Plans Examiner Senior

Maricopa County, AZ; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance

Career growth

Healthcare for dependents

Child care (Kids Club)

Paid vacation, sick time, and parental

ASRS retirement with employer match

Job summary

Maricopa County is seeking a Senior Plans Examiner to review commercial, residential, and industrial construction plans for code compliance and consistency with regulations. The role involves complex plan reviews and supporting the plan review team.

You will serve as a subject-matter expert on multiple codes and interact with the public, architects, engineers, and developers to ensure accurate permitting decisions. A strong background in plan checking and code interpretation is essential.

Qualifications

• Five years of plan checking experience in architectural, residential, or commercial reviews.
• High school diploma or GED; related post-secondary education may substitute for experience.
• Ability to read and interpret complex building plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of codes, ordinances, and standards relevant to plan reviews.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex building code reviews of commercial applications to ensure compliance with codes and ordinances.
• Review complex residential applications for code compliance.
• Prepare written plan review comments and update the permitting system.
• Serve as subject matter expert on IRC, IBC, IPC, NEC, and NFPA codes.
• Provide guidance to staff to ensure uniform procedures and regulations.
• Explain development requirements to the public, architects, engineers, and clients.
• Research subdivision plats, maps, and legal descriptions.
• Review aerial and floodplain maps to determine additional review needs.

Skills

Plan checking experience

Reading & interpreting plans

Communication with public & staff

Education

High school diploma or GED

Post-secondary education in Architecture or Engineering

Arizona license (PE/Architect)

Tools

Plan review software

MS Office (Word, Excel)

PDD permitting system

Job description

About the Position

As the Plans Examiner Senior, you will provide reviews of commercial construction plans to ensure completeness, accuracy, and conformance to applicable building codes, ordinances, national standards, and zoning regulations. The Plans Examiner Senior also conducts plan reviews of complex plans and specifications for residential and industrial construction and provides support to the plan review staff.

About Us

Maricopa County is GROWING. At the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department, we want you to join us in making that growth possible! With our wide range of services, from land-use planning to building inspections and permit reviews, we have positions that allow professionals in the planning, construction, engineering, and trade fields to shape the future of the built environment.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Five years of experience in plan checking of architectural, residential, or commercial building plan review, including reading and interpreting commercial and residential construction plans and specifications
• High school diploma or GED
• Post-secondary education in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field may substitute for the experience on a year-for-year basis

We Also Value

• Licensed professional engineer or architect in Arizona
• Building Assignment: International Code Council certification, certification from the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), or International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
• Post-secondary education in Urban Planning, Urban Geography, Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
• Experience in conducting research, analyzing problems, and issues related to construction and building codes

Job Contributions

• Perform complex building code reviews of commercial building applications to ensure compliance with building codes and ordinances, state statutes, and federal/state regulations
• Review more complex residential applications for compliance with building codes and ordinances
• Prepare written plan review comments and update information in the permitting database
• Function as a subject matter expert of the International Residential, Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and National Electrical codes
• Provide guidance to Plans Examiner staff to ensure uniformity of procedures, rules, and regulations
• Meet with and communicate building construction requirements to the general public, architects, engineers, developers, and real estate agents, including on-call (in-person and virtual) services
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, staff members, governmental agencies, contractors, and the public to explain and administer development requirements and codes
• Research subdivision plats, Assessor maps, legal descriptions, and deeds of conveyance and easements
• Review aerial and floodplain maps to gather information to determine the level of additional review required for permit issuance
• Other duties assigned

Working Conditions

• Exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly, or requires walking or standing to a significant degree
• Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software, and Hardware

PC and/or laptop with plan review software, MS Office, including Word and Excel, and PDD permitting system software.

Protective Equipment Required

Hard hat, safety shoes, and safety vest.

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.

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