Plans Examiner, Building- Community Development

Dona Ana County; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Doña Ana County is seeking a qualified Building Inspector to review residential, commercial, and industrial plans for code compliance and to advise applicants. The role includes interpreting codes, preparing findings, and guiding the public through permit requirements.

The candidate will perform on-site inspections, document results, and coordinate with other departments to support permits and inspections, with emphasis on safety and accessibility standards.

Qualifications

• Education and experience in building inspection and plan examination are required or preferred.
• A background in interpreting codes and applying regulations is essential.
• Comfort with record keeping and basic computer software is expected.

Responsibilities

• Examine plans for residential, commercial, and industrial projects for code compliance.
• Interpret and enforce building, zoning, safety, and accessibility codes and ordinances.
• Review plans and provide recommendations to ensure code compliance.

Skills

Building inspection

Plan review

Code interpretation

Record keeping

Computer skills

Public communication

Education

Associate’s degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction

High school diploma

Job description

PURPOSE SUMMARY

Perform technical review of residential, commercial, and industrial building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable building, zoning, fire, and accessibility codes, as well as Doña Ana County ordinances and standards. Provide guidance and recommendations to the public, contractors, and staff regarding building plans and code requirements. Prepare reports related to plan reviews, perform code interpretations as needed, and assist permit technicians and inspectors to support the permitting and inspection process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Plan Review and Code Compliance

• Examine residential, commercial, and industrial plans for compliance with building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes, accessibility requirements, and zoning ordinances.

• Interpret, apply, and enforce land development codes, life safety codes, accessibility standards, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.

• Review plans and specifications and provide recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.

2. Customer Service and Technical Assistance

• Provide customer service and respond to requests for information regarding plans, permits, and code requirements.

• Consult with and provide guidance to the public, contractors, and county staff regarding plans, specifications, and applicable regulations.

• Explain code requirements, regulations, and plan review findings to applicants and stakeholders.

3. Inspection and Field Verification

• Perform residential and commercial inspections as required to verify compliance with approved plans, codes, and ordinances.

• Inspect residential, commercial, and industrial structures during various stages of construction, alteration, and remodeling.

• Evaluate structures undergoing change of use or occupancy, relocation, demolition, or repair due to damage or deterioration.

• Determine extent of damage, evaluate safety factors, and identify permit requirements for repair or reconstruction.

4. Records, Reporting, and Documentation

• Maintain records and files related to plan reviews, permits, inspections, and compliance issues.

• Prepare reports related to plan review activities, inspections, and code compliance.

• Document inspection results and maintain records of permits, reports, and citations as required.

5. Coordination and Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Coordinate with county departments and external agencies involved in the development review process, including flood, fire, engineering, and planning.

• Schedule and coordinate inspection requests related to issued permits.

• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with county departments, external agencies, and the public.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Architecture, construction technology, or related field is preferred.

B. Experience

Five (5) years of experience in building inspection, plan examination, code interpretation, and/or general building construction.

C. Education/Experience substitution

In accordance with County policy. No substitution for required education.

D. Licenses/Certifications

Valid driver’s license. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. Must possess or obtain an NM CID Building inspector certification within three (3) months of the date of hire. Must possess or obtain an ICC plan review certification within one (1) year of the date of hire. Must possess or obtain an ICC Inspector (Residential/Commercial) certification within one (1) year of hire date. Additional ICC and NM CID inspection/plan review certifications preferred. GB2 or GB98 license or a similar license from another state preferred. Must have approval by NM CID to be able to obtain state inspector certification. Note: Applicants who have not obtained the required inspector certification and are qualifying based on prior experience must meet the experience requirements established by NMAC 14.6.5.8, including the required timeframe for qualifying experience.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.)

Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of building inspection and plan review.

• Construction principles and practices of the construction industry and building trade applicable to building code and county ordinance for residential and commercial construction.

• County policy and state, federal, and local building, zoning, housing, and safety law, rule, ordinance, code, and regulation.

• Principles of record keeping and record management.

• Business and personal computer and business software applications.

Skill in

• Interpret and apply statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, and regulations.

• Interpret building and structural regulation and compare requirement with construction in progress.

• Assess, analyze, identify, and recommend solutions to problems.

Ability to

• Plan, prioritize, and schedule multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, and the general public.

• Operate personal computer and utilize a variety of business software.

• Follow and effectively communicate verbal and written instruction.