Plans Examiner I/II

City of Caldwell; Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Caldwell Engineering Department is seeking a Plans Examiner I or II to review commercial and residential construction plans for compliance with land development codes, engineering standards, and local ordinances. Under the supervision of the City Engineer, this role requires independent judgment and teamwork.

Responsibilities include coordinating permit reviews, assisting architects and contractors, and delivering courteous customer service to the public and City staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years experience as a plans examiner on residential and commercial projects and permit processing for a public entity.
• Ability to understand and apply land development codes, engineering standards, and local ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Review commercial and residential construction plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Coordinate plan review sessions and assist with permit processing.
• Provide courteous customer service to the public, architects, engineers, contractors, and City staff.
• Maintain records and stay current on code updates and new developments.

Skills

Plan review

Customer service

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Applications closing on September 15, 2026, 11:59 PM

• Reference number 202400275
• 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.