Plan Reviewer III

City of West Fargo; West Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 78,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of West Fargo is seeking a Plan Reviewer III to act as the senior technical authority in plan review, overseeing residential and commercial projects. The role includes guiding junior staff, handling complex reviews, and coordinating with designers and inspectors to ensure code compliance.

Responsibilities include issuing permits, evaluating fees, and serving in an acting administrative capacity as needed. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in plan review or building inspection, or seven+ years in related field.
• Valid ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification.
• ICC Commercial Plans Examiner certification, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Strong knowledge of IBC, IRC, IEBC and related codes.
• Ability to independently review complex residential and commercial construction documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serves as senior technical authority for plan review and permits.
• Leads plan review for residential and commercial projects of various occupancies.
• Reviews plans for compliance with ICC codes and development regulations.
• Issues permits and certificates of occupancy; reviews permit fees.
• Provides technical guidance to junior staff and mentors Plan Reviewer I/II.
• Represent the Inspections Division with other departments and agencies.
• Discusses designs with owners, contractors, architects, and engineers to interpret codes.

Skills

Leadership

Code interpretation

Communication

Mentoring

Relationship building

Technical guidance

Problem solving

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction engineering, construction management, or related field

Associate's degree with equivalent education/experience

Tools

Permit management software

Job description

NOTICES: Applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks

Under limited supervision, the Plan Reviewer III serves as the City's senior technical authority for plan review, independently managing the full range of residential and commercial plan review activities. This is the advanced journey-level position in the Plan Reviewer series and functions as the lead plan reviewer for the Inspections Division. The Plan Reviewer III provides technical guidance to junior staff, assists the Inspections Administrator in operational and process matters, and serves in an acting administrative capacity as needed.

Serves as the City's lead plan reviewer, independently managing plan review for the full range of residential and commercial construction projects, including complex occupancy types, mixed-use buildings, and large-scale commercial developments.

• Reviews commercial and residential plans and applications for compliance with applicable ICC codes and related development regulations.
• Issues building permits and certificates of occupancy; reviews and recommends fees for permits.
• In the absence of the Inspections Administrator, serves as the acting authority for plan review and permitting decisions, including resolving technical disputes between contractors and inspectors regarding code-related items.
• Meets with owners, contractors, architects, and engineers in the pre-design stage to discuss design concepts and the application of code, particularly when designs require code interpretation.
• Assists the Inspections Administrator in the development and implementation of City-wide plan review and permitting processes, including the use and integration of permit management software systems.
• Assists in building inspections as needed to support the Inspections division.
• Provides technical oversight, mentoring, and guidance to Plan Reviewer I and II staff; reviews work for accuracy and completeness as directed by the Inspections Administrator.
• Responds to building code inquiries, citizen complaints, and contractor concerns; determines resolutions consistent with City goals and policies.
• Maintains relationships with community organizations, contractors, developers, and citizens; serves as a technical resource regarding Inspections programs, policies, and procedures.

• Assists the Inspections Administrator in representing the Inspections Division with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Maintains accurate records of plan review activities, permit issuances, and technical determinations.
• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains effective working relationships in carrying out job functions.
• Works safely, follows safe work practices, and identifies and reports unsafe work conditions.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction engineering, construction management, or a related field; or an Associate's degree with an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in plan review or building inspection, or seven or more years experience in a closely related field.
• ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification.
• ICC Commercial Plans Examiner certification, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to independently review complex commercial construction documents across a variety of occupancy types.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable International Codes including the IBC, IRC, and IEBC, and working knowledge of other applicable International Codes as they relate to plan review.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, other City departments, subordinates, vendors, contractors, external government agencies and organizations.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial Building Inspector certification
• Previous experience in a lead or senior plan review role in a municipal setting.
• Familiarity with permit management software systems and process improvement.
• Previous supervisory or mentoring experience.