Plans Examiner Specialist

About the role

The Plans Examiner Specialist position within New Hanover County's Building Safety Department reviews submitted construction plans to verify compliance with the technical building codes. This role also involves reviewing contractor licenses, interpreting applicable local construction ordinances, and inspecting new and existing residential and commercial structures to ensure compliance with applicable standards, laws, and ordinances. Additionally, the Specialist maintains accurate records of inspections and plan reviews performed and verifies state licensing requirements for engineers, architects, and contractors. The position serves as an SME for customers and field staff, mentors plan reviewers, and assists with training and researching codes to respond to inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Reviews submitted construction plans to verify compliance with the technical building codes.
• Interprets applicable local construction ordinances.
• Inspects new and existing residential and commercial structures to ensure compliance with applicable standards, laws, and ordinances.
• Maintains accurate records of inspections and plan reviews performed.
• Verifies state licensing requirements for engineers, architects, and contractors.
• Serves as an SME for customers and field staff.
• Mentors plan reviewers.
• Affords assistance with training and researching codes to respond to inquiries.
• Affords assistance with field inspections, when needed, to ensure customer service and satisfaction.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience in residential and commercial plans review and the ability to obtain Code Enforcement Certifications as specified below.
• Level III certification in Electrical and a Level II certification in another trade area.
• Must have computer skills sufficient to perform inspections and enter field data by using iPads and iPhones to perform inspections remotely and communicate with customers, peers, supervisor, and fellow-employees.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• Must have a Level III certification in Electrical and a Level II certification in another trade area.
• Applicants selected with Probationary level certifications must obtain Standard level certifications within the time frame allowed by the issuing authority.

Qualifications

• Required Education and Experience: Three (3) years of experience in residential and commercial plans review and the ability to obtain Code Enforcement Certifications as specified below.
• Level III certification in Electrical and a Level II certification in another trade area.
• Must have computer skills sufficient to perform inspections and enter field data by using iPads, and using iPhones to perform inspections remotely and communicate with customers, peers, supervisor, and fellow-employees.

Other Information

• Closing Date: This position is posted continuously until filled with a priority application date of Monday, July 20, 2026.
• Applicant Information: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
• Submitted applications must include copies of any certifications earned from the NC Qualification Board.

Benefits

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!