Plans Examiner I/II

City of Caldwell; Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Caldwell is seeking a Plans Examiner I/II in the Engineering Department to review civil plans for compliance with department standards and local/state codes. The role involves providing stellar public service and coordinating with multiple city entities.

Under the City Engineer, you will review projects from intake to completion, staying current on codes, and collaborating with architects, contractors, and the public to ensure accurate plan reviews.

Qualifications

• Requires solid ability to interpret engineering codes and ordinances.
• Demonstrates strong customer service and communication skills.
• Works effectively in a team environment and with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review commercial and residential plans for compliance with land development codes and ordinances.
• Coordinate plan review from permit application through project completion.
• Assist architects, engineers, business owners, and the public with code interpretation and revisions.

Skills

Code interpretation

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Applications closing on October 21, 2026, 11:59 PM

• Reference number 202400298
• Job Type Full Time

Description

The City of Caldwell Engineering Department is looking for a Plans Examiner I or Plans Examiner II to join our team. Individual will perform plan reviews of civil plans to ensure compliance with the Engineering Department standards and specification, ensures compliance with state and local codes and ordinances; and performs related work as required.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to review commercial and residential construction plans to ensure compliance with the land development codes and compliance with state and local codes and ordinances. This person is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service to the public and to City employees. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the City Engineer, but leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative as appropriate. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Engineering Department, other City officials and employees, business owners, architects, contractors, planners, and the general public. The principal tasks of this class are performed in a general office environment with an emphasis on teamwork; work responsibilities may include both indoor and outdoor environment.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, inspects, and approves commercial construction and plans to ensure compliance with the Infrastructure policy, Subdivision Ordinance, Supplemental Specifications, and state and local codes and ordinances;
• Provides plan review and may include some inspection services;
• Coordinates commercial projects from time of the permit application through the completion of the project;
• Confers with and assists architects, engineers, business owners, inspectors, planners, and the general public on issues relating to code interpretation, and compliance, including suggestions for revisions to codes, ordinances and local regulations;
• Schedules plan review sessions with building and fire department staff, engineering department and planning & zoning project leader;
• Maintains records of customer service issues and takes appropriate corrective measures;
• Keeps updated on construction technology, industry manuals, methods of materials, code updates, and training sessions;
• Locates parcels using plat books in researching easements, rights-of-way widths, addresses, and lot sizes;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress and project status, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities to help keep a positive work environment as well as works as a team member;
• Respects the opinion of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with employees, supervisors and others;
• Accepts and performs in a timely and effective manner changes in work assignments and/or how work is performed;
• Assists Engineering Technicians as needed;
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Plans Examiner I Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and/or Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• Minimum of two (2) years experience as a plans examiner on residential and commercial projects and permit processing for a public entity; and
• Any combination of education, experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete a background check and drug test to include prescription medications.

Plans Examiner II Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and/or Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• Minimum of five (5) years experience as a plans examiner on residential and commercial projects and permit processing for a public entity or 3 years experience as a City of Caldwell Engineering Department plans examiner; and
• Any combination of education, experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete a background check and drug test to include prescription medications.