Plans Examiner
Apply NowCompany: City of Gaithersburg, MD
Location: Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Description:
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2025-00998
Department: Planning & Code Administration
Division: Permits & Inspections (1196)
Opening Date: 03/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The in the City of Gaithersburg is searching for an experienced Plans Examiner to utilize professional and technical expertise to conduct complex reviews of detailed commercial, residential, and/or land development architectural plans, drawings, specifications, and diagrams to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, codes, and standards.
As a Plans Examiner, you will assist Department staff with interpreting and enforcing codes; utilize electronic plan review and permitting computer software to review and approve plans for compliance with applicable codes; and issue permits and identify and provide comments as conditions of permit issuance. You will work closely with the City's Building Permits Manager and other Division, Department, and City staff to provide seamless, reliable, and timely customer service while ensuring compliance and success for many projects that positively benefit the Gaithersburg community.
The ideal candidate will have experience reviewing a variety of plans and must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making to ensure all new construction, renovation, and improvements comply with applicable City regulations, codes, and standards. You must be collaborative and solution-oriented, a clear communicator, and customer service focused, as you will serve as a primary contact in the plan review and permitting process, regularly meeting with applicants, design professionals, and other stakeholders to interpret regulations and provide advice, guidance, and assistance throughout the plan review and permitting process to ensure that construction design meets code and standards.
Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the target hiring range ($90,000 to $102,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please to view the complete classification description for the Plans Examiner position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for a position in Grade 112 in the City's FY 2025 Schedule of Salary Ranges.
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
Additional Information
Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). The position can accommodate limited remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. the City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post-accident and random testing.
For more information about the position, please contact Building Permits Manager Greg Fulmer at or 240-805-1032. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or 301.258.6327.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
HEALTH BENEFITS
(pdf)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
02
Indicate the highest level of education obtained.
03
Do you have at least 5 years of professional experience in engineering, architecture, or building plans review and/or performing building inspections?
04
Do you currently hold a Residential Plans Examiner Certification through the ICC or an equivalent certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency?
05
Do you currently hold a Building Plans Examiner Certification through the ICC or an equivalent certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency?
06
Please check the Certifications that you currently hold (check all that apply).
07
List any other relevant current professional certifications, licenses, or other credentials that you possess.
08
List any relevant courses or other training that you have completed. Include date of completion.
09
List any electronic plan review and permitting computer software (used to issue permits and provide comments as conditions of permit issuance) that you have used within the last 3 years. If none, please state "None."
10
How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
Required Question
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2025-00998
Department: Planning & Code Administration
Division: Permits & Inspections (1196)
Opening Date: 03/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The in the City of Gaithersburg is searching for an experienced Plans Examiner to utilize professional and technical expertise to conduct complex reviews of detailed commercial, residential, and/or land development architectural plans, drawings, specifications, and diagrams to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, codes, and standards.
As a Plans Examiner, you will assist Department staff with interpreting and enforcing codes; utilize electronic plan review and permitting computer software to review and approve plans for compliance with applicable codes; and issue permits and identify and provide comments as conditions of permit issuance. You will work closely with the City's Building Permits Manager and other Division, Department, and City staff to provide seamless, reliable, and timely customer service while ensuring compliance and success for many projects that positively benefit the Gaithersburg community.
The ideal candidate will have experience reviewing a variety of plans and must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making to ensure all new construction, renovation, and improvements comply with applicable City regulations, codes, and standards. You must be collaborative and solution-oriented, a clear communicator, and customer service focused, as you will serve as a primary contact in the plan review and permitting process, regularly meeting with applicants, design professionals, and other stakeholders to interpret regulations and provide advice, guidance, and assistance throughout the plan review and permitting process to ensure that construction design meets code and standards.
Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the target hiring range ($90,000 to $102,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
- Perform commercial, residential, and industrial plan reviews for conformance with standards and compliance with applicable codes; approve plans and identify conditions of approval; issue permits; prepare and maintain appropriate records and files.
