Commercial Plan Review Engineer (Engineering Specialist III) - Inspections, Licenses & Permits

Howard County Government; Woodstock (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency is seeking a qualified individual for a position focusing on building code compliance and safety. The successful candidate will review construction plans, conduct inspections, and advise on safety regulations. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture along with relevant experience. The position offers a starting salary range of $45.68 to $59.81 per hour and aims to maintain construction standards within the community.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Retirement programs

Wellness programs

Competitive compensation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture with 4 years of experience.
• Considerable familiarity with construction codes and standards.
• International Code Council certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise on life safety and building code compliance.
• Review construction plans for adherence to regulations.
• Inspect construction sites for compliance and resolve issues.

Skills

Understanding of construction codes

Knowledge of energy systems design

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Advises and assists organizations for purposes of safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, structural, energy, and related hazards. Reviews plans and designs for new construction and determines if the applicable codes as well as life safety design principles have been met. Reviews commercial, residential and capital project construction drawings and site development plans, associated structural and calculations, energy calculations including soil analyses submitted by architects and engineers to ensure compliance with a variety of standards, including nationally recognized building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, energy and accessibility codes. This position is responsible for being the lead commercial building plans examiner that coordinates reviews with other trades and requires the knowledge to explain complex code requirements to ensure proper compliance with engineering design principals, codes, and standards on the most technically challenging buildings and projects.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$45.68 - $59.81 $95,019 - $124,409

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents. Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical, energy or structural engineering; in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc. Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Makes studies of industrial, mercantile, and public buildings, homes and other property before and after construction, usage or contents of buildings, water supplies and water delivery, and egress facilities.
• Reviews preliminary and final plans and drawings to ensure conformance with sound engineering practices and applicable codes, regulations and specifications; presents recommendations and comments to internal review board; writes letters with composite recommendations and comments to developer; meets with architects, engineers and developers to discuss recommendations and solutions to problems; approves amended plans.
• Designs or recommends materials or equipment such as protection of structural components, means of egress, building area calculations, construction types, and occupancy classification.
• Represents department at public hearings, meetings and conferences as assigned; maintains liaison with contractors, consultants and representatives of County, State, regional and Federal agencies; answers public inquiries, receives and acts on citizen complaints and suggestions.
• Energy code has become very complex must have an understanding and knowledge of all methods of compliance in the Energy Code. An understanding of how these components are addressed within different programing methods used to show compliance.
• Evaluates adequacy of laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting building construction or fire safety; prepares reports, evaluations and comments on impact of legislation, development plans and on the actions of the department; carries out special engineering projects and submits recommendations for alternative courses and solutions to problems.
• Advises and plans for prevention of destruction by fire, wind, water, or other causes of damage.
• Review alternative compliance methods such as performance-based designs to ensure the basic code principals are maintained when architects and engineers propose an alternative method of compliance.
• Reviews building and other construction plans for completeness and accuracy. Examines individual plan components to ensure that all code mandated items are included.
• Reviews complex architectural and engineering drawings and calculations for compliance with adopted codes.
• Interprets legal requirements and recommends compliance procedures to contractors, engineers, craft workers, architects, and the general public.
• Determines square footage calculations to determine permit fees; makes recommendations regarding fee structure and revenue generated.
• Approves or disapproves construction documents deviating from code requirements; has Plan Review signatory authority for a variety of building, electrical, plumbing and other types of construction; notes instances of noncompliance on plans and documents corrective action necessary; suggests modifications to bring the plans into compliance. Approves and signs plans meeting code requirements.
• Inspects construction projects to resolve problems of a complex nature; requests inspections be made by the Inspection & Enforcement Division; provides assistance and interpretation to field inspectors and supervisors in order to resolve problems and questions encountered on site; advises other Department personnel on related matters.
• Reviews building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, energy life safety and related codes on a regular basis; writes code amendments and prepares amendments for submission and adoption by the County Council.
• Respond to complaints concerning code violations or requests for code exemptions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture and four (4) year's experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable familiarity with construction codes and standards
• Knowledge of design of energy systems and building envelopes
• International Code Council certification
• Maryland Building Officials Association (MBOA), or other professional organization, membership
• Master’s Degree in Engineering

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is typical of a busy office work environment. Some field inspection may be required at construction sites.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Registered Professional Engineering (PE)