Plans Review Specialist Series

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future—famously powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network.​  The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City,” the first of its kind in the United States. 

Our Organization

As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately ​2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: Award-winning Parks and Outdoors and Community Development systems and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit and pedestrian friendly initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading-edge  smart-city programs with a commitment to cutting edge workforce development policies to ensure all our residents can get ahead.

Why Choose Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees. .
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• ​The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground:  Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it.  As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim.  Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• ​Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

Salary: Plans Review Specialist 1 - GS.06 $19.30  -  $23.32 per hour 

Plans Review Specialist 2 - GS.07 $20.96  -  $25.32 per hour 

Plans Review Specialist 3 - GS.08 $23.19  -  $28.02 per hour 

Work Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.  (EST) 

*Hours may vary due to work assignments, or projects.* 

Work Location:  Development Resource Center, 1250  Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 

FLSA Status:  This is a Non-Exempt position. 

Department:  Public Works 

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY: 

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for facilitating the process for plan submittal and completing entry-level, intermediate-level, to complex level commercial plans and residential permits to ensure compliance with relevant Codes and regulations within the Land Development Office. Provides technical support to City officials, design professionals, and the public, and maintains paper-based and electronic information systems. Provides technical support for users of the automated permitting system and ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS). Work requires limited supervision and the use of independent judgment and discretion. 

SERIES LEVEL:  

The Plans Review Specialist is a three  level plans review series. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.) 

Plans Review Specialist 1: 

Examines residential applications and commercial building plans, sewer drawings, and site drawings submitted for permitting. 

Verifies completeness of civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing drawings and forwards for review; verifies. 

Submitted plans meet a variety of code requirements prior to plan acceptance; assembles, approves, or forwards to appropriate individual(s) on a case-by-case basis. Inputs a variety of plans, permitting data, and information into applicable database(s).

 Responds to and assists City officials, Internal departments, Individuals, External organizations/agencies, and other interested parties regarding permitting processes, codes, and requirements. 

Conduct research to verify and validate parcels, service availability, easements, setbacks, zoning requirements, and/or other applicable information. 

Must meet regular attendance requirements. Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Plans Review Specialist 2:

 Review commercial and residential submittal packages for compliance with applicable zoning, health, safety, and welfare codes prior to issuing permits. 

Review submittal packages for new buildings and structures, and remodeling projects for conformance with applicable codes, established specifications, and approved construction plans. 

Interpret and enforce the provisions of applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies, and/or procedures; initiate any actions necessary to correct deviations and/or violations.

Provide information and technical assistance concerning code requirements; resolve problem areas with architects, contractors, developers, engineers, and/or other stakeholders; recommend solutions to problems; respond to questions and/or complaints concerning code violations. 

Conduct site visits as needed to obtain information on projects to ensure compliance with the Code. 

Observe the surrounding areas of Variance Application sites. Prepare or complete various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, and/or other documents. 

Review, complete, process, forward, and/or retain as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, City Council reports, meeting minutes, architectural drawings, construction plans, fire district maps, zoning maps, tax maps, manuals, code books, ordinances, standards, reference materials, and/or other documentation. Maintain logs of review and approval records. 

Meet with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and/or the public to discuss codes and/or compliance issues. 

Coordinate the review of site plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and/or flood requirements. Attends Pre-Submittal meetings.

Coordinate 311 System responses for the Division, assign or transfer requests as necessary, and/or close and comment as necessary. 

Must meet regular attendance requirements. 

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens. 

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Coordinate 311 System responses for the Division, assign or transfer requests as necessary, and/or close and comment as necessary. 

Must meet regular attendance requirements. 

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens. 

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Plans Review Specialist 3: 

Serves as a lead to lower-level plans review staff to include assigning and monitoring work, training staff on work methods and procedures, and providing direction; supervises and performs review of blueprints, construction drawings, and site plans for new buildings and remodeling projects for conformance with applicable codes, established specifications, and approved construction plans. 

Interprets and enforces the provisions of applicable federal, state, and local Codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies, and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations. Educates and/or provides guidance for the City’s On-line Permitting & Licensing system. 

Consults with assigned staff to review work requirements, status, and problems; assists with complex, unusual, or problem situations; provides direction, advice, and technical expertise. 

Provides information and technical assistance concerning Code requirements; discusses problem areas with architects, design engineers, contractors, and developers; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints concerning Code violations. Conduct site visits as needed to obtain information on projects to ensure compliance with the Code. 

Observe the surrounding areas of Variance Application sites. Approves building permits for commercial and residential projects. Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, plans, review reports, annual reports, or other documents. 

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, appeals board reports, variance board reports, city council reports, fire district maps, historic certificates, architectural drawings, construction plans, zoning maps, tax maps, manuals, Code books, ordinances, standards, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate. 

