Plans Examiner I, II, III, IV, or V

Full Job Description

Job Description
The Plans Examiner positions are assigned to the Building Division of the Department of Planning and Development. The positions advise contractors, government agencies, and citizens with the interpretation of applicable ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations regarding fire codes. These positions are responsible for the review and authorization of plans, permits, and other associated documents to ensure life safety and building code compliance. In addition, this position may assist in the review of building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes; prepare reports and coordinate the hold and release of permits.

Essential Duties

• Reviews building and site construction plans for compliance with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire, life safety, accessibility, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, civil, utility, and other regulations
• Reviews engineering calculations for building and site construction systems and structures
• Assists and responds to design professionals, contractors, developers, other government agencies, and the general public on interpreting ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations
• Conducts research regarding zoning conditions and administrative questions
• Enters plan and permit data and coordinates related activities with co-workers
• Determines appropriate construction permit fees
• Performs on-site inspections of commercial and residential construction projects for code compliance as needed.
• Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment, promoting a culture of teamwork and communication, and supports organizational values
• Assists in the implementation of new policies, procedures, and ordinances

Additional Essential Duties for IV and V

• Serves as lead plan examiner responsible for training and mentoring team members and resolving highly complex issues related to plan review and associated policies and procedures
• Assists the manager with monitoring the plan review and construction permit issuance process
• Assists the manager with determining and assigning staff work schedules and tasks
• Serves as a lead to staff to include assigning and monitoring work progress and advising on the interpretation and application of ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations
• Serves as a specialist in the area of plan review and approves final building, civil, and fire protection system plans for compliance with applicable ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and other engineering principles
• Consults and assists contractors, engineers, attorneys, other government agencies, and the general public on interpreting codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and resolves related problems
• Reviews plans for compliance with fire, life safety, and accessibility
• Assists and responds to design professionals, contractors, developers, other government agencies, and the public on interpreting ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations
• Conducts research regarding zoning conditions and administrative questions
• Enters plan and permit data and coordinates related activities with co-workers
• Determines appropriate construction permit fees

Minimum Qualifications
Plans Examiner I - Grade C41(1)

• Associate’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology OR
• Two years of plans examiner experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Valid Driver's License from state of residency.
• Must successfully obtain one (1) Certification related to the area of assignment within twelve (12) months of hiring which includes an International Code Council (ICC), Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or Georgia Public Training Center (GPSTC) Certification within twelve (12) months of hiring.

Plans Examiner II - Grade C42(1)

• Associate’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology AND
• One year of plans examiner experience OR
• Three years of plans examiner experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Valid Driver's License from state of residency.
• Must successfully obtain two (2) International Code Council (ICC), Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or Georgia Public Training Center (GPSTC) Certification within twelve (12) months of hiring.

Plans Examiner III - Grade C43(1)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology, or closely related field OR
• Four years of plans examiner experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Valid Driver's License from state of residency.
• Must successfully obtain two (2) International Code Council (ICC), Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or Georgia Public Training Center (GPSTC) Certification related to the area of assignment within twelve (12) months of hiring.

Plans Examiner IV - Grade C44(1)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology, or closely related field AND
• One year of plans examiner experience OR
• Five years of plans examiner experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Valid Driver's License from state of residency.
• Must successfully obtain International Code Council (ICC), Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or Georgia Public Training Center (GPSTC) Certifications within twelve (12) months of hiring.

Plans Examiner V - Grade 104

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology, or closely related field AND
• Five years of plans examiner experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Valid Driver's License from state of residency.
• Must be a licensed professional engineer, architect, or interior designer or successfully obtain the International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Plans Examiner Certification within twelve (12) months of hiring

Knowledge and Skills

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Design layouts and details.
• Drafting and plan review principles and procedures.
• Construction materials and application principles.
• Customer service principles.
• Construction and engineering principles, standards, and practices.
• Reviewing building and site plans for codes and regulations compliance for architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire, life safety, sprinkler, fire alarm, Hazmat, and accessibility.
• Using a computer and applicable software applications.
• Perform reviews in a timely manner to maintain established cycle times.
• Maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Prioritizing and assigning work.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing to convey information to others.
• Exercise judgment in responding to and resolving issues with customers concerning construction plans, inspections, code compliance, and public records.
• Work accurately under pressure and time constraints.
• Deal tactfully and fairly with the public, including resolving issues that arise.

Physical Requirements

• Talking, hearing, and seeing.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.


Effective 4/11/2023, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.

For information related to position-specific essential duties, knowledge and skills, and physical requirements, please see below

• Plans Examiner I

• Plans Examiner II

• Plans Examiner III

• Plans Examiner IV

• Plans Examiner V


Note: The class specifications listed on this website are not the official class specifications for Gwinnett County and are subject to change.
For more information about this department, please click here.

Qualifications

About Gwinnett County




Welcome to Gwinnett County Government

Gwinnett County Government is an award-winning employer that believes in investing in its employees by providing corporate level benefits, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, career advancement, and more

Careers with impact

Gwinnett County sets the standard as a dynamic, vibrant community where all people can enjoy economic opportunities, safe neighborhoods, plentiful greenspace, and recreational facilities.

We are committed to hiring those who share our dedication to making life better for our residents and business owners.

The culture of superior service that our employees have created reflects that standard and helps staff, residents, and stakeholders remain vibrantly connected.

Exceptional benefits

Working for Gwinnett County comes with exceptional benefits, including health coverage, a robust wellness program (Spouses can participate, too!), onsite employee wellness center, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, and more.

The value of Gwinnett County benefits can be up to 49 percent of an individual’s total compensation.

World-class community

More than a million residents make up Gwinnett’s diverse community. The County is located just 45 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Georgia Highway 316 reduces travel time to the University of Georgia to 25 minutes.

Gwinnett County is an award-winning employer!

• Atlanta’s Healthiest Employer by Atlanta Business Chronicle
• Green Communities Platinum Certification for Gwinnett County from the Atlanta Regional Commission
• Top 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America by Springbuk and PR NewsWire and more!

VisionGwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives! MissionGwinnett proudly supports our vibrantly connected community by delivering superior services.

ValuesIntegrity: We believe in being honest, building trust, and having strong moral principles.Accountability: We believe in stewardship, transparency, and sustainability.Equity: We believe in fairness and respect for all.Inclusivity: We believe in engaging, embracing, and unifying our communities.Innovation: We believe in continual adaptation of technology, process, and experience.

Hiring ProcessGwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding our hiring process, please click the links below:

• Hiring Process
• FAQs

Gwinnett County is committed to creating a diverse workforce.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy), disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law.