Plans Examiner

Job Title

Act as a technical expert and perform and coordinate work involving the review and examination of building construction, improvement and repair plans and specifications for compliance with non-structural and structural requirements and applicable codes and regulations.

Examples of Duties

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Review and examine construction documents for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Confer with homeowners, business owners, builders, engineers and architects to give information and interpret building codes and regulations.
• Recommend necessary changes to obtain compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Review corrected plans for conformity with requirements.
• Make occasional onsite construction inspections to confirm that construction complies with approved plans and specifications. Initiate appropriate action to enforce code compliance.
• Prepare correspondence to architects, engineers, contractors and others related to the correction of plans and engineering detail.
• Advise building inspectors on structural and other building related problems arising in the field during construction.
• Coordinate construction plans examination processes with other City departments and units.
• Monitor changes and new legislation pertaining to assigned work. Investigate new materials and substitute materials and new methods of structural design. Recommend appropriate changes in the building codes and regulations.
• Perform public counter duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience: Equivalent to an Associate Degree in engineering, construction technology or a related field and two (2) years of experience equivalent to the City's class of Plans Examiner. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: •Current Driver's License. •Must possess and maintain ICBO or ICC Plans Examiner Certificate at time of application for the position. •Must possess and maintain an ICC Combination Plans Examiner Certificate or a Combination Inspector with Plans Examiner Certificate within one (1) year of hire. •Must obtain and maintain Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200 within six (6) months of hire and ICS 300 as soon as available. Required Knowledge and Skills: •Plans examination techniques and methods. •Techniques, materials and practices in the structural, plumbing, electrical and related construction fields. •Residential, commercial and industrial construction materials, methods and equipment. •Applicable codes, regulations and ordinances governing housing and building construction, rehabilitation and alteration, health, and safety and fire prevention. •Appropriate health and safety and fire prevention construction and building methods. •Perform detailed analysis and examination of building and construction designs, specifications and plans. •Apply fundamental engineering and architectural principles and techniques to the solution of residential, commercial and industrial construction problems and objectives. •Analyze and evaluate building plans, data and reports and reach sound conclusions. •Organize own work and set priorities. •Exercise sound, independent judgment with established guidelines. •Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials. •Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, City staff, agencies, homeowners, builders, engineering firms, contractors, developers, manufacturers and others. •Principles and practices of emergency management. •Assist with post emergency damage assessment. •Train others in work procedures. •Computer applications and software related to the work including Microsoft Office. •Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work. Supervision Received and Exercised: Under General Supervision - Incumbents at this level are given assignments and objectives that are governed by specifically outlined work methods and a sequence of steps, which are explained in general terms. The responsibility for achieving the work objectives, however, rests with a superior. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks are integrated into work processes and/or reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions Physical Demands & Working Environment: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; agility to traverse various terrains and construction sites; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone; ability to operate a motor vehicle and safely travel to a variety of offsite locations.

Supplemental Information

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
2. Any City employee may be required to stay at or return to work during emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during the incident and/or emergency.
3. Employees may be required to complete Incident Command System training as a condition of continuing employment.
4. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation and drug screen. The fee associated with the background check and drug test must be paid for by the employee prior to beginning employment. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug screen.
5. Carson City participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment with Carson City must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at
6. Carson City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.