Plans Examiner III

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Structural Plans Examiner III in the Building Safety Division of the Community Development Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list:

• Review commercial plans and development projects for compliance with applicable building codes, standards, and City requirements.
• Manage a personal workload and priorities to ensure timely and accurate completion of plan reviews within established timelines.
• Collaborate with Building Division team members and other departments to coordinate reviews and ensure consistent application of codes and policies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff, external partners, and the development community through proactive communication and follow-through.
• Participate in meetings such as pre-application conferences, team meetings, and department meetings to support project coordination and problem-solving.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to new or developing team members, serving as a resource for technical questions and best practices.
• Contribute expert feedback and recommendations to improve existing processes, policies, and procedures and support the development of new approaches.
• Assist with updating and maintaining internal documents, resources, and review materials to reflect current codes and practices.
• Evaluate and apply Alternate Means and Methods requests, exercising professional judgment to ensure code compliance and safety. 

We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and brings strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to their work. The ideal candidate is an engaging communicator who can tailor messaging to a variety of audiences and provide a high level of customer service. They remain calm and professional when navigating challenges, demonstrate accountability and ownership, and approach code application with flexibility and an open mind. A positive attitude and resilience are key to success in this role.

Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of commercial plan review across multiple disciplines, including structural, mechanical, accessibility, energy, and fire-life safety systems such as fire sprinklers and fire alarms. They will bring skills in reviewing a wide range of project types—including tenant improvements, mixed-use developments, podium structures, biomedical and pharmaceutical facilities—and applying Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) requirements across a variety of residential (R-1 and R-2) and commercial occupancies.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and 1 of the following single or combination of Oregon certifications:
  • A-level Plumbing Inspector (PI)
  • A-level Electrical Inspector (EI)
  • A-level Structural and A-level Mechanical Inspector (SIA) & (MIA)
  • A-level Plans Examiner and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEA) & (PEF)
• Valid Oregon driver's license

• Experience with electronic plan review of commercial projects
• Experience using Bluebeam or similar plan review software
• Previous inspection experience in addition to plan review
• Advanced or multiple certifications in building inspection, plan review, fire-life safety, accessibility, energy, or fire protection systems (sprinklers and alarms)

Application Deadline: Applications received by July 21. 2026, 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will be included in the second round of review and consideration for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled. 

Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Cover letter
• Valid credentials and certifications demonstrating required certifications

Veterans' Preference: Applicants seeking Veterans' Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.