Plans Examiner

Mecklenburg County; North Carolina; On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County’s LUESA-CIRC unit seeks a Plans Examiner to review architectural and engineering documents for compliance with NC Building Codes. You will guide developers, architects, and contractors through the permitting process, ensuring safety and regulatory alignment.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and extensive code application experience; licensure as Plans Examiner/Inspector III is targeted within one year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Six years of progressive code application experience.
• Ability to obtain NC Plans Examiner or Inspector III license within one year.

Responsibilities

• Examine design documents for compliance with building codes.
• Approve or reject documents with references to codes and statutes.
• Provide consultation to designers, developers and contractors on regulations.
• Assist customers with code review and permitting process.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Follow your calling, Find your career

Please apply by: 10/2/26

Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000

This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA, (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.

Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.

More About The Role

The CIRC (Code Information & Resource Center) Plans Examiner, will be responsible for assisting customers with code review and evaluation of architectural blueprints, engineering calculations, and construction documents for commercial and residential projects; to ensure they comply with local and state building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes. You will also provide direct technical assistance and guidance to developers, architects, and contractors navigating the permitting process.

Position Summary

Conduct and perform reviews and evaluation of construction documents from professional engineers and architects for ensuring compliance with North Carolina State Building Codes, federal laws and other regulations. This position often performs work independently or with minimal supervision, and provides consultative services to design professional community and industry on regulation compliance matters and participates in training for the industry.

Essential Functions

• Examine professional design documents and speciation's to ascertain compliance with applicable building codes and assure public safety, health, and welfare of the community
• Approve or reject documents utilizing supporting code, discipline, general statutes, and policy references
• Evaluate specific projects for time of review and processes applications for time estimates
• Execute final sign off and approval for construction design documents
• Provide consultation before, during and following plans examination; educates design professionals, developers and contractors regarding policies, procedures, and codes; analyzes and suggests methods for design modifications
• Participate in code making processes; provides logic, consistency, clarity, and fairness in code changes, applications, and interpretations
• Contribute to department and industry safety objectives by actively participating in professional organization education, legislative, administrative, and code processes
• Provide advice to design professional, town planners, the general public and contractors regarding code compliance, applicable procedures, and other related issues
• Make sure that customer solutions, practices, and procedures are carried out and achieve their objectives
• Serve on committees, task forces, and other teams as requested
• As applicable, provide front office support, which may include answering telephones and providing information to callers; periodically staffing service points that require in-person interactions with customers or staff; and/or, performing other related activities.

Experience

Minimum of six years of progressive experience of code application in the building trades field such as mechanical, electrical, or general contracting, or as a building trades inspector or code specialist with an architectural or engineering firm

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

• Ability to be Certified by the State of North Carolina as either a Plans Examiner, Inspector Level III (must obtain within one year of hire)
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineer or Architect

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• All applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and other related codes; Local and State ordinances and laws relative to building construction and zoning regulations
• Applicable rules, laws and regulations
• Practices and procedures related to code violations
• Customer service principles
• Principles, practices and methods of building design
• Applying basic engineering and architectural concepts, practices, and theories involved in the design/development/review/permitting, construction, maintenance, operations, or repair of projects/sites and safety impacts
• Building and construction materials and methods
• Mathematical principles
• Legislative processes
• Proper permitting requirements for all project types

Skills

• Providing customer service
• Performing mathematical calculations
• Reading and interpreting building plans, blueprints, documents, ordinances, and laws
• Conducting technical inspections
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports

Abilities

• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
• Managing Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
• Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise

Computer Skills

• Proficient in various applicable computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in various applicable computer programs, especially those specific to the area of expertise

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise

Selection

This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.

No

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request.

Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.