PZCR - Building Inspector & Plan Reviewer

Emmet County, MI; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Emmet County is seeking a Building Inspector & Plan Reviewer to support the Building Official in enforcing Michigan codes. The role combines field inspections and plan reviews for residential and commercial projects, ensuring compliance with approved documents and PA 299 of 1980 where applicable.

The position requires strong knowledge of building codes, structural construction, and life-safety provisions, with the ability to communicate findings clearly and work under delegated authority.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years in construction-industry, focusing on structural construction.
• A degree or certification in a construction-related field emphasizing structural construction may be considered.
• Four years of experience as a licensed or registered building inspector and plan reviewer from another state or Canada may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections for residential and commercial construction; identify deficiencies; communicate findings; issue inspection determinations within authority.
• Review construction documents for code compliance; identify discrepancies; document corrections; determine plan-review outcomes.
• Evaluate visible structural elements, foundations, framing, load paths, connections, and life-safety details against approved codes.
• Apply current codes and departmental procedures consistently; escalate when needed and maintain accurate records.
• Communicate with the public and coordinate with permit staff; participate in meetings and training as required.

Skills

Building codes knowledge

Structural construction

Life-safety provisions

Documentation & records

Communication

Permit management software

Education

Degree in construction-related field

Construction-related certification

Tools

Permit management software

Digital cameras

Tablets

Inspection tools

Job description

POSITION: Building Inspector & Plan Reviewer
SUPERVISOR: Building Official
DEPARTMENT: Construction Resources
JOB CODE: Full-Time
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
SALARY GRADE: G1F2
RATE OF PAY: $28.65
DATE: 11/5/2026

At Emmet County, we are a diverse group of team members who possess a friendly disposition, attention to detail, and an unwavering dedication to providing outstanding services to our constituents. Understanding that our team members are our most valuable asset, Emmet County is committed to providing the best experience and working environment any team member can imagine.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Building Inspector/Plan Reviewer assists the Building Official in administering and enforcing applicable Michigan construction codes, laws, and regulations. The position performs both field inspections and building plan reviews for residential and commercial construction, evaluates compliance with approved construction documents and applicable codes, and monitors compliance with residential builder licensing requirements under PA 299 of 1980 as applicable.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Building inspections. Independently conduct assigned field inspections for residential and commercial construction; identify, document, and communicate deficiencies; and make inspection determinations within delegated authority.
• Building plan reviews. Review residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with applicable building code requirements; identify discrepancies, missing information, structural and life-safety concerns; document required corrections; and make review determinations within delegated authority.
• Structural proficiency. Evaluate visible structural elements and systems, including foundations, framing, load paths, connections, lateral support, and related construction details, against approved documents and applicable code requirements. Recognize conditions that require additional information, engineered evaluation, or referral to the Building Official.
• Accuracy and code adherence. Apply current adopted codes, approved construction documents, and established departmental procedures consistently.
• Independent judgment and escalation. Exercise sound technical judgment in routine field and plan review decisions; distinguish compliant from noncompliant conditions; recognize the limits of the employee’s qualifications and authority; and promptly seek supervisory or qualified professional review when warranted.
• Public safety and welfare. Recognize and promptly report potentially unsafe construction conditions and significant structural or life-safety concerns; document findings; withhold approvals or initiate appropriate referrals or enforcement steps within assigned authority and departmental procedures.
• Documentation and records. Produce accurate, complete, timely, and understandable inspection reports, plan review comments, correction notices, and electronic records; maintain daily inspection and travel records in accordance with departmental practices.
• Public Service. Communicate effectively with customers via mail, email, phone, etc., to maintain proper public relations.
• Licensing credentials. Maintain required Michigan registrations or licenses and continuing education; remain knowledgeable about adopted codes, relevant laws, and department procedures.
• Departmental coordination. Follow lawful supervisory direction, coordinate with other inspectors and permit staff, attend necessary meetings or training, and perform other related duties assigned by the Department Head.

DESIRED BEHAVIORAL TRAITS

• Open-minded, level-headed, impartial, approachable, professional, dependable, attentive to detail, and capable of managing assigned work with appropriate independence while seeking guidance when necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of residential and commercial building codes, structural construction methods, materials, connections, life-safety provisions, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, engineering details, inspection findings, and code provisions accurately; identify inconsistencies and communicate necessary corrections.
• Ability to make sound, objective decisions, organize field and office workloads, maintain accurate records, and recognize when specialist evaluation or supervisory consultation is required.
• Effective verbal and written communication, conflict management, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to use permit-management software, computers, tablets, digital cameras, mobile phones, and related inspection tools.

PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work involves office-based plan reviews and field inspections at active construction sites. Duties may require walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, crouching, and accessing attics, crawl spaces, and other construction areas under varying weather conditions. Must be able to evaluate construction conditions, interpret plans, communicate findings, and maintain accurate records, with or without reasonable accommodation, while following established safety procedures.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of seven years of construction-industry experience, particularly in structural construction.
• A degree or certification in a construction-related field emphasizing structural construction may be considered.
• Four years of experience as a licensed or registered building inspector and plan reviewer from another state or Canada may be considered.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES REQUIRED

• A valid driver’s license.
• Must be registered to exam with the State of Michigan to pursue inspector and plan reviewer license within 30 days of hire, in compliance with PA 407 of 2016 (MCL 339.6001 – 339.6023) and The Skilled Trades Regulation Rules – Part 10.
• Successfully pass the State of Michigan license examinations in accordance with the requirements and expectations established by the Department Head.