Chief Plans Examiner

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Position Type

Full Time

CHIEF PLANS EXAMINER

STARTING SALARY : Minimum: $84,936 per year                    Maximum: $119,165 per year 
Pay will be reviewed per qualifications

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK :

This position is responsible for overseeing all plan review operations within the Building and Safety Department to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with state and local building codes for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The Chief Plans Examiner provides technical leadership, supervises plan review staff, and coordinates with developers, architects, engineers, and other departments to uphold safety, code integrity, and customer service standards. Reporting to the Assistant Building Official, this role manages division workflows and serves as the primary authority for complex plan reviews and technical code interpretation.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES : ( See online posting for complete job description)

• Oversees the plan review process and supervises Plan Review staff for residential, commercial, and industrial projects to ensure compliance with state and local codes and ordinances.
• Reviews complex and high-value project plans and specifications for structural, fire, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing code compliance.
• Coordinates plan review workflow and communication among Planning, Engineering, Fire, and other departments to ensure efficient interdepartmental review.
• Provides technical guidance and code interpretation to plan reviewers, inspectors, and external stakeholders.
• Conducts training and mentoring for plan review and inspection staff to ensure consistency, professional development, and compliance with best practices
• Communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners to explain code requirements and resolve discrepancies in submittals.
• Prepares and maintains plan review records, reports, and performance metrics to track accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Participates in the development and implementation of customer service standards, digital permitting processes, and procedural improvements.
• Serves as acting division lead on plan review matters when the Assistant Building Official is unavailable.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.

 

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING :

Up to one (1) year of specialized or technical training beyond high school and five (5) years of experience in plan review, building inspection, or a related construction/design field, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

 

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS :

• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Act 407 certifications for both  Plan   Review   and   Building Official .
• SESC Plan Review certification.

 

PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION :

Oral      100%

DURATION OF LIST :

This list will be in effect for a period of six months.

POST-EMPLOYMENT OFFER REQUIREMENTS :

• Satisfactory completion of background check (sex offender registry if applicable) and a pre-employment physical and drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act but not those legalized under Michigan law.

Company Description

City of Dearborn
Founded in 1786 and incorporated as a city in 1929, Dearborn, Michigan is the seventh-largest city in the state, and the second-largest city in Wayne County.

Dearborn is home to a thriving small business economy and also serves as the headquarters for major corporations, including Ford Motor Company, Carhartt, Hollingsworth, and Shatila Food Products. Thousands advance their education each year at The University of Michigan - Dearborn and Henry Ford College, which are based in Dearborn.

More than 100,000 residents call Dearborn home and benefit from the Dearborn Advantage, including:

Free K-14 education: Dearborn Public Schools students can earn their Associate's degree at no cost.
A young and growing population, with roughly 40% of the population 25 years and under, and one of the only growing populations in the state.
45 parks and 5 pools, with free pool entry for all kids 13 years of age and under.
Free books every month for all children 5 years and under.
Thriving small business environment and world-class culinary capital, with award-winning restaurants.
Once rooted in the auto industry and the birthplace of Henry Ford, Dearborn is the home of innovation and immigration, where families across the world came to build a life. It is home to a rich, vibrant, multicultural community, where over 30 percent of our population is foreign-born; where church bell towers stand next door to mosque minarets; and where you can eat the best paczki and shawarmas in the country.

Dearborn is a regional center for employment, healthcare services, higher education, international dining, and outstanding cultural and visitor attractions. Known for its rich cultural diversity and hospitality, Dearborn is where new beginnings meet lifelong opportunities. This is the Dearborn Advantage.

Company Description

City of Dearborn\r\nFounded in 1786 and incorporated as a city in 1929, Dearborn, Michigan is the seventh-largest city in the state, and the second-largest city in Wayne County. \r\n \r\n\r\nDearborn is home to a thriving small business economy and also serves as the headquarters for major corporations, including Ford Motor Company, Carhartt, Hollingsworth, and Shatila Food Products. Thousands advance their education each year at The University of Michigan - Dearborn and Henry Ford College, which are based in Dearborn. \r\n\r\n\r\nMore than 100,000 residents call Dearborn home and benefit from the Dearborn Advantage, including: \r\n\r\nFree K-14 education: Dearborn Public Schools students can earn their Associate's degree at no cost.\r\nA young and growing population, with roughly 40% of the population 25 years and under, and one of the only growing populations in the state.\r\n45 parks and 5 pools, with free pool entry for all kids 13 years of age and under.\r\nFree books every month for all children 5 years and under.\r\nThriving small business environment and world-class culinary capital, with award-winning restaurants.\r\nOnce rooted in the auto industry and the birthplace of Henry Ford, Dearborn is the home of innovation and immigration, where families across the world came to build a life. It is home to a rich, vibrant, multicultural community, where over 30 percent of our population is foreign-born; where church bell towers stand next door to mosque minarets; and where you can eat the best paczki and shawarmas in the country. \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDearborn is a regional center for employment, healthcare services, higher education, international dining, and outstanding cultural and visitor attractions. Known for its rich cultural diversity and hospitality, Dearborn is where new beginnings meet lifelong opportunities. This is the Dearborn Advantage.