Plan Reviewer - Commercial Building Construction (Permitting Services Specialist)
Apply NowCompany: Montgomery County, MD
Location: Silver Spring, MD 20902
Description:
Salary : $84,694.00 - $136,188.00 Annually
Location : 2425 Reedie Dr Wheaton MD 20902 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00204
Department: Department of Permitting Services
Division: DPS 75 Commercial Bldg/LS/Access/FPS
Opening Date: 03/27/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position
WHO WE ARE
Safety, sustainability, and economic development are the hallmarks of the Montgomery County (DPS). The department issues approximately 40,000 building permits a year and conducts thousands of inspections by local code officials. With a staff of about 240 employees, DPS' five divisions include: Commercial Building Construction; Customer Support and Outreach; Land Development; Residential Construction and Fire Code Compliance; and Zoning and Code Compliance. From its award-winning programs to providing excellent customer service in the office and in the field, DPS's commitment to its customers is summed up by its tagline: "Your Project Partner."
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department is seeking a (Plan Reviewer - Architectural, Life Safety & Fire Protection) to join the Commercial Building Construction Division. An individual with the technical knowledge, experience, and professional skillset to ensure public safety through the effective application of adopted codes, guidelines, and standards as they relate to commercial building,fire, life safety, and accessibility requirements.
This position may be underfilled as a , Grade 24, or , Grade 21. Once the employee meets the minimum requirements of the proficiency advancement process, they are eligible for the non-competitive promotion through the series to the , Grade 26.
The expected salary ranges for this role on hire are:
Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21: $68,501 - $101,217.
Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24: $77,738 - $118,276.
Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26: $84,694 - $134,623.
What You'll Be Doing
This position performs detailed, complex architectural, accessibility, fire, and life safety work that encompasses reviewing construction documents and specifications and ensuring compliance with codes and standards regulating the construction of commercial buildings and structures.
The position will:
Minimum Qualifications
If Filled at the Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26:
Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.
If filled at the Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24:
Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.
If filled at the Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21:
Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.
All Levels:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering or technical field, such as construction management, fire protection, architectural engineering, and architecture.
Substitution: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Medical: The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Medical History Review prior to appointment.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated "Qualified," placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Referred List as a "Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
MQ Question PERMITTING SERVICES SPECIALIST I (002203)
What is your highest level of completed education?
02
MQ Question PERMITTING SERVICES SPECIALIST I (002203)
Do you have a degree in in an appropriate engineering or technical field, such as construction management, fire protection, architectural engineering, architecture or related field?
03
MQ Question PERMITTING SERVICES SPECIALIST I (002203)
How many years of engineering/technical field experience do you have in building construction?
Required Question
Location : 2425 Reedie Dr Wheaton MD 20902 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00204
Department: Department of Permitting Services
Division: DPS 75 Commercial Bldg/LS/Access/FPS
Opening Date: 03/27/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position
WHO WE ARE
Safety, sustainability, and economic development are the hallmarks of the Montgomery County (DPS). The department issues approximately 40,000 building permits a year and conducts thousands of inspections by local code officials. With a staff of about 240 employees, DPS' five divisions include: Commercial Building Construction; Customer Support and Outreach; Land Development; Residential Construction and Fire Code Compliance; and Zoning and Code Compliance. From its award-winning programs to providing excellent customer service in the office and in the field, DPS's commitment to its customers is summed up by its tagline: "Your Project Partner."
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department is seeking a (Plan Reviewer - Architectural, Life Safety & Fire Protection) to join the Commercial Building Construction Division. An individual with the technical knowledge, experience, and professional skillset to ensure public safety through the effective application of adopted codes, guidelines, and standards as they relate to commercial building,fire, life safety, and accessibility requirements.
This position may be underfilled as a , Grade 24, or , Grade 21. Once the employee meets the minimum requirements of the proficiency advancement process, they are eligible for the non-competitive promotion through the series to the , Grade 26.
The expected salary ranges for this role on hire are:
Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21: $68,501 - $101,217.
Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24: $77,738 - $118,276.
Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26: $84,694 - $134,623.
What You'll Be Doing
This position performs detailed, complex architectural, accessibility, fire, and life safety work that encompasses reviewing construction documents and specifications and ensuring compliance with codes and standards regulating the construction of commercial buildings and structures.
The position will:
- Perform detailed complex architectural and life safety work that encompass reviewing construction documents, specifications and for compliance with adopted codes and standards regulating the construction of commercial buildings and structures.
- Determine complex designs to ensure they meet requirements of established codes and standards.
- Explain technical and procedural requirements to clients, developers, engineers, architects, contractors, the public and other agencies through meetings and discussions conducted in the office or field.
- Enforce the requirements of ICC International Building Code, NFPA Fire and Life Safety Codes, and other State, County and Federal Laws, codes and regulations relating to commercial buildings and structures.
- Recommend new/changes in standards, codes, regulations, and procedures; prepare analyses, reports, and correspondence on architectural/life safety/technical matters as well as explain departmental positions on a variety of issues.
- Meet with architects, engineers, developers, clients, surveyors, attorneys, contractors, peers, other government agency staff, public, and property owners as a subject matter expert to discuss/resolve code/policy compliance issues and maintain effective working relationships.
- Apply analysis of a variety of unusual conditions in review of development projects from planning through implementation and will affect the proper and safe construction of structures and facilities County-wide.
- Work effectively as a team member and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced atmosphere.
- Other duties as related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications
If Filled at the Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26:
Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.
If filled at the Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24:
Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.
If filled at the Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21:
Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.
All Levels:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering or technical field, such as construction management, fire protection, architectural engineering, and architecture.
Substitution: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Medical: The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Medical History Review prior to appointment.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated "Qualified," placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Referred List as a "Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:
- Experience reviewing and interpreting commercial building plans and technical specifications for regulatory compliance,
- Experience in applying building and fire codes and standards or regulations at the local, state, or federal level.
- Experience in electronic plan reviews.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
MQ Question PERMITTING SERVICES SPECIALIST I (002203)
What is your highest level of completed education?
- N/A
- High School/GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Juris Doctor
- Doctorate
02
MQ Question PERMITTING SERVICES SPECIALIST I (002203)
Do you have a degree in in an appropriate engineering or technical field, such as construction management, fire protection, architectural engineering, architecture or related field?
- Yes
- No
03
MQ Question PERMITTING SERVICES SPECIALIST I (002203)
How many years of engineering/technical field experience do you have in building construction?
- No Experience
- 1 Year Experience
- 2 Year's Experience
- 3 Year's Experience
- 4 Year's Experience
- 5+ Year's Experience
Required Question