Plans Examiner , II, III, IV

Plans Examiner

The City of Clearwater is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).

Under limited direction, the Plans Examiner reviews permit applications, plans, and documents for compliance with Florida Building Code and City of Clearwater Community Development Code.

Candidate's hiring rate depends on the number of valid licenses held and years of experience, see below:

PLANS EXAMINER I: $ 68,487 - $109,581 DOQ AND One (1) License held

PLANS EXAMINER II: $ 71,912 - $115,060 DOQ AND Two (2) Licenses held

PLANS EXAMINER III: $ 75,508 - $120,813 DOQ AND Three (3) Licenses held

PLANS EXAMINER IV: $ 79,283 - $126,853 DOQ AND Four (4) Licenses held

Essential Functions:

• Reviews and evaluates building permit applications and plans to ensure that all information is submitted; conducts detailed and accurate reviews and provides comments to ensure deficiencies and errors are addressed.
• Interfaces, engages, and communicates with architects, engineers, walk-in customers, and the general public regarding various projects and associated plans and questions.
• Examines construction plans and specifications for code compliance; understands and applies all applicable codes and ordinances; discloses and notifies applicants of code deficiencies.
• Collaborates with departmental staff to support permit intake, plan review, and issuance processes.
• Collaborates with building inspectors on design issues identified in the field.
• Reviews architectural and engineering plans for permit applications in flood zones; demonstrates strong technical knowledge regarding flood zone requirements and ensures that all permit applications are accurately submitted and reflect important information; maintains, edits, and updates records for flood zone construction projects.
• Communicates with other City departments responsible for review of plans and specifications in a timely and professional manner.
• Assists and participates in training of other employees to enhance knowledge and skill when conveying answers and handling other plans-related concerns from the public.
• Computes and determines permit fees; approves or disapproves permit applications and communicates effectively regarding errors or deficiencies.
• Coordinates office activities related to the issuance of permits; performs various technical and computer work to ensure plans and permits are handled efficiently and professionally.
• Assists with damage assessments when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

A valid State driver's license is required.

A valid Standard Plans Examiner license issued by the State of Florida in at least one (1) of the following areas:

• Residential
• Building
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Plumbing

Must complete required continuing education to maintain license as required by the State of Florida.

This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:
Digital camera, City vehicles, copier, phone, personal computer, various computer software & applications, such as Microsoft Office 365, digital and paper code books, and other equipment as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED and three (3) years of professional level experience in the field of construction or a related field, building inspection, or plans review, corresponding to the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licensing category; must meet qualifications as established by the latest revisions of the State of Florida Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, and Division 61G19, Florida Administrative Code;

OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Experience in reviewing Elevation Certificates (EC's) preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Building and related codes
• Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code
• City Ordinances
• Construction practices and methods
• Nationally recognized construction standards (ANSI, ASTM, ACI, AISC, USG, etc.)
• Architectural and engineering principles relating to code compliance and design specifics
• Fundamentals of architecture, construction, and building
• FEMA requirements for construction in flood zones
• Computer systems and related programs
• General office policies and procedures
• Computers and general office equipment

Skill in:

• Interpreting building material and construction standards, plans, blueprints, and specifications
• Recognizing deficiencies on plans and specifications
• Enforcing code requirements with tact and impartiality
• Interpreting and enforcing codes and ordinances
• Managing and reviewing permit applications
• Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Operating a computer and related software