Plans Examiner

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

This position reviews and ensures compliance and accuracy through technical review of construction plans and proposals (both residential and commercial) for compliance with numerous complex, technical and administrative codes and rules including all building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, accessibility codes, and city ordinance/standards for life safety and structural components. Employees must skillfully interpret and apply regulations in accordance with both literal meaning and intent. The position requires the analysis of technical requirements or conditions for discrepancies or conflicts.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. The essential functions listed below are only intended as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar and/or a logical assignment to the classification. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.

• Provides technical review of plans and specifications for compliance with international building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and accessibility codes; evaluates proposed plans and specifications for both residential and commercial structures to ensure compliance with general construction standards, excavation and grading, wind gravity and earthquake resistance, foundation systems, concrete, steel and wood framing systems, roof systems, water distribution, sewer and drainage systems, gas piping, mechanical heating, ventilating and air conditioning, combustion air and energy conservation standards.
• Provides technical support for staff and general public, assisting in code related issues; assists in code research and interpretation, provides verbal and written communication and reports, site visits and field investigations, attends public and staff meetings and provides comments on preliminary advisory review; recommends acceptable alternatives and resolves conflicts within the scope of individual authority
• Performs field inspections for commercial and residential projects as a backup to the Building Inspectors and to verify that the work of contractors is proceeding in accordance with applicable codes and that special inspections are being performed when required.
• Responds to public inquiries on construction related matters and permit process procedures in a courteous manner.
• Performs research on codes and ordinances as assigned for the purpose of recommending changes
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Building Official and the Community Development Director

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Two (2) year of training in building methods and practices related to commercial, industrial and residential structures provided through technical college, professional workshops or university studies
• Three (3) years of responsible experience performing above or related duties

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Utah CDL class B Driver's License with driving record free of serious or frequent violations
• Certification as a combination Inspector by the ICC
• Certification as a Plans Examiner by the ICC

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of building construction materials and design which includes wood frame, concrete, structural steel, and masonry design.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction codes and techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, applying knowledge of framing systems and construction detailing in relation to codes and ordinances.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems and organize work within limited time constraints.
• Ability to apply knowledge of design techniques to design and plan for City needs and requirements.
• Ability to establish and enforce minimum standards for permit applications, drawing and documents.
• Ability to provide explanations of complex and legally important governmental codes and regulations to the general public, professionals, and other agencies.
• Ability to use computerized systems for plan review and permit management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise written reports, correspondence and informational bulletins.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with builders, developers, other staff, public officials, and the general public

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions-including but not limited to the job functions, qualifications, and competencies listed herein-of this job in the working conditions below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical demands and work environment include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 80 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office and moderately loud when in the field.
• Work may periodically require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• Daily travel required in normal course of job performance
• The employee may be required to work in outside weather conditions, in wet and/or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, near moving mechanical parts, near fumes, airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals, confined space, or with or near machinery and electricity containing a risk of electrical shock of 120v, 240v, 480v and/or vibration.
• Stress associated with deadlines and working with the general public

Compensation and Benefits

Wage Range

The full salary range is as follows, please note hiring will normally occur at the Minimum of the range and will not exceed the Midpoint of the range:

Minimum - $34.47hr. Midpoint - $41.36hr. Maximum - $48.25/hr.

Benefits

The City offers a competitive benefits package including several health insurance options (one of which has a $0.00 employee premium payroll deduction with Wellness program participation), dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurances, an EAP (including mental health short-term counseling services) for the whole family, a free Teledoc program for the whole family, monetary incentives for wellness program participation, and a HSA (health savings account) with an Employer match. The City also offers the employee the option to elect to add on Vision, Accident, Hospital, Critical Illness, additional Life Insurance coverage and FSAs (flexible spending accounts).

The City participates in the Utah Public Retirement System (pension). In addition, the City does not participate in Social Security so no Social Security taxes are deducted from your paycheck. In lieu of the City's Social Security contributions, the City contributes 6.2% of salary into a 401(k) retirement plan.

Leave time benefits include 120 hours of paid time off (PTO) accrued annually, 40 hours of short-term medical accrued annually, and 11 holidays annually.

Closing Date:

Open until filled; applications received before Monday, June 8th, 2026, will be reviewed on, or close to, that date. Any applications received on June 8th, 2026, or after will be held; they will be reviewed if subsequent review(s) of applications are deemed necessary.

Disclaimer

SUSPENSION OF PROCESS, ETC.:
The City reserves the right to reject any and all applicants, to waive any requirement set forth in this announcement, and to hire anyone as the City Manager or designee deems to be in the City's best interest, all subject to legal requirements. Any application in response to this announcement is at the applicant's sole risk and expense. Although the City anticipates hiring one of the applicants responding to this announcement, there is no guarantee that any responding applicant will be hired.

Saratoga Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTES:

• The City will provide reasonable accommodations as needed

Application Instructions

The City of Saratoga only accepts applications using our on-line application available at -ut.gov. All candidates are required to submit an online application. Please attach any supporting documentation to your online applications, such as cover letters, resumes, or proof of certifications. Please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or View phone number on ziprecruiter.com if you have any questions.