Plans Examiner/Building Inspector March 2025

Longboat Key, Town of (FL); Longboat Key (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Plans Examiner/Building Inspector to join their Planning, Zoning & Building Department. This full-time role involves reviewing building plans, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal building codes. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of the Florida Statewide Building Code and have relevant licenses. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to community safety and development while working in a collaborative environment. If you are passionate about building safety and compliance, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Possession of at least two active Florida Licenses as a Plans Reviewer and Building Inspector.
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Review building permit applications for compliance with the Florida Building Code.
• Perform inspections for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical compliance.

Skills

Building Code Compliance

Plan Review

Inspection Services

Code Enforcement

Public Relations

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Florida Licenses in Plans Review and Building Inspection

Tools

Blueprints

Construction Plans

Job description

The Town of Longboat Key is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, who provides hiring preference to eligible veterans and their family members, and has a strong drug-free workplace and alcohol abuse policy. Additionally, where appropriate, the Town may waive post-secondary education requirements for certain servicemembers and veterans.

The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for a Full-Time Plans Examiner/Building Inspector in our Planning, Zoning & Building Department. A pre-employment physical and drug screen will be required, except for current employees who have met the requirement.

FUNCTION

Under the general direction of the Building Official, provides plan review with supplementary ability to provide inspection services and code enforcement functions of the Building Department. Employee performs residential and commercial review of plans, blueprints, diagrams, surveys, flood certifications and other related documents for code compliance with local, state, and federal codes. Work will also involve inspections and enforcement duties with building inspector licenses in one or more of the building trades such as Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical. Responsible for the enforcement of the Florida Statewide Building Code, FEMA floodplain development requirements, Town codes, ordinances, and regulations and of the code inspection program relative to the construction, alteration, fire protection, and repair of buildings and structures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for reviewing building permit applications for compliance with the Florida Building Code, Town Ordinances, including local flood control ordinance, FEMA regulations, and any other applicable codes.
• Responsible for performing plan review of building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits.
• Periodically may need to fill in performing inspections of structures to verify compliance with codes and ordinances with related flood plain compliance.
• Visits building sites and inspects construction for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and flood plain code compliance. Inspects work in process of construction, alterations and, upon completion, for compliance with Town codes.
• Advises and confers with contractors, engineers, architects, the public and others regarding construction and code compliance.
• Investigates building code violations and enforces correction of defects in a professional manner. Works closely with other Plans Examiners, Inspectors and Town Code Enforcement Officers and other internal staff members in coordination of duties and in carrying out building code and flood plain compliance.
• Maintains inspection records and creates reports.
• Performs technical and clerical work associated with the review of building permit applications.
• Provides written directives for the issuance of building permits for residential and commercial construction.
• Assists in coordinating plan review with other departments.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Researches, analyzes, and reviews existing and proposed code requirements and makes recommendations for changes and/or adoption to management.
• Prepares plan review summaries that clearly state design deficiencies, citing the related code requirements by section or citation.
• Assists in educating and informing the public on the contents of the building code and other applicable regulations.

OTHER TASKS

Every incidental duty connected with this position cannot be specified in the job description and an employee, at the discretion of the Town, may be required to perform duties that are not included in this job description.

JOB PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge of the Florida Statewide Building Code. Considerable knowledge of the building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning ordinances. Considerable knowledge of ordinances and other laws relating to code enforcement, construction, and building inspection. Considerable knowledge of building construction methods, trade procedures, and construction methods and practices. Knowledge of possible building construction and/or mechanical defects, and ability to be firm and polite in requiring a remedy of these defects.

Ability to read and interpret construction plans and blueprints. Ability to maintain clear and adequate records, and to make required written and verbal reports and presentations. Ability to correctly interpret code requirements and render decisions with little supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors and the general public. Ability to deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously, and tactfully.

Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state, and local laws and applicable policies.

Ability to do the following:

• Review and interpret construction plans quickly and accurately.
• Communicate technical information effectively, using various means to both design professionals and the general public.
• Meet rigid deadlines and organize daily work effectively.
• Learn and adapt to new building codes, and/or regulations.
• Use independent judgment and make decisions in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear concise records and produce reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, civic leaders, public officials, developers, and the general public.
• Make public presentations clearly and concisely and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously, and tactfully.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED: Possession of three (3) or more active Florida Licenses in Plans Review and as a Building Inspector, including residential and/or commercial, mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing. Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and/or a Coastal Construction certification.

REQUIRED: High School diploma or equivalent. Possession of at least two (2) active Florida Licenses as a Plans Reviewer and Building Inspector, with one being a Building Plans Review for Residential and Commercial Construction and a valid Florida Driver’s License.

A comparable amount of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office with significant public contact in and outside the office. Work involves serving walk-in clients, at the public service counter, and may require standing for long periods of time, with close in-person contact with the public. Work involves interacting with the public by telephone. Overtime as required. Work is performed in a variety of locations, inside and outside, as required. Outside work may be under adverse conditions. Physical capability to maneuver outdoor work site is necessary, requiring good physical condition. Capability to manage frequent interruptions and sustained attention to detail is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Successful completion of an employment physical and drug screen to confirm the ability to perform the essential functions of the job (waived for promoted or transferred Town employees who have previously met this requirement); signed Acknowledgement for the attached “Drug Free Workplace Policy” must be provided prior to assuming Town duties.

The Town is a Drug Free Workplace, in compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, in § 440.102, FS and Rules 59A-24 F.A.C (Florida Administrative Code). State and federal laws and regulations may subject certain employees to additional drug testing requirements. Any employee who violates the program is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.