Plans Examiner Supervisor

Summary Description Summary Why It's a Great Opportunity:

In this role you will be applying building code, efficient permitting, and construction code compliance, you will lead our Building Plan Review Section responsible for conducting complex residential plan reviews. We complete all plan reviews electronically in a consolidated review format for compliance with state and locally adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes. You will also provide technical support and guidance to review staff regarding complex technical building code application while developing strong relationships with a diverse group of employees and customers.

PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

We are looking for a strong leader with exceptional communication skills. Someone with the ability to foster teamwork and cultivate an environment of respect, trust, and fairness will be a welcome addition to our team. We are looking for an individual with the ability to utilize new technologies to the workplace along with expertise in building construction. This person will follow best practices for project management plus effectively supervise and support a motivated group of professionals in delivering high-quality services and expertise to the citizens of Pierce County.

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

• Support building and development plan review by providing oversight and guidance to other reviewers to resolve technical issues and handle customer inquiries.
• Make recommendations to the Building Official for changes in ordinances and regulations governing the County permitting and building inspections programs.
• Assist directly or indirectly with field inspections of damaged buildings in the event of a natural disaster or similar event; post notices; and secure property to prevent entry.
• Confer with architects, engineers, designers, manufacturers, building owners, or contractors relative to their concerns with the permitting and code enforcement processes.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of division goals, objectives, practices, and procedures.
• Acts as a County representative to local, State or National Code Organizations, as directed by the Building Official.
• Provide leadership and direction to assigned personnel; participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training, conduct performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; initiate disciplinary action when necessary and respond to grievances at the first level.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Architecture or Engineering, or registration as a licensed Architect or Professional Engineer may be substituted for up to four years of experience.
• Seven years of relevant experience examining building plans for compliance, including one year in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Professional Certification as ICC Plans Examiner (Residential or Commercial) is required at time of hire.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated…