Plans Examiner

County of Thurston; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Thurston's Community Planning and Economic Development department seeks a Plans Examiner to review construction drawings for compliance with the State Building Code Act as adopted by Thurston County. Under the Building Supervisor, you will assess residential, multifamily, and light commercial projects and coordinate permit processes.

This role requires ICC certifications, strong interpretation of codes, and effective communication with staff and design professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.
• Two years as Plans Examiner, Building or Combination Inspector; three years in construction or related field.
• ICC certification as Commercial, Residential, or Combination Plans Examiner and Commercial, Residential, or Combination Building Inspector.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Review light commercial, residential, and multifamily construction documents and specifications for compliance to International Building, Mechanical and Fire Codes, Uniform Plumbing Codes, Washington State Energy Codes, Accessibility Codes, Regulations and the Thurston County Code for Special Flood Hazard Areas.
• Review and check engineering calculations submitted by engineers and architects. Review energy code forms and documentation for compliance to Washington State Energy Code.
• Review new or alternative construction techniques for compliance with alternate methods allowed under the code.
• Provide technical consultation, code interpretations, and communicate code requirements to internal staff, public, and design professionals to meet code compliance both in the office and field environment.
• Coordinate approval of non-residential projects with other departments having jurisdiction. Process and monitor applications, issue or deny permits, and schedule building inspections at different stages of construction. Assist in the investigation of code violations.
• Prepare comments for proposed projects and attends pre-submittal conferences.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and establish and maintain courteous and respectful working relationships with other departments, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the public. Enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Maintain certifications for employment; attend workshops and read technical literature to keep current on codes.

Skills

Code knowledge

Plan interpretation

Engineering calculations

Construction documents

Excel

Word processing

Internet research

Prioritization

Education

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

Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect license

Job description

The salary for this position is:$5,959.00 - $7,926.00 monthly.

This position is posted until filled with a first application review on April 1, 2026.

The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Plans Examiner to join our Community Development Division. Under the guidance of the Building Supervisor, the Plans Examiner is responsible reviewing construction drawings and supporting documentation of residential, multi-family, and light commercial projects for compliance with the requirements of the State Building Code Act as adopted by Thurston County.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review light commercial, residential, and multifamily construction documents and specifications for compliance to International Building, Mechanical and Fire Codes, Uniform Plumbing Codes, Washington State Energy Codes, Accessibility Codes, Regulations and the Thurston County Code for Special Flood Hazard Areas.
• Review and check engineering calculations submitted by engineers and architects. Review energy code forms and documentation for compliance to Washington State Energy Code.
• Review new or alternative construction techniques for compliance with alternate methods allowed under the code.
• Provide technical consultation, code interpretations, and communicate code requirements to internal staff, public, and design professionals to meet code compliance both in the office and field environment.
• Coordinate approval of non-residential projects with other departments having jurisdiction. Process and monitor applications, issue or deny permits, and schedule building inspections at different stages of construction. Assist in the investigation of code violations.
• Prepare comments for proposed projects and attends pre-submittal conferences.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and establish and maintain courteous and respectful working relationships with other departments, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the public. Enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Maintain certifications for employment; attend workshops and read technical literature to keep current on codes.

The view the full job classification, click here: Plans Examiner

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working Environment – Duties are typically performed indoors and outdoors in the Building Development Center and at jobsites. Occasionally exposed to temperature and other weather extremes.
• Physical demands – frequent standing, sitting, driving, and keyboarding. Occasional carrying, walking, climbing and reaching. Physical effort is required at the work location due to occasional heavy lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Schedule – Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or similar. Work demands may require work outside the assigned hours.
• Essential Personnel – This position may be considered essential personnel to ensure the operations of essential functions during an emergency or when the County has suspended operations.
• Travel Requirements – Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or visit jobsites.
• Customer Interactions – Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County Staff, and with members of the public.

WHO WE ARE:

The experts of Community Planning & Economic Development are on the leading edge of major issues affecting the residents of Thurston County including:

• Habitat Conservation
• Comprehensive Planning
• Stormwater Management
• Water and Climate Data Monitoring
• Rural Water Availability Planning
• Agriculture, Forestry, and Open Space Planning
• Joint Planning with the Cities in Thurston County
• Shoreline Management

The team members of Community Planning & Economic Development make it a wonderful place to work and effect change. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED works to conserve natural resources, plan for resilient communities, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient and plan for future growth.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

Why you’ll love it here:

Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants:

We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Plans Examiner, Building or Combination Inspector and three (3) years of experience in construction or related experience. Additional years of experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
• Must be certified by the International Codes Council (ICC) as a Commercial, Residential, or Combination Plans Examiner and Commercial, Residential, or Combination Building Inspector.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Working knowledge of the following Title 14 codes: Building, Existing Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Fire, Energy, Flood, and codes referenced within these codes.
• Current Professional Engineer or Architect license recognized by Washington State.
• Proficient in the use of spread sheets, word processing and internet research.
• Ability to read and accurately interpret plans and specifications of any complexity and to compare them with construction in progress.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building/construction practices and procedures, including mechanical, plumbing, and electrical.
• Ability to analyze, calculate, and evaluate engineering calculations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret construction documents and specifications.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT?

The contact person for this recruitment is Alana Bradshaw at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• List of three professional reference

Please note:

Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at [phone]. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Washington Relay offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.