UCC Building Plans Examiner Trainee

Salary: $45,907.00 - $69,203.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-50450-12040
Department: Department of Labor & Industry
Division: LI BOIS UCC Pln Rvw Div
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 12040
Position Number: 00128856
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: G1
Pay Group: ST05
Bureau / Division Code: 00124565
Worksite Address: 651 Boas Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17121
Contact Name: Abbie Moist
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety, Uniform Construction Code Plan Review Division


THE POSITION
Do you want to begin a meaningful public service career and expand your technical experience with Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Laws and Regulations and plan review of commercial buildings? Learn what it takes to achieve your goals in this UCC Buildings Plan Examiner Trainee program with the Department of Labor & Industry's Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety, UCC Plan Review Division.
This opportunity provides training, guidance, and steady growth that builds on your current experience in commercial, industrial, or other public use building construction, design, or inspection work which involved the application of state building code laws and regulations. If you are ready to join a team that supports communities across Pennsylvania by helping to ensure safe and accessible structures for everyone, we invite you to apply.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this UCC Building Plans Examiner Trainee position, you will learn and assist with examining architectural plans and specifications for compliance with applicable laws and regulations that protect public health, safety, and general welfare. This also involves assisting with the review and interpretation of these laws and regulations, project research, and public communications. Your duties in this role will include the following:

• Plan Review: Assist with review and approval of architectural plans for compliance with applicable building, fire safety, accessibility, energy, and other regulatory requirements
• Hands-On Training: Learn to recommend modifications for applicants' plans to achieve compliance; determine the validity of written complaints; and assist in the explanation and interpretation of laws, regulations, and Bureau procedures
• Project Research: Assist with research assignments and special projects that support the Division's work
• Communication Assistance: Answer telephone inquiries from building owners, architects, engineers, building tenants, and other professionals regarding regulations, appeals, and Bureau procedures; prepare responses to written correspondence similar to telephone calls; and attend meetings
• Documentation: Update computer records of the bureau's file and order tracking system to ensure all documentation is accurate and organized

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience in commercial, industrial or other public use building construction, design or inspection work which involved the application of state building code laws and regulations.

Post Employment Requirements:

• You must obtain a valid certification issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as an Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner within the probationary period.
• All positions in this job also require one of the following valid certifications issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, within the probationary period: Building Plans Examiner, Electrical Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, or Energy Plans Examiner.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01


Do you possess two or more years of full-time experience in commercial, industrial, or other public use building construction, design, or inspection work which involved the application of state building code laws and regulations?

• Yes
• No

02


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03


You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

• Yes

04



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - READ AND INTERPRET INFORMATION Reads and interprets blueprints, construction documents, or plan specifications to construct projects involving building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction documents, or plan specifications to construct projects involving FIVE OR SIX of the following building components: building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
• B. I have experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction documents, or plan specifications to construct projects involving THREE OR FOUR of the following building components: building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
• C. I have experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction documents, or plan specifications to construct projects involving ONE OR TWO of the following building components: building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
• D. I have NO experience regarding this work behavior.

05


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this Work Behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The building components for which you read blueprints, construction documents, or plan specifications.
3. You level of responsibility.

06



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Provides technical assistance by explaining building code laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to others including architects, contractors, property owners, etc.
Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance by explaining BUILDING CODE laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to others regarding building construction.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance by explaining laws, regulations, policies, and procedures NOT related to building construction.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to sociology, education, or public relations.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework regarding this work behavior.

07


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this Work Behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures you explained and to whom you explained it.
3. Your level of responsibility.

08


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DETERMINES COMPLIANCE Makes preliminary determinations for compliance/non-compliance of building code laws, through the review of blueprints, construction documents, and plan specifications, regarding building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience making preliminary determinations for compliance/non-compliance of code laws, through the review of blueprints, construction documents, and plan specifications, regarding FIVE OR SIX of the following building components: building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
• B. I have experience making preliminary determinations for compliance/non-compliance of code laws, through the review of blueprints, construction documents, and plan specifications, regarding THREE OR FOUR of the following building components: building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
• C. I have experience making preliminary determinations for compliance/non-compliance of code laws, through the review of blueprints, construction documents, and plan specifications, regarding ONE OR TWO of the following building components: building accessibility (for persons with physical disabilities), fire safety (fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke control), energy conservation (insulation, fenestrations, energy efficiency, etc.), electrical, mechanical, or plumbing.
• D. I have NO experience regarding this work behavior.

10


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this Work Behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of preliminary determinations you made for compliance/non-compliance.
3. The building components involved in your compliance determinations.
4. Your level of responsibility.

11



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - RECOMMENDATIONS Makes recommendations to others on construction modifications in order to comply with design or construction documents.
Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience making recommendations DIRECTLY TO OTHERS such as architects, contractors, property owners, etc. on construction modifications in order to comply with design or construction documents.
• B. I have experience making recommendations TO MY SUPERVISOR on construction modifications in order to comply with design or construction documents.
• C. I have NO experience regarding this work behavior.

12


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this Work Behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this Work Behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of recommendations you made and to whom you made them.

Required Question