Position Description

Position Overview:

The Development Services & Permits Division facilitates safe and responsible development, construction, and occupancy of buildings and properties in our community. In 2023, the division issued over 57,000 permits with a construction value of $11.15B. In addition, the division conducted over 41,000 inspections and almost 85,000 plan reviews. We strive to provide prompt and courteous service to our customers, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our goal is to promote public safety, protect the environment, and support economic growth through the issuance of permits and inspections. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations. The plan examiner reviews development permit plans for compliance with the rules and regulations of Harris County Permits Group.

Job Duties:

• Review of commercial building projects to ensure compliance with the Harris County Fire Code.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and from permit applicants.
• Coordinate with the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office and other county agencies.
• During emergency response situations for our community, such as hurricanes or floods, the position may be tasked with additional duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Not all duties and responsibilities may be included in the above description.

Requirements

Education:

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.

Certifications:

• ICC Certification
• TCFP Certification
• Fire Protection Certification

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in building design and construction, or in the local/state application of the International Fire Code and International Building Code standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to read construction drawings and topographical maps.
• Good mathematical skills.
• Must be able to communicate orally and deal effectively with the general public.
• Communicate rules and regulations to the public, both in writing and verbally.
• Perform daily functions with minimal supervision.
• Conveying detailed instructions relative to the issuance of permits.
• Performing data entry for requirements related to permit issuance.
• Interfacing with the Compliance Coordinator of the Permit Groups through verbal and written communication.
• Standing for extended periods to discuss permit requirements with the public.
• Lifting maps, plans, and specifications in the review process for permit issuance. Stooping or crouching during the review process may become necessary.
• Knowledge of International Building Code and/or International Fire Code.
• Microsoft Office Software

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support continuity of County operations.

Preferences

Experience:

• Six (6) years of experience in building design and construction or local/state application of International Fire Code and International Building Code standards.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some fieldwork may be required. Extended work hours may be required during the activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunities.

Flexible spending accounts.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.