Plans Examiner I, II, or Senior Plans Examiner

About the role

This position serves as a technical skilled position working independently under the general direction of the Building Official. It reviews plans and associated documents to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code, local ordinances, state statutes, other related laws, rules, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Examines construction documents for compliance with applicable code in certified category (building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing), county ordinances, and related regulations as required.
• Approves or disapproves construction documents and communicates results to permit applicants or appropriate design professionals (architect, engineer, etc.).
• Determines reasons for disapproval of plans or specifications with the appropriate code section quoted for reference and notifies the applicant or design professional of the discrepancy.
• Provides technical assistance to property owners/public agencies; helps to understand and resolve complaints/problems that citizens may encounter; consults with others on results of inspections to get suggestions/recommendations for corrective action.
• Makes periodic field inspections involving unusual situations and on a periodic basis for input.
• Acts as a project coordinator for selective projects requiring technical and administrative handling through the plan review process.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Plans Examiner I: High school diploma or GED supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years of documented experience in construction (journeyman level, superintendent, project manager (or equivalent), inspection, or plans examination; or an associate degree in engineering, building technology, or a related field. An associate’s degree may be considered as satisfying up to two (2) years of the required experience. A contractor’s license may be considered as satisfying up to two (2) years of experience.
• Plans Examiner II: High school diploma or GED supplemented by a minimum of seven (7) years of documented experience in construction (journeyman level, superintendent, project manager, or equivalent), inspection, or plans examination; or an associate degree in engineering, building technology, or a related field. An associate’s degree may be considered as satisfying up to two (2) years of the required experience. A contractor’s license may be considered as satisfying up to two (2) years of experience.
• Senior Plans Examiner: High school diploma or GED supplemented by a minimum of seven (7) years of documented, combined experience in construction, inspections, and plans examination. This experience may include work at the journeyman level, as a superintendent, project manager, or in an equivalent role, and must include at least two (2) years specifically in inspection and plans examination. An associate’s degree in engineering, building technology, or a related field may be considered as satisfying up to two (2) years of the required experience. A contractor’s license may be considered as satisfying up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Qualifications

• Plans Examiner I: Must possess or have the ability to meet the qualifications of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a Provisional Plans Examiner Certification in at least one (1) primary discipline (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.). Must obtain Standard Certification within 1 year of hire. Florida DBPR-approved license preferred. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Plans Examiner II: Must possess a minimum of two (2) State Standard Plans Examiner certifications in primary disciplines. One (1) provisional license in any plans examiner discipline may qualify toward this requirement; however, the provisional certification must be converted to State Standard certifications within six (6) months of hire or promotion. For the purpose of this position, a Residential Plans Examiner license shall be considered a State Standard certification. A Certified Building Official (CBO) license may be substituted for up to one (1) required Plans Examiner certification. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Senior Plans Examiner: Must possess a minimum of four (4) State Standard Plans Examiner certifications in primary disciplines. One (1) provisional license in any plans examiner discipline may qualify this requirement; however, provisional certification must be converted to State Standard certifications within six (6) months of hire or promotion. For the purpose of this position, a Residential Plans Examiner license shall be considered a State Standard certification. A Certified Building Official (CBO) license may be substituted for up to one (1) required Plans Examiner certification. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

Skills

• Knowledge of the county, state, and federal building codes, and interpretation of the codes.
• Ability to communicate code requirement deficiencies tactfully to contractors, builders, and owners.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans in order to determine if the proposed construction documents meet the required codes and standards.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to maintain a friendly demeanor.
• Ability to resolve conflicts in a diplomatic manner.
• Knowledge and ability to use multiple computer programs.
• Typing/keyboard skills.

Benefits

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position. Employees in positions budgeted for 30+ hours per week are eligible for full-time benefits. Please review our benefits handbook at Our Benefits.