Plans Examiner

CITY OF PORT ORANGE; Florida; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Port Orange seeks a skilled Plans Examiner to perform technical reviews and enforce the Florida Building Code and local ordinances. You will assess residential and commercial plans, issue approvals, and advise staff and the public on code requirements.

The role requires four years in construction or plan examination, a valid Florida driver’s license, and strong knowledge of building and zoning codes. Clear communication and ongoing certification are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; additional education is a plus.
• Four years’ experience in construction trades or as an inspector/plans examiner in government.
• Valid Florida driver's license.
• Knowledge of building and zoning codes and related laws.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Review residential and commercial building plans for code compliance.
• Identify plan deficiencies and recommend corrections.
• Coordinate with staff on zoning and land development.
• Educate, train, and provide technical leadership to staff and customers.
• Approve permits for compliance with applicable codes.
• Review and coordinate plans from architects/engineers for compliance.
• Resolve simple disputes through communication and field inspections.
• Respond to complaints from architects, engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Calculate and confirm building permit fees and impact fees.
• Assist staff and customers at the counter with building code inquiries.
• Maintain certifications and stay updated on industry trends.

Skills

Communication

Code interpretation

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Mathematical computations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Additional education is a plus

Tools

Plans Examiner license (Building)

Plans Examiner license (Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical)

Florida driver's license

Job description

This position is responsible for the technical and administrative work in the enforcement of Ordinances and Building Codes as adopted by the City of Port Orange and the State of Florida.1.Completes building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical reviews on residential and commercial projects on a regular basis pending approved DBPR licenses.

1. 1.Completes building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical reviews on residential and commercial projects on a regular basis pending approved DBPR licenses.
2. 2.Identifies or makes recommendations for corrections to inadequate plans to meet required codes.
3. 3.Communicates with city staff on zoning and land development as prescribed by the city’s Land Development Code.
4. 4.Educates, trains, directs, and provides technical leadership or guidance to personnel and customers.
5. 5.Approves residential building and construction permits for compliance with applicable codes.
6. 6.Reviews and coordinates both commercial and residential plans, including plan revisions submitted by the general public, architects, engineers, and contractors for compliance with applicable codes.
7. 7.Reviews and resolves simple building related compliance disagreements through communications field inspections and when necessary, assists higher-level staff to resolve controversial matters.
8. 8.Reviews and responds to residential and commercial complaints from architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public.
9. 9.Reviews codes and consults with supervisor to resolve interpretation disagreements related to plan review comments.
10. 10.Performs other related job duties as assigned.
11. 11.Calculates and confirms building permit fees and impact fees.
12. 12.Assists staff and customers at the front counter with answers to building code inquiries and provide information about building codes.
13. 13.Provide technical assistance and support to building officials, plans examiners, inspectors and staff.
14. 14.Perform related work as required. These additional duties may be representative of tasks typically performed by those in a lesser or more advanced job grade.
15. 15.Administer and supervise assigned programs and special projects.
16. 16.Maintain relevant certifications and stay updated on industry trends.
17. 17.All other duties as required.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is part of the City’s Emergency Management Team and, as such, shall be expected to perform all duties that are assigned during an emergency management operation. Any additional compensation, above the normal weekly salary shall be outlined by the City Manager in the City’s Emergency Management Activation and Emergency Declaration. Failure to appear to perform emergency management assignment and to work assigned shifts as scheduled by the City’s Emergency Management Director or individuals designated by the City Manager to assign such functions will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Additional education is a plus.
• Four (4) years’ experience in either the construction trade, private sector or as an inspector/plans examiner for a governmental agency under the direction of a building official; or equivalent education and/or experience.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A valid Florida driver's license is required.
• Standard License as a Plans Examiner in Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical; or 1 & 2 Family Dwelling plans examiner. If not licensed as a plans examiner, must apply to the state and receive a provisional license with the standard license to be achieved within one (1) year of hire.
• Knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods and stages in construction when possible violations and defects may most easily be observed and corrected.
• Knowledge of building and zoning codes and related laws and ordinances.
• Ability to detect structural and other faults and to appraise for compliance with applicable codes.
• Experience communicating effectively verbally, electronically, and in writing.
• Ability to organize work, establishes priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Must have experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and dealing tactfully and persuasively with customers and vendors.
• Must possess intermediate level mathematical computations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, decimals, ratios and percentages.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents including but not limited to safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, plans, specifications, blueprints, procedure manuals, legal information such as contracts, statutes, codes, ordinances, and related documentation.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.