PLAN EXAMINER (PAY GRADE 21) AFSCME LOCAL 1607

New-Castle-County-Government; Christiana Acres (DE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Castle County Government seeks a Plan Examiner to review construction, plumbing, and mechanical plans for compliance with county codes before permits are issued. You will help ensure zoning and setback requirements and coordinate with architects, engineers, and inspectors, providing code interpretations as needed.

This entry-level to advanced role supports a defined career ladder toward Senior Certified Plan Examiner, with ICC certifications required within specified timelines and potential

Qualifications

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and blueprints.
• Ability to perform calculations to estimate valuation of projects.
• Familiarity with building, plumbing, and mechanical codes and ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Review construction, plumbing, and mechanical plans for compliance with county codes.
• Verify permit applications are complete and that outside permits are obtained.
• Advise architects and engineers on code requirements and feasibility.

Skills

Plan review

Building construction

Code interpretation

Mathematical calculations

Education

Drafting and construction drawings coursework

Job description

Eligibility and Examination Process

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s). New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

This position serves as the entry point in a defined career ladder, offering opportunities for advancement upon successful completion of required certifications and demonstrated satisfactory performance. The career ladder includes the following levels:

• Plan Examiner Paygrade 21
• Certified Plan Examiner Paygrade 23
• Senior Certified Plan Examiner Paygrade 25

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class reviews prints and plans for construction projects, as well as plumbing and mechanical installations throughout the County, prior to issuing building and utility permits. The purpose is to ensure that all plans comply with New Castle County codes related to construction and plumbing/mechanical systems.

This employee also determines whether the proposed construction is a permitted use within the applicable zoning classification and meets all setback requirements. They review permit applications for completeness and verify that all required outside permits have been obtained before issuing the permit. When technical issues arise in submitted plans, the employee may advise architects, engineers, construction managers, other professionals, or the applicant on proper methods and materials to meet code requirements. The position requires staying current with new technical developments and engineered systems in the construction field.

If technical problems occur during construction or installation, the employee may conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans. Depending on departmental needs, the employee may be required to work extended hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends. This position may involve handling confidential matters and works under general supervision.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Reviews and approves construction, plumbing, and mechanical plans and permit applications to assure compliance with all applicable New Castle County codes;
• Reviews literature, publications, and manufacturer installation instructions to maintain current knowledge of new equipment, techniques, technical developments, and engineered systems in the construction, plumbing, and mechanical fields. Refers to engineering tables to check on the adequacy of proposed load bearing members in the structure;
• Interprets and provides information on New Castle County codes relating to construction, plumbing, and mechanical installations; meets with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and other stakeholders to review plans, resolve code-related issues, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and represent New Castle County at community and public meetings;
• Makes recommendations on code-related matters, including amendments, variances, modifications, and enforcement actions;
• Calculates and estimates valuation of proposed construction for permit fees and processes or assists in processing applications;
• Coordinates with outside regulatory agencies to ensure that various approvals required for construction projects are obtained;
• Assists walk-in and electronic submission customers with questions, permits, and related matters;
• Keeps appropriate records and prepares plan review reports; ongoing training as needed;
• Reviews and approves lines and grades for swimming pools, garages, accessory buildings, and additions;
• Represents New Castle County on the Plumbing and Mechanical Code Technical Advisory Committee (PMC-TAC) and other public bodies as assigned;
• Works with New Castle County Code Enforcement to provide code interpretation and resolve problems relating to code violations and unpermitted activity;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment and software in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of building construction and alterations, including plumbing and mechanical systems; thorough knowledge of the techniques and principles in reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and blueprints accurately; good knowledge of codes and ordinances relating to construction; ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary to compute estimated valuation of building projects; ability to design and size mechanical systems and ventilation; ability to use appropriate engineering tables to verify the adequacy of proposed load bearing members in structures; ability to maintain current knowledge of technical developments in the construction field; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, and the public on problems of a technical nature; ability to maintain accurate records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one (1) year experience in building construction, plumbing and/or mechanical work and at least two (2) years of college course work involving drafting and interpretation of construction drawings; or an equivalent combination of experience, education, or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver's license or its equivalent.
• Ability to pass a county background check.
• Successful completion of the following ICC required disciplines within time specified with maintenance of current status in all required areas (all costs associated with ICC examinations, verification, and subsequent maintenance of current status in such examination areas shall be borne by the employee or applicant unless otherwise provided for in a collective bargaining agreement):

REQUIRED DISCIPLINES ICC

• Building Plan Examiner B3 within one-year of date of hire or promotion; and
• Mechanical Plan Examiner M3 within 18 months of date of hire or promotion; and
• Plumbing Plan Examiner P3 within 24 months of date of hire or promotion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to view computer monitors and read printed materials for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via virtual platforms.
• Plans and conducts training for plan review and inspection staff on new equipment, installation procedures, plan review techniques, blueprint reading, and other relevant topics; provides Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry light items (typically up to 15 pounds), such as files, documents, or office supplies.
• Ability to maintain concentration and focus in a standard office setting.
• Walking around properties (sometimes large lots)
• Climbing multiple flights of stairs
• Getting on and off ladders (to inspect roofs, attics, gutters)
• Crawling in tight spaces (crawlspaces, under decks)
• Bending, kneeling, squatting frequently
• Standing for extended periods (2–4+ hours per inspection)
• Minimum far vision standard of 20/40 with both eyes together, with at least one eye with 20/40 or better, with or without corrective lenses.

Laura McDermott

Office of Human Resources

[e-mail]