Construction Plans Reviewer - Structural

Job Summary

Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages. NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

What You’ll Do

As a Plans Examiner, you’ll play a critical role in shaping safe, compliant, and high-quality development in our community. You’ll review construction plans, collaborate with industry professionals, and help guide projects from concept to permit — all while providing excellent customer service. This role blends technical expertise with problem-solving and communication. You won’t just check boxes — you’ll help people understand the “why” behind the code and work toward practical, compliant solutions.

• Review permit applications, engineered construction plans, and specifications for residential, commercial, and other structures to ensure compliance with applicable state and local building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, irrigation, and zoning codes.
• Evaluate engineered projects for compliance with FEMA floodplain regulations, including elevation and flood-resistant construction requirements.
• Review site development plans for building type, occupancy, accessibility, separation, and use.
• Perform structural plan reviews for commercial projects in accordance with Florida Building Codes, local land development codes, and federal ADA/Fair Housing regulations.
• Identify plan deficiencies, prepare clear correction reports, and approve plans once code requirements are met.
• Review revisions and resubmittals for previously rejected or approved plans.
• Assess plans for constructability and value engineering; participate in pre-construction meetings when needed.
• Interpret and explain code requirements to contractors, homeowners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on permit status, inspection requirements, fees, and code updates.
• Assist customers at the front counter and over the phone with professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, energy calculations, and fixture counts.
• Approve permits, calculate appropriate fees, and ensure inspection requirements are properly documented.
• Accurately enter, review, and maintain plan review notes, approvals, rejections, and correspondence in electronic systems.
• Respond to questions and concerns from inspectors, contractors, designers, property owners, the public, and internal staff.
• Collaborate with supervisors and colleagues to address customer concerns, workload priorities, and code compliance issues.

• May serve as an expert witness before the Code Enforcement Board.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet requirements for Plans Examiner certification, including one of the following:
• Four (4) years of combined experience in construction, building inspection, or plans review in the certification category sought; or
• Three (3) years of postsecondary education in construction-related fields plus one (1) year of relevant work experience; or
• Three (3) years of technical education in construction-related fields plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
• Fingerprinting and background screening required.

• Must obtain Provisional Plans Examiner Certification from the Florida Building Code Administrators & Inspectors Board within 120 days of hire for assigned trade(s).
• Must obtain and maintain a Standard Plans Examiner License in the assigned trade within two (2) years of provisional certification.
• Ongoing continuing education is required through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Your work directly impacts public safety, accessibility, and the quality of development in our community. If you enjoy technical detail, problem-solving, and helping people navigate complex regulations with clarity and professionalism, this role offers meaningful work with lasting impact.

• Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.
• This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.