Plans Examiner, Senior

Pinal County; Florence (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinal County seeks a Building Plans Examiner to ensure compliance with county and state building codes on residential and commercial projects. Under general supervision, you will review plans, provide guidance to applicants, and coordinate with inspectors.

You will analyze site plans, elevations, and electrical drawings, answer questions, maintain records, and support BSD staff in a collaborative, service‑minded environment. A valid driver’s license and relevant certifications are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of plans examination experience.
• Must have two (2) of the following certifications: ICC Permit Technician, International Residential Plans Examiner (IRC), Residential Building Inspector or IBC Plans Examiner certification at time of hire.
• Valid Driver’s License and Arizona State Driver’s License within 30 days of hire.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.
• Special Requirements: Obtain one (1) additional certification within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Examine commercial and residential building plans to assure compliance with building and safety codes, interpret building and safety codes and Building Safety Department (BSD) policy objectives, and provide assistance to the public with building code and permitting questions under general supervision.
• Perform reviews of site plan, floor plans, foundation plan, elevations, foundation details, framing details, and electrical plans, mechanical and section details, and other reviews such as photovoltaic solar plan review.
• Perform higher level administrative and technical support functions for BSD staff, assist inspectors on projects, assist in coordinating inspection activities, and assist with complex research duties and documentation.
• Answer complex questions on building codes, permitting, and fees for the construction of residential and commercial projects.
• Maintain records management of permitting, inspection files, and records and prepare various data reports.
• Interpret maps and plats and complete zoning site plan review for compliance with setback requirements at an advanced level.
• Review plans and permit applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with administrative procedures.
• Verify plans are in compliance with Pinal County adopted building codes.
• Collaborate with architects, drafting firms, contractors and homeowners regarding building codes questions.
• Provide answers and guidance to building construction question and reference building codes.
• Interpret building code and assist with structure design to meet the intent of the building code.
• Provide technical information.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

When it comes to finding a new job, many job seekers focus only on the salary. Here at Pinal County, we believe there is much more to consider. One of the biggest advantages of working for Pinal County is the value of our opportunities and how they can positively affect your life and future. Simply put, we prioritize people.

When we take good care of our employees, they take good care of our citizens. We are dedicated to providing our employees with a healthy work/life balance through paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and don’t forget paid sabbaticals every five years. We invest in your well‑being with affordable healthcare plans and monthly wellness events. We secure your future with highly sought‑after retirement plans. We invest in you every day. Pinal County offers a rewarding experience and meaningful work. Find your purpose here in Pinal County and help us make a difference in our community.

• An Employer that Values Each Employee and Prioritizes a Work Experience that Provides Ample Time for Stress Reduction and Work-Life Balance.
• Paid Vacation And Sick Leave
  1. 15 Vacation Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
     1. After Three (3) Years of Service, 18 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
     2. After Five (5) Years of Service, 20 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
• Ten Paid Holidays+ One Paid Floating Holiday to Use as You Wish
• 13 Sick Leave Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
• Paid Sabbaticals Every Five (5) Years
  1. Two-Week Sabbatical After Five Years of Continuous Service
  2. Three-Week Sabbatical After Ten Years of Continuous Service
  3. Four-Week Sabbatical After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
  4. Four-Week Sabbaticals Every Five Years After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
  1. Quarterly Wellness Challenges
  2. Vision Exams and Optometry Events Onsite
  3. Vaccination Clinics
  4. Onsite Mammogram and Prostate Screening Events
  5. Skin Cancer Screening Events Onsite
  6. Biometrics and Health Screening Events Onsite
  7. Financial Health and Retirement Planning Events Onsite & Online
  8. Fitness Resources and Onsite Sessions Like Yoga and Tai Chi
• Retirement Plans with Generous Employer Contributions - Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit!
• Variety of Top Tier Affordable Medical Plans - Six Different Medical Plans to Choose From
  1. Some Medical Plans with Zero Employee Premium Cost
• Dental and Vision Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Telehealth
• Qualified Employer - Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - Department of Education
• Employee AssistanceProgram with Ongoing Training & Development Options
• Civil Service Leave
• Van Pool Options
• Short-Term Disability –Employer Paid
• Basic Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Medical Expenses
• Suite of Voluntary Benefits including additional Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance.

Additionally, collaborate with a talented team committed to making Pinal County an outstanding place for residents and staff.

Working at Pinal County is an investment in YOU.

JOB SUMMARY

Examine commercial and residential building plans to assure compliance with building and safety codes, interpret building and safety codes and Building Safety Department (BSD) policy objectives, and provide assistance to the public with building code and permitting questions under general supervision.

• Perform reviews of site plan, floor plans, foundation plan, elevations, foundation details, framing details, and electrical plans, mechanical and section details, and other reviews such as photovoltaic solar plan review.
• Perform higher level administrative and technical support functions for BSD staff, assist inspectors on projects, assist in coordinating inspection activities, and assist with complex research duties and documentation.
• Answer complex questions on building codes, permitting, and fees for the construction of residential and commercial projects.
• Maintain records management of permitting, inspection files, and records and prepare various data reports.
• Interpret mapsand plats and complete zoning site plan review for compliance with setback requirements at an advanced level.
• Review plans and permit applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with administrative procedures.
• Verify plans are in compliance with Pinal County adopted building codes.
• Collaborate with architects, drafting firms, contractors and homeowners regarding building codes questions.
• Provide answers and guidance to building construction question and reference building codes.
• Interpret building code and assist with structure design to meet the intent of the building code.
• Provide technical information.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of plans examination experience.
• Must have two (2) of the following certifications: ICC Permit Technician, International Residential Plans Examiner (IRC), Residential Building Inspector or IBC Plans Examiner certification at time of hire.
• Valid Driver’s License and Arizona State Driver’s License within 30 days of hire.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.

Special Requirements

• Obtain one (1) additional certification within one year of hire.

• Knowledge of Federal, state, and regional building, housing, and technical codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of building construction principles, practices, materials, and methods.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in building technologies and construction methods.
• Skill in interpreting building and safety regulations and comparing them with plans, maps, and technical specifications.
• Ability to provide advice and consultation on compliance requirements.
• Ability to work with representatives of other state and regional planning agencies to address and resolve technical issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light and requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The work also requires the ability to finger, reach, perform repetitive motion, stand, hear, speak, walk, operate motor vehicles and demonstrate mental and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries above the first quartile require additional approval.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities. At Pinal County, we value professionalism and treating others with respect. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration and may impact your future Pinal County applications. The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries above the first quartile require additional approval.

All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States are welcome to apply. However, visa sponsorship is not available. Pinal County does not participate in STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT).

Pinal County requires pre-employment screening, which includes a Motor Vehicle Record check, a comprehensive background check (encompassing employment, education, and criminal history), and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening. If driving is a requirement of the position, you must have a valid Arizona State Driver's License in accordance with Arizona State Law.

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this description.