Commercial Plans Examiner

Goochland County • Goochland, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Goochland County’s Department of Building Inspection is seeking a Commercial Plans Examiner. Under limited supervision, this position examines commercial building plans for compliance with applicable building, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, fire sprinkler, fire alarm, energy conservation, handicap accessibility, and other related codes and reference standards within the employee’s area of certification. The examiner communicates code deficiencies and requirements to applicants, design professionals, and contractors; interprets drawings and supporting documentation; provides technical assistance to inspection staff; and performs commercial field inspections and related duties as needed.

The role involves reviewing complex plans and third-party inspection reports, researching code questions, communicating plan review decisions, and using an electronic permitting system. The position may occasionally serve as an after-hours emergency on-call representative and attend pre-construction meetings. Work takes place in an indoor office setting and outdoor commercial environments.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a construction, building, or engineering technology field and at least three years of commercial plan review experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Certification as a Commercial Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Inspector is required within 18 months of employment.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license and good driving record.
• Thorough working knowledge of relevant building, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, fire sprinkler, fire alarm, energy conservation, handicap accessibility, and related codes and reference standards.
• Thorough working knowledge of construction industry principles and practices.
• Knowledge and skills in conducting complete and thorough building and associated-trade field inspections for code compliance.
• Knowledge of construction and related materials and tools.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Skill using office equipment, personal computers, and related software.
• Skill reading and interpreting blueprints, specifications, codes, and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain County vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to complete emergency preparedness and incident management training courses as directed or requested.
• Ability to complete mandatory pre-employment drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• Certification as a Master Code Professional.

Responsibilities

• Review complex plans for compliance with applicable building, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, fire sprinkler, fire alarm, energy conservation, handicap accessibility, and related codes and reference standards.
• Explain plan review comments, code requirements, and inspection results in person and by phone.
• Research codes to determine whether submitted plans should be approved, particularly for unusual installations or construction applications.
• Review third-party inspection reports for accuracy, code compliance, and recurring deficiencies that should be brought to inspection staff’s attention.
• Provide clear, concise correspondence explaining why a plan review was disapproved.
• Review new and required plans in the electronic permitting software system.
• Review new construction materials and methods and attend training on new codes and inspection regulations.
• Perform commercial inspections across trades as needed, with appropriate certifications.
• Occasionally serve after hours as an emergency on-call representative for the Building Inspection Department in response to requests from the Fire/Rescue Department or Sheriff’s Office.
• Represent the Building Inspection Department at pre-construction meetings as requested.
• Provide technical assistance to inspection staff and assist the Building Official or Deputy Building Official as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• County benefits, including contributions to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
• 14 paid annual holidays.
• Career development plan with opportunities for professional advancement.
• Uniforms, including work shirts, work pants, and outerwear.
• Safety shoes and optional head cover.
• Personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment necessary for field inspections.
• Payment of first and last certification fees associated with required DHCD certifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree