Plan Examiner

The Department of Buildings promotes the safety of all people that build, work, and live in New York City by regulating the lawful use of over one million buildings and construction sites across the five boroughs. With a focus on safety, service, and integrity, the Department enforces the City’s Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law.

The Department enforces compliance with these regulations and promotes worker and public safety through its review and approval of building plans, permitting and licensing functions, and inspections. In addition to Code and Zoning compliance review, emergency response and professional analysis of accidents to prevent future incidents, the Department has strengthened its education and outreach programs to provide the construction industry, property owners and tenants with a heightened understanding of safety awareness.

This position performs difficult and responsible work in the engineering or architectural analysis of structures and building equipment systems, and the examination of plans for the construction, alteration or repair of buildings and equipment systems under the jurisdiction of the Department of Buildings.

• Examines and reviews design and/or equipment plans and specifications of the construction, alteration or repair of buildings for conformity with the NYC Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, and other pertinent laws and rules.
• Works with design and construction professionals and filing representatives to achieve their building or alteration program in a compliant manner.
• Reviews site safety plans.
• Engages in research, investigations, studies and examinations related to the construction or demolition of structures subject to the provisions of the NYC Construction Codes and other pertinent laws and rules.
• Explains and enforces rules and laws to the public in person and by telephone in support of compliant development.
• Testifies as needed to support violations issued for non‑compliant construction, alteration, and repairs.
• Trains, mentors and collaborates with new assistant plan examiners daily to increase their knowledge and qualifications to perform progressively more complex and challenging projects.
• May be required to perform fieldwork to make on‑site determinations of structural stability and safety.
• May operate a motor vehicle in performance of assigned duties.

Citywide. Unit assignment and work location are based on operational need. Transfers may occur at any time with sufficient notice.

This position may be eligible for remote work up to two days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

• Possession of a valid New York State Professional Engineer’s license or registration as an Architect, with ongoing maintenance throughout employment.
• Four (4) years of full‑time satisfactory experience in architecture, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering performing building design or equipment system design, of which two years must be in building design or equipment systems design.
• OR a master’s degree or higher in civil engineering or mechanical engineering, or a five‑year Bachelor of Architecture or a Master of Architecture, plus three (3) years of full‑time satisfactory experience as in the previous requirement, of which two years must be in building design or equipment systems design.

• Knowledge of the NYC Construction Code and Zoning Resolution and its legal and practical application.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Communication skills—written and verbal—and the ability to explain technical requirements in lay terms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, Outlook) and Bluebeam.
• Customer service orientation.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of diverse personal, educational and cultural backgrounds in a professional manner.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to…