Plans Examiner I

  • City of Gainesville
  • Gainesville, FL
  • 2mo ago
  • Full-Time
  • On-site

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

GG_Sustainable Development: Building Inspection

Salary Range Minimum:

$25.65

Salary Range Maximum:

$41.45

Closing Date:

03/11/2026

Job Details:

This is inspection and technical review work of construction plans submitted in the permit application process to assure compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and associated City ordinances.Per the Florida Statute, Chapter 468, the plans examiner's responsibilities must be performed under the supervision and authority of the Building Official without interference from any unlicensed person.Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor, work under limited supervision.  Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills and emphasis on compliance plans examination duties, specialized knowledge of construction and Florida Building Codes, and the enforcement of FBC requirements with contractors and owners as well as the exercise of individual discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of the code.NOTE:  The Plans Examiner II classification is the second in a series of four Plans Examiner classifications.  The Plans Examiner II typically has a Standard Plans Examiner license with One and Two Family Dwelling category and at least two trade categories (e.g., building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing).  However, plans examiners may be assigned to review construction plans in all areas for which he/she is licensed without respect to the assigned job classification level of Plans Examiner I through IV.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is inspection and technical review work of construction plans submitted in the permit application process to assure compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and associated City ordinances.

Per the Florida Statute, Chapter 468, the plans examiner’s responsibilities must be performed under the supervision and authority of the Building Official without interference from any unlicensed person.

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor, work under limited supervision.  Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills and emphasis on compliance plans examination duties, specialized knowledge of construction and Florida Building Codes, and the enforcement of FBC requirements with contractors and owners as well as the exercise of individual discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of the code.

NOTE:  The Plans Examiner II classification is the second in a series of four Plans Examiner classifications.  The Plans Examiner II typically has a Standard Plans Examiner license with One and Two Family Dwelling category and at least two trade categories (e.g., building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing).  However, plans examiners may be assigned to review construction plans in all areas for which he/she is licensed without respect to the assigned job classification level of Plans Examiner I through IV.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position.  The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.  Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reviews plans for compliance with the FBC and associated City ordinances to ensure public health and safety.  Issues reviewed building permit applications.

Processes the plan review in a timely manner.

Packages approved plans, supporting documentation, review notes and inspection signature card, and issues the building permit.  Notifies the applicant that the plans are ready for pick-up.

Confers with contractors, architects, engineers, and others regarding construction codes and building plans, and related codes and ordinances enforced by the building inspection department.

Prepares and maintains technical records and reports.

Provides advice and assistance to other departmental personnel on technical and administrative problems related to the building inspection department.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Confers with the Building Official on questions of departmental policies.

May conduct on-site inspections for compliance with the FBC and associated City ordinances to ensure public health and safety.

Assists customer service and permit processing as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and five (5) separate years of work experience for two of the job related, standard plans examiner categories listed:  building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing;

or a Bachelor degree in Building Construction, Architecture, or Engineering;

or possession of a current State of Florida contractor’s certificate;

or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program or college construction related course work can be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Must be certified as a State of Florida Standard Plans Examiner in at least two (2) plan examination trade categories (e.g., Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing).

May be certified as a State of Florida Standard Plans Examiner in One and Two Family Dwelling.

May be certified as a State of Florida Standard Inspector within related trade categories.

Certifications

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of methods and practices involved in building construction and plan reading skills.

Thorough knowledge of materials and methods used in building construction and of the stages of construction when possible defects and violations may most easily be observed and corrected.

Thorough knowledge of the City permitting process.

Thorough knowledge of the City plan examination procedures, inspection procedures, licensing procedures and pertinent ordinances.

Ability to read and interpret construction diagrams, plans, and blueprints and to recognize deviations from such plans in building construction and installation processes.

Ability to identify construction that does not comply with the applicable Florida Building Code or plans and specifications.

Ability to make independent decisions in the field on interpretation and enforcement of the Florida Building Code.

Ability to work effectively with building owners, contractors, architects, engineers, coworkers and the general public.

Familiarity and competence in the operation of personal computers, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, and internet-based reporting systems.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

May be required to work and attend meetings outside regular business hours.

Note: 

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also oer great things like on-site tness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical sta and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.