Reviews residential and commercial plans, ranging from routine to complex, for compliance with applicable zoning, health, and life safety Codes prior to issuing permits. 

Prepares plans for storage and maintains logs of review and approval records.

Meets with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and the general public to discuss Code compliance issues. Must meet regular attendance requirements. 

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens. 

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Plans Review Specialist 1: Four (4) years of any combination of relevant education, training, or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job will be considered. An example of relevant education is an associate's degree with coursework emphasizing engineering or architecture. Examples of relevant experience include working in the construction or building industry, familiarity with computer programs, and customer service.

 This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Plans Review Specialist 2 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series. 

Plans Review Specialist 2: Associate Degree with coursework emphasis in Civil Engineering or Building Construction; two (2) years’ supplemental experience involving building construction, architecture, civil engineering, and/or zoning/building code enforcement, to include interpretation of blueprints and building codes; or any combination of equivalent experience and education preapproved by the Director of the Land Development Office, Assistant Director of the Land Development Office, or Chief Building Official. This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Plans Review Specialist 3 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series. 

Plans Review Specialist 3: Construction supplemented by four (4) years' experience involving building construction, architecture, civil engineering, and/or Code enforcement. supplemental experience involving building construction, architecture, civil engineering, and/or zoning/building code enforcement, to include interpretation of blueprints and building codes; or any combination of equivalent experience and education preapproved by the Director of the Land Development Office, Assistant Director of the Land Development Office, or the Chief Building Official. Experience should include interpretation of blueprints, building codes, and plan/permit review, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.

 DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES (if any):  None.

 LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS  : 

Valid Driver's License for all Plans Review Specialist positions. 

When working as a  Plans Review Specialist 1  : None 

When working as a  Plans Review Specialist 2  : Residential Building Inspector (B1) or TDEC EPSC Level 1 Certification When working as a  

Plans Review Specialist 3  :Building Inspector Certification (B2) or TDEC EPSC Level 1 Certification CPMSM, TDEC SCM Inspection and Maintenance, or TDEC Level 2 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

Plans Review Specialist 1: Knowledge or familiarity of basic engineering or architectural principles; database systems; applicable terminology; customer service principles; general construction practices and applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, processes, and procedures. Skill  in  using  computers  and  related  software  applications;  providing  customer  service; interpreting  and  applying  applicable  laws,  ordinances,  codes,  rules,  regulations, processes,  and  procedures;  creating  and  editing  layers  in  the  GIS  databases;  reviewing engineering  plans  for  compliance  with  applicable  codes;  conducting  research; communicating  technical  information  to  a  non-technical  audience,  communication,  and people  skills  as  applied  to  interaction  with  co-workers,  supervisors,  and  the  general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. 

Plans Review Specialist 2: Knowledge  of  basic  civil  engineering  principles;  GIS  database  systems;  applicable terminology;  customer  service  principles;  general  construction  practices;  and  applicable federal,  state,  and  local  laws,  ordinances,  codes,  rules,  regulations,  processes,  and procedures.  Skill  in  using  a  computer  and  related  software  applications;  providing customer  service;  interpreting  and  applying  applicable  laws,  ordinances,  codes,  rules, regulations,  processes  and  procedures;  creating  and  editing  layers  in  the  GIS  databases; reviewing  engineering  plans  for  compliance  with  applicable  codes;  conducting  research; communicating  technical  information  to  a  non-technical  audience  and  communication  and interpersonal  skills  as  applied  to  interaction  with  co-workers,  supervisor,  and  the  general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. 

Plans Review Specialist 3: Knowledge  of  basic  civil  engineering  principles;  GIS  database  systems;  applicable terminology;  customer  service  principles;  general  construction  practices;  and  applicable federal,  state,  and  local  laws,  ordinances,  codes,  rules,  regulations,  processes,  and procedures.  Skill  in  using  a  computer  and  related  software  applications;  providing customer  service;  interpreting  and  applying  applicable  laws,  ordinances,  codes,  rules, regulations,  processes  and  procedures;  creating  and  editing  layers  in  the  GIS  databases; reviewing  engineering  plans  for  compliance  with  applicable  codes;  conducting  research; communicating  technical  information  to  a  non-technical  audience  and  communication  and interpersonal  skills  as  applied  to  interaction  with  co-workers,  supervisor,  and  the  general public,  sufficient  to  exchange  or  convey  information  and  to  receive  work  direction.  Skills  in records  maintenance  principles,  customer  service  principles,  and  skills  in  prioritizing  and assigning work. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Positions in this class typically require fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, and travel. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Safety Sensitive: No 

Department of Transportation - CDL: No 

Child Sensitive: No

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check / drug screening / 50 pound lift test The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.