Senior Plans Examiner

Mecklenburg County Government; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County Government, within the LUESA division, seeks a daily lead in plan review to manage submittals, approvals, and code compliance. You will work with architects and engineers on complex consultations, ensuring life safety and regulatory adherence while guiding project teams through the permitting process.

The role emphasizes leadership, education, and collaboration to uphold building standards and public safety in the county’s development projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of code related experience and/or six years in the design or construction industry.
• Knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and related codes.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead plan review and manage plan submittal and approvals process.
• Coordinate with staff, architects and engineers on complex consultations.
• Provide educational sessions for design professionals.
• Evaluate projects for life safety impacts and code compliance.
• Approve or reject documents using applicable codes, statutes and policy references.
• Contribute to code making processes and professional education.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field

Job description

Salary Range: $95,000 - $114,000

This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.

Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.

Position Summary

Act as a daily lead in plan review and management of plan submittal and approvals process. Work with staff and professional design community (architects and engineers) in handling more complex consultations in getting code and regulations for compliance, and evaluate and/or determination of life safety impacts to the design. This lead position is responsible for serving as a leader and is responsible for information sharing of code changes, oversight, delegation and implementation of projects/plans according to codes and regulations.

Essential Functions

• Resolve scheduling and code issues
• Handle customer complaints that have been escalated beyond the plans examiners on his/her team and consults with architects and engineers to determine the best method for moving the plans through the system
• Conduct educational sessions for design professionals
• Examine professional design documents to ascertain compliance with applicable building codes and assure public safety, health, and welfare of the community
• Approve or rejects documents utilizing supporting code, discipline, general statutes, and policy references
• Evaluate specific projects for time of review and processes applications for time estimates
• Execute final sign off and approval for construction design documents
• Provide consultation before, during and following plans examination; educates design professionals regarding policies, procedures, and codes; analyzes and suggests methods for design modifications
• Participate in code making processes; provides logic, consistency, clarity, and fairness in code changes, applications, and interpretations
• Contribute to department and industry safety objectives by actively participating in professional organization education, legislative, administrative, and code processes
• Make sure customer solutions, practices, and procedures are carried out and achieve their objectives
• Serve on committees, task forces, and other teams as requested

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of code related experience and/or six years in the design or construction industry.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

• Ability to obtain a NC Code Officials Board Standard Level III certificate in building within one year of hire
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License
• Requires County Driving Privileges

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer or Architecture
• Standard Level III Building Certification
• Licensure as a registered Architect or Engineer by the State Board of North Carolina

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of
  All applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and other related codes; Local and
  State ordinances and laws relative to building construction and zoning regulations
  Applicable rules, laws and regulations
  Basic principles and practices of engineering and architecture
  Building and construction materials and methods
  Practices and procedures related to code violations
  Mathematical principles
  Legislative processes
  Principles, practices and methods of building design
  Customer service principles
  Applying basic engineering and architectural concepts, practices, and theories involved in the
  design/development/review/permitting, construction, maintenance, operations, or repair
  of,projects/sites and safety impacts
  Proper permitting requirements for all project types

Skills

• Using computers and related software applications
• Providing customer service
• Performing mathematical calculations
• Reading and interpreting building plans, blue prints, documents, ordinances, and laws
• Conducting technical inspections
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports
• Assigning and monitoring workloads
• Conducting research
• Public relations

Abilities

• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups to engage the audience and help them understand and retain the information provided
• Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
• Managing Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
• Managing Work (includes Time Management): Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently
• Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise
• Delegating Responsibility: Allocating decision‑making authority and/or task responsibility to appropriate others to maximize the organization’s and individuals’ effectiveness

Computer Skills

Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise

Selection

This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.

No

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.