Under the direction of the Community Development and Utility Directors or other designated supervisor, the Plans Examiner is responsible for reviewing residential/commercial site/development construction project plans for the City of Newberry’s Development Services /Utilities and Public Works Departments. The position ensures compliance with Land development/subdivision and utility service codes, as well as FDEP/SRWMD/FDOT state or federal regulations.

Employees in this classification must possess a strong background in site development construction practices, utility construction standards, planning review and inspection standards. Duties include the technical evaluation of engineering plans, interpretation of regulatory codes, and communication with contractors, developers, engineers, and citizens.

This role is vital to maintaining public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that construction activities within the City of Newberry meet all applicable codes and ordinances.

Job Description

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Embrace the City’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Accountability Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service.

• Reviews plans for residential, commercial, Planned Unit Developments, and miscellaneous construction for compliance with stormwater, roadway construction, zoning, floodplain, utility service and related codes.
• Reviews drainage surveys, elevation certificates, in-place surveys, compaction reports, and other technical submittals for compliance; records results in the City’s permitting and or project system.
• Coordinates the Development Application Review Team (DART).
• Approves or denies site development plans and ensures accurate recording of all issued approved for construction site plans.
• Communicates with contractors, architects, engineers, and property owners to recommend corrections or modifications necessary for compliance.
• Verifies all required corrections before site construction plans are approved.
• Provides code-related information and guidance to contractors, developers, engineers, architects, property owners, and the public.
• Maintains accurate records, reports, and documentation related to plan reviews, permits, and inspections.
• Consults applicable manuals, codes, and references to ensure compliance (FDEP,SRWMD,FDOT, fire codes, zoning ordinances, floodplain standards, FEMA requirements, state statutes, and other technical resources).
• Determines required inspections for project compliance and site construction approval.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and resourcefulness when reviewing unique or complex projects while balancing regulatory requirements with customer service.
• Operates a City vehicle as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities for Structural Plans Assignment:

• Coordinates with outside agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), and other regulatory entities regarding marine or environmental permitting.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Five (5) years of experience in construction industry design, plan review, and/or inspection-related duties.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Provisional Plans Examiner: Must obtain a provisional license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Plans Examiner I: Must possess one (1) DBPR-issued Plans Examiner license (discipline based on business need).
• Plans Examiner II: Must possess one (1) DBPR-issued Plans Examiner license and one (1) additional Plans Examiner or Building Inspector license.
• Plans Examiner III: Must possess one (1) DBPR-issued Plans Examiner license and two (2) or more additional Plans Examiner or Building Inspector licenses.
• Certified Floodplain Manager: preference given.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with municipal government plan review or permitting systems.
• Familiarity with FEMA floodplain regulations and NFIP standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Florida Building Code, fire and zoning regulations, FEMA floodplain standards, and applicable state statutes.
• Local government permitting processes.
• Principles of building construction, site development, and inspection practices.
• Research and record-keeping practices.
• Energy efficiency, wind load, fire resistance, and hurricane-resistant building practices.

Skill in:

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• Reading and interpreting site plans, blueprints, surveys, and technical reports.
• Using permitting databases, GIS tools, and digital record systems.

Ability to:

• Learn and use permitting software and GIS applications.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with contractors, citizens, and coworkers.
• Work under deadlines and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Apply sound judgment and technical knowledge in non-routine situations.
• Maintain professionalism under stressful conditions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships across departments.
• Interpret and apply FEMA guidelines, flood maps, and related references.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional outdoor site visits, which may involve exposure to weather conditions and uneven terrain.
• Light physical demands: exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or a negligible amount constantly.
• Requires prolonged periods of concentration, visual review of plans, and computer use.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, differentiate between colors, and interpret technical information.

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodation with management.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all of the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein.

Job functions described are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees may be assigned additional duties by management as deemed necessary. Duties not contained herein may be considered essential to performing this job successfully, just as though they were included in this job description.

The City of Newberry has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.