Plans Examiner

Isle of Wight County, VA; Windsor (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Isle of Wight County, VA is seeking a Plans Examiner to enforce building codes and related ordinances. The role involves reviewing plans, issuing permits, conducting inspections, and advising contractors and property owners on compliance.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience, plus certifications in building plan examination or progress toward them and a valid driver’s license. County employment emphasizes safety and service.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree and four years of work experience or an equivalent combination.
• Certification as a One and Two Family and Commercial Building Plans Examiner is required or must be obtained within three years.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Review residential and commercial plans for code compliance with Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Issue permits, conduct inspections, and provide guidance to builders and owners.
• Explain department policies and procedures and interpret codes for nonexpert audiences.
• Maintain records and respond to inquiries from the public, contractors, and developers.

Skills

Plan review

Code interpretation

Contractor guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Munis

Job description

The Plans Examiner performs technical work pertaining to the enforcement of State building codes and various ordinances. The incumbent’s work involves reviewing residential and commercial construction plans, issuing permits, conducting inspections, visiting sites and providing advice, consultation and interpretation to builders, contractors and property owners.

• Reviews plans for new construction ensuring compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the standards referenced therein to include compliance of building construction, electrical plumbing, HVAC, sprinkler and/or gas systems;
• Uses automated information systems to analyze and evaluate plans and compliance issues;
• Approves corrective action and plan finals;
• Provides guidance and assistance to contractors, property owners, and the general public regarding construction plans, code compliance, required forms, procedures and policies;
• Ensures adherence to plans and provides technical guidance as needed;
• Provides interpretations and guidance for difficult inspections;
• Assists the inspectors with identifying noncompliance issues and/or recommending alternatives for correcting construction noncompliance;
• Maintains a variety of records regarding assigned activities, such as updating Munis records, generating inspection reports, etc.;
• Responds to questions, complaints and/or requests for information from the general public, property owners, contractors, developers and other citizens;
• Explains and interprets department policies and procedures, ordinances and code;
• Performs site visits and inspections as needed;
• Performs other related duties as assigned;
• Observes all approved safety and health policies and procedures pertaining to his/her work activities and performs all work tasks in a safe and healthy manner in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires the use of fingers, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, hearing, kneeling, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, visual acuity, and walking.

Education and Experience

Requires a Bachelor’s degree, and four (4) years of work experience; or an equivalent combination of work experience and education.

Licenses or Certifications

• Requires Certification as a One and Two Family and Commercial Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Plans Examiner, and Residential and Commercial Energy Plan Review or must be obtained within three years of employment.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

Please Note: All County employees may be required to report to serve our customers during emergency conditions. While some will perform their regular duties, others may be assigned to report at a different time and location and to perform different duties from their regular jobs. Employees will either be deemed essential personnel and provide services that must continue regardless of or pursuant to a state of emergency or will be deemed nonessential personnel that will be required to report to work in an emergency if they receive an assignment to shelter duty or other duty.