Plans Examiner I, II, III

Polk County•Bartow, FL

10h•$33 - $55•Hybrid

About The Position

The Building Division is seeking to fill one position for a Plans Examiner I, II, or III. This role is crucial for safeguarding code adherence and public safety by performing detailed construction plan reviews to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code, local ordinances, and applicable standards. The position involves assessing construction plans for building projects, identifying violations, and ensuring they are addressed before plan approval. The Plans Examiner will also verify that all required outside agency approvals are obtained, provide in-field consultations, and assist inspectors with plan-related issues. Clear and professional communication with applicants regarding deficiencies is essential. The role requires collaboration with inspectors, other county departments, and external agencies to provide coordinated customer support, and may involve offering code-compliant alternatives. The position also includes calculating fees, preparing documentation, updating records, and performing field inspections as needed, especially during high workload periods. Additionally, the Plans Examiner will assist with damage assessment duties for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the building construction profession or trades.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida Driver’s License at the time of employment.
Strong understanding of building construction practices, codes, and regulations.
Ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings and technical specifications.
Knowledge of building industry standards, materials, and methods.
Proficient in permitting and plans review software, and ability to learn specialized programs for electronic plan submission and inspections.
Skilled in using standard office equipment (e.g., computers, printers, scanners) and mobile technology (e.g., laptops, GPS devices, mobile printers).
Competent in basic software applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.
Professional verbal and written communication skills for interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
Capable of writing clear reports and documenting findings accurately.
High level of judgment and decision-making in code evaluation scenarios.
Able to prioritize tasks effectively during periods of high construction activity.
Physically able to perform duties in various environmental conditions and travel to multiple sites as needed.
Meets physical requirements, including color vision, auditory capability, eye-hand coordination, and mobility for field inspections.
Must possess a Standard or Provisional license as a Building Plans Examiner from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for Plans Examiner I.
Must hold a Standard or Provisional license as a Residential Plans Examiner, along with two (2) additional Standard or Provisional Plans Examiner licenses in any of the following: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, or Commercial Electrical—issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for Plans Examiner II.
Must hold a Standard Plans Examiner license in Residential, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Commercial Electrical, issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for Plans Examiner III.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) is preferred.
Polk County may give special consideration to applicants licensed in high-demand specialty trades.

Responsibilities

Conducts initial and follow-up technical reviews of construction plans for compliance with adopted building codes and standards.
Interprets and applies the Florida Building Code and other relevant codes and ordinances.
Identifies code violations and ensures they are addressed prior to plan approval.
Verifies that all required outside agency approvals are obtained before final plan approval.
Provides in-field consultations and assists inspectors with plan-related issues.
Communicates clearly and professionally with applicants regarding deficiencies or required corrections in submitted plans.
Collaborates with inspectors, other county departments, and external agencies to provide coordinated customer support.
Offers code-compliant alternatives when available, to assist customers in meeting requirements.
Calculates applicable fees and prepares letters, reports, and documentation as required.
Updates permit and plan records in appropriate systems.
Performs field inspections as needed, especially during periods of high workload.
Assists with damage assessment duties for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations.