PLANS EXAMINER

Washoe County; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washoe County seeks a Plans Examiner to review construction plans for code compliance under general supervision. This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department.

Details available at the official job specs. The ideal candidate holds ICC certifications (B3/R3 at entry, E1/M1/P1 within 12 months), possesses strong customer service and communication skills, and can apply building codes fairly and consistently in

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a building inspector; OR one year of experience as a plans examiner; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of application and maintained for continued employment.
• ICC certifications: Building Plans Examiner (B3) OR Residential Plans Examiner (R3) at time of application.
• ICC certifications to obtain within 12 months: Residential Electrical Inspector (E1), Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1), Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1), and either B3 or R3 if not yet obtained.

Responsibilities

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate complex plans for code compliance and develop practical solutions.
• Explain technical code requirements clearly to a variety of audiences, with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service while protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities with accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate with other divisions and external stakeholders.
• Review plans and meet established timelines; interpret construction documents and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Analytical thinking

Plan review

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Please click here for the Total Compensation Package for this job classification which includes county paid employee health benefits after 30 days of employment, county paid retirement benefits, vacation accruals, etc. The Total Compensation Package outlines the various benefits offered by Washoe County and the annual earnings based on the entry level salary for the job classification.

Under general supervision, reviews construction plans and specifications for completeness and compliance with building codes, state laws, and local ordinances; and performs related work as required.

This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php

Two years of experience as a building inspector; OR one year of experience as a plans examiner; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

License Or Certificate

• A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.

• Must possess the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications or recognized equivalent certifications at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification:
  • Building Plans Examiner (B3) OR Residential Plans Examiner (R3)

• Must obtain the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications or recognized equivalent certifications within 12 months of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification:
  • Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
  • Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)
  • Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)
  • Either the Building Plans Examiner (B3) or the Residential Plans Examiner (R3), whichever has not been obtained at the time of application.

____________________________________________________________________________

The ideal candidate is a customer-service-oriented professional who demonstrates sound judgment, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to apply building codes consistently and fairly. They possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and are able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with homeowners, contractors, design professionals, colleagues, and the public.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex plans, identify code compliance issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain technical code requirements to a variety of audiences.
• A commitment to exceptional customer service while maintaining the County’s responsibility to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a timely manner while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Sound decision-making skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively with other divisions, departments, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to efficiently review plans and meet established timelines.
• Proficiency in interpreting construction documents, technical specifications, adopted codes, and regulatory requirements.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• The ability to be adaptable, solution-oriented, and capable of balancing regulatory compliance with responsive and professional public service in a fast-paced environment.

The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Plans Examiner position.

Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation. Effective October 1, 2026, the $40.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.

Veteran Point

Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations only. In order to be given a bonus point, applicants must attach proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) to the Online Application at time of submission.

Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.

Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.

Questions: Veronica North

[e-mail]

775-328-2078