eugene’s Planning and Development Department, the Building and Permit Services Division promotes safe, efficient, and effective development consistent with our community values by making sure structures, development, and businesses in our community meet State and local code requirements at the time of construction.

Our Permit and Information Center, where this position is housed, is an innovative ‘team of teams’ and we continually strive to surpass industry standards for seamless, transparent, reliable, accessible, equitable, and timely customer service. A career with the City of Eugene offers the stability and purpose of public service while supporting balance beyond the workplace.

We also provide opportunities for career growth and development as you expand your skills and experience. Our culture makes space for family, personal interests, and opportunities to recharge.

Classification

Commercial Plans Examiner

Salary

$43.18 - $56.12 Hourly / $89,814.40 - $116,729.60 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division

Planning & Development, Building & Permit Services

Position Information

Non-Represented

Work Location

Onsite at the Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, OR

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m. with some flexibility per business need

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as benefits packages.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.The Commercial Plans Examiner role is an integral part of the City’s Building & Permit Services Division. It is a dynamic and rewarding position that serves a multi-faceted role in the permit review process.

Our team of commercial plans examiners serve as project coordinators on commercial permits, which means they are the primary contact for colleagues from several other internal review teams such as fire marshals, public works, erosion, community development, and land use staff.

Commercial plans examiners also serve as the primary City contact for permit applicants and regularly coordinate directly with builders, owners, architects, and engineers throughout the plan review and permitting process to ensure project compliance and success. Additionally, via our custom permit system, eBuild, commercial plans examiners perform technical review electronically for building, fire and life safety, and mechanical compliance on all commercial and multi-family projects.

This position functions in a collaborative, solution-oriented environment and the ideal candidate will be someone who blends creative problem solving with high integrity and professionalism. The successful candidate will bring leadership and direction to projects while supporting team members to do their best work to ensure timely and convenient service for the City of Eugene’s permit applicants.

Acts as primary contact for internal city plan review staff involved in multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial plan reviews.

As part of the process of checking plans to verify conformance with the State of Oregon building codes, plans examiners are delegated by administrative order 53-05-07 the duty, responsibility, and authority to review and interpret the City’s Administrative Code (EC 8.005) and State of Oregon building codes for which they are certified.

Functions as plan review project coordinator for the review process; establishes project review deadlines; monitors reviews progress and status; identifies problems impacting timelines; coordinates reviews by other departments, divisions, and public agencies; coordinates, compiles and presents staff review comments to permit applicants.

Examines residential, commercial, and industrial construction plans, specifications, structural calculations, and documents to determine compliance with applicable State building, fire and life safety, and mechanical codes and other specified ordinances applicable to the City of Eugene.

Evaluates projects for scope of work to determine issues requiring review by other workgroups; resolves plan review issues with staff in other departments, divisions, and public agencies.

Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners on proposed projects to identify code deficiencies and identify issue resolution options.

Approves plans; identifies conditions of approval; issues permit(s) for construction; calculates permit fees.

Responds to inquiries and advises design professionals and the public about policies and procedures concerning various construction related codes.

Conducts research, including inspecting historical records, Laserfiche and document files; provides code interpretation analysis and suggests alternative methods or materials based on City policy.

May perform field inspections to determine code compliance, and proper installation and construction of construction of unusual designs, materials, or equipment; advises building inspectors of unusual design, construction or installation problems.

Prepares analysis, recommendations, and reports on departmental code policies.

Identifies solutions to correct defects or inadequacies found; requires that corrections be made to meet the requirements of pertinent codes.

May be required to collaborate with and facilitate coordination of private sector consultants for City reviews of construction documents.

Acts as the Building Official designee for code interpretation and enforcement.

Attends and serves on a variety of City committees and task teams.

Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.

Performs other duties, as required.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Commercial Plans ExaminerThe City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

Two years’ professional experience in building design or a building construction-related field; --OR-- Two years’ experience working on behalf of a jurisdiction performing building permit inspections or plan reviews for buildings or structures regulated by the state building code or its equivalent.

Education

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the assigned program area. Master’s degree preferred.

Background

Must pass a background check.

License

Valid Oregon driver’s license [or, the ability to obtain by date of hire]; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

Certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire, the following certifications:

Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC); and, Either an International Code Council Commercial Building Plans Examiner (ICC B3) or an Oregon Structural Plans Examiner – A-Level (PEA); and, Either an International Code Council Commercial Fire Plans Examiner (ICC F3) or an Oregon Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF); and, Either an International Code Council Commercial Mechanical Inspector (ICC M2) or an Oregon Mechanical Inspector – A-Level (MIA) and, Either an International Code Council Residential Plans Examiner (ICC R3) or Oregon Residential Plans Examiner (CAX).

For the knowledge, skills, and abilities, please review the Commercial Plans Examiner classification.Working conditions

Work performed primarily in an office environment. Eye/hand coordination needed to operate personal computer. Sitting or standing may be required for prolonged periods. Ability to visit construction sites as related to plan review and code regulation. Driving a motor vehicle on public roads as needed.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.