Residential Plans Reviewer

Job Description:

Residential Plans Reviewer

Description

Full-Time, 12 months

Exempt, Pay Grade 33

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/Objective:

The Residential Plans Reviewer reviews all aspects of building construction plans for compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). Works with builders, developers, owners, and colleagues to change plans to comply with all required regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Essential Functions:

• Reviews residential building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plans for completeness and compliance with codes and ordinances for single family and two-family dwellings and structures including plans for new construction and alterations;
• Reviews plans and specifications for completeness and compliance with codes and ordinances;
• Provides technical code assistance and information to owners, contractors, and architects;
• Participates in pre-construction meetings and prepares a variety of correspondence and reports concerning code compliance matters to owners, builders, developers, contractors, and architects;
• Prepares evidence and testifies in court on code violation cases as needed;
• Attends mandatory code update training as required by the VUSBC and attends training opportunities to keep abreast of code changes and new products used in construction practices;
• Maintains all plans and records in accordance with record retention requirements and documentation standards;
• Coordinates compliance with other county, state, and federal agencies or departments;
• Performs related work as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of technical, legal and administrative aspects of building, electrical, plumbing, gas, fire, energy and mechanical code and enforcement practices;
• General knowledge of sound building, permitting and construction techniques and practices;
• Knowledge of and experience applying Federal, State, and county ordinances and regulations as they pertain to building construction, rehabilitation, and alteration of structures and sites;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of building, planning, engineering and zoning in local government settings;
• Strong leadership and management skills emphasizing team building and cross-divisional efforts;
• Superior emotional intelligence and effective exercise of professional judgment;
• Thorough knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office Suite tools, and other tools essential to effective performance of this position;
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in preparing reports and studies, and in conveying complex and challenging topics;
• Ability to deal with sensitive and sometimes adverse situations and individuals using tact and diplomacy, especially with building industry, the public, fellow employees, agency representatives, and elected officials;
• Ability to effectively provide technical guidance to stakeholders;
• Ability to communicate accurately both orally and in writing;
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and code;
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, staff and the public;
• Capacity to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to handle the pressure of deadlines and deal with difficult people with courtesy and self-control;
• Ability to make independent, accurate, and appropriate decisions.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required in architecture, engineering, construction, or a related field of study;
• Virginia certification as a residential building plans reviewer within 18 months of employment;
• Additional certification requirements as outlined by the Virginia Certification Standards;
• At least three years of experience in the fields of building construction, inspections, plans review or related experience;
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• None.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Office setting; Occasional telework dependent upon organizational needs;
• Frequent movement among offices;
• Some lifting of light objects;
• Employees must possess a valid driver’s license and meet the qualifications of the County’s driver eligibility program.
• Occasional visits to construction project locations, traversing uneven terrain and obstructions in possibly adverse weather, and climbing up and down ladders;
• Frequent and regular contact with architects, engineers, contractors and the public;
• Regular contact with the public and community business groups;
• Occasional contact with the courts, fire and police officials;
• Interactions will include: Technical discussions, persuasive presentation, stressful or adversarial interactions, potential for conflict, use of tact and diplomacy.

Deadline for Applications:

Position open until June 19, 2026.

Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $35.00-$38.69 per hour, which is approx. $72,802.00 - $80,466.00 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Remote Work:

This role is designated as hybrid-eligible, allowing employees to perform a portion of their work remotely, in accordance with organizational policy and operational requirements. On-site presence may be required for meetings, collaboration, or business needs as determined by management. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.