Plans Examiner

Please  for the Total Compensation Package for this job classification which includes county paid employee health benefits after 30 days of employment, county paid retirement benefits, vacation accruals, etc. The Total Compensation Package outlines the various benefits offered by Washoe County and the annual earnings based on the entry level salary for the job classification.

Under general supervision, reviews construction plans and specifications for completeness and compliance with building codes, state laws, and local ordinances; and performs related work as required.

This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/human resources/Careers/jobspecs.php

Two years of experience as a building inspector; OR one year of experience as a plans examiner; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.

• Must possess the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications or recognized equivalent certifications at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification:
  • Building Plans Examiner (B3) OR Residential Plans Examiner (R3)

• Must obtain the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications or recognized equivalent certifications within 12 months of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification:
  • Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
  • Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)
  • Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)
  • Either the Building Plans Examiner (B3) or the Residential Plans Examiner (R3), whichever has not been obtained at the time of application.

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The ideal candidate is a customer-service-oriented professional who demonstrates sound judgment, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to apply building codes consistently and fairly. They possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and are able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with homeowners, contractors, design professionals, colleagues, and the public.

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex plans, identify code compliance issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain technical code requirements to a variety of audiences.
• A commitment to exceptional customer service while maintaining the County’s responsibility to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a timely manner while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Sound decision-making skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively with other divisions, departments, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to efficiently review plans and meet established timelines.
• Proficiency in interpreting construction documents, technical specifications, adopted codes, and regulatory requirements.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• The ability to be adaptable, solution-oriented, and capable of balancing regulatory compliance with responsive and professional public service in a fast-paced environment.

The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Plans Examiner position.

Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation. Effective October 1, 2026, the $40.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check,…