- Assist with coordinating the plan review process, including reviews by other departments, divisions, or agencies; monitor progress and status and help ensure projects move forward in a timely manner and deadlines are adhered to.
- Respond to inquiries; provide advice and guidance to project design professionals and the public.
- Confer and work daily with contractors, architects, engineers, owners, developers, and other stakeholders on proposed projects; identify code deficiencies and solution options to correct deficiencies or inadequacies found; secure compliance with approved plans and permits.
- Represent the City at preliminary design meetings with contractors, architects, and homeowners.
- Apply technical and professional expertise to development projects and associated personnel.
- Provide code interpretation analysis and guidance to inspection personnel and external contractors.
- Perform mathematical and engineering calculations relating to the review of construction plans and architectural drawings.
- Maintain files on all review comments initiated from City staff on the electronic review of construction plans.
- Enforce national and local building codes, accessibility codes, life safety codes, national standards, and conformance with structural code requirements.
- May perform field inspections to determine code compliance and proper installation and construction; advise code inspectors of unusual design, construction, or installation problems.
- Assist with the development of City code amendments, division guidance documents, and maintenance of division policy and procedures.
- Provide excellent service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please to view the complete classification description for the Plans Examiner position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for a position in Grade 112 in the City's FY 2025 Schedule of Salary Ranges.
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
- Bachelor's degree in architecture, civil or structural engineering, or closely related field; equivalent experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in engineering, architecture, or building plans review and/or performing building inspections.
- Demonstrated ability to read, understand, and interpret complex construction drawings and specifications as they apply to all types of construction applications.
- Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience utilizing electronic plan review and permitting computer software a plus.
- Valid driver's license and safe driving record (required).
- Residential Plans Examiner and Building Plans Examiner Certifications through the International Code Council (ICC) or accepted equivalent agency required within 18 months of hire as a condition of employment.
- Possession of these certifications is preferred: ICC Commercial Electrical Plans Examiner; ICC Commercial Energy Plans Examiner; ICC Commercial Mechanical Plans Examiner; ICC Accessibility Inspector and Plans Examiner.
- Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.
Additional Information
Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
- A complete online application
- Current resume (attached to the online application)
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). The position can accommodate limited remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. the City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post-accident and random testing.
For more information about the position, please contact Building Permits Manager Greg Fulmer at or 240-805-1032. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or 301.258.6327.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier
- Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family)
- Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)
- CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Wellness Initiatives
- Sun Life Indemnity Plan
- Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings
- Basic or Enhanced Plans offered
- National Vision Administrators
- Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings
- Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire
- 401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
- 401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
- 401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
- 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)
- Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
- Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
- Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
- Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
- Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually)
- Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed)
- Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
- Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
- Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
- Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
- Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
- Employee Assistance Program
- First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
- Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
- Credit Union
- Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
- Direct Deposit (required)
(pdf)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
- Yes
- No
02
Indicate the highest level of education obtained.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College (No Degree)
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- None of the above
03
Do you have at least 5 years of professional experience in engineering, architecture, or building plans review and/or performing building inspections?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you currently hold a Residential Plans Examiner Certification through the ICC or an equivalent certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency?
- Yes
- No
- In Process
05
Do you currently hold a Building Plans Examiner Certification through the ICC or an equivalent certification from a nationally recognized certifying agency?
- Yes
- No
- In Process
06
Please check the Certifications that you currently hold (check all that apply).
- ICC Commercial Electrical Plans Examiner
- ICC Commercial Energy Plans Examiner
- ICC Commercial Mechanical Plans Examiner
- ICC Accessibility Inspector and Plans Examiner
07
List any other relevant current professional certifications, licenses, or other credentials that you possess.
08
List any relevant courses or other training that you have completed. Include date of completion.
09
List any electronic plan review and permitting computer software (used to issue permits and provide comments as conditions of permit issuance) that you have used within the last 3 years. If none, please state "None."
10
How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
- City of Gaithersburg Website
- Job Interest Card Notification
- Indeed
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Other Website
- Social Media
- Friend or Relative
- I am currently a City employee
- Other
Required Question