The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, is responsible for managing land development, building code enforcement, and zoning regulations to ensure the city's sustainable growth and quality of life through the Department of Land Use and Planning. The Department of Land Use and Planning reviews development plans, issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with city ordinances and building codes. Additionally, it is involved in long-range planning efforts, such as creating and updating the city's comprehensive plan, which guides future development and land use decisions.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Plans Examiner is responsible for the review and approval of plans, prints and specifications of complex structures to ensure compliance with the adopted City of Wilmington building, plumbing and mechanical codes. Provides consultation on construction methods and materials for compliance with City codes. This individual reports to the Director of Land Use & Planning. Additional responsibilities include:
- Complex code analysis, unique problem solving, and communication of code requirements to a vast array of individuals.
- Advises clients in formulating compliance plans with the City’s building, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning codes.
- Responsible for logging all incoming plans and/or construction projects and tracking their progress through approval.
- Ability to learn plan review in a digital format.
- Review plans and/or documents for building energy, accessibility, mechanical, plumbing, and structural plans submitted for permit.
- Coordinates plan review meetings. Prepares and maintains records of plans, plan reviews, inspections, letters, and reports prepared or used in connection with all building permits.
- Calculates, processes, and issues building permits to various constituents.
- Conducts field inspections for minor and/or major construction projects in the City of Wilmington for compliance with codes.
- Coordinates plan review requirements with building code enforcement inspectors.
- Performs all related work as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or technical college in architecture or engineering and experience in architecture. Minimum of 2 years’ experience as an International Code Council residential plans examiner/reviewer or building inspector preferred.
- Knowledge: Knowledge and ability to understand architectural/engineering plans and specifications. Knowledge of International Code Councils Codes. Knowledge of zoning, building, and related codes. Knowledge of waterfront zoning codes and planning policies. Thorough understanding of modern construction methods and materials.
- Skills: Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
- Abilities: Ability to organize and communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, and/or developers. Ability to review and analyze plans and documents submitted for building permits to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other relevant standards. Ability to understand federal regulations regarding demolition procedures to formulate specifications. Ability to make quick, accurate decisions.
- Licenses: Must have two of the following four certifications prior to obtaining the position: International Code Council certification as a Building Plans Examiner B-3, Residential Plans Examiner R-3, Plumbing Plans Examiner P-3, and Mechanical Plans Examiner M-3. Must obtain the remaining two certifications within twenty-four (24) months from the date of hire. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
CANDIDATE EVALUATION
Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview (in-person or virtual).
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and pre-employment physical.
- Physical Requirements: Works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Vision: Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; medium.
- Location and Schedule: Moderate outdoor work is required in the inspection of parcels for zoning compliance. City County Building.
TOTAL COMPENSATION
Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:
- Salary Administration: New employees are hired at the starting salary up to the median salary/step four based on qualifications and internal equity within the classification. Merit increases are given after a satisfactory performance review.
- Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit the website www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
- To apply, visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available in the Department of Human Resources, City/County Building, 800 N. French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Call 302-576-2460 to schedule an appointment for computer use.
- The City of Wilmington is an equal opportunity employer.
- City Residency required within 12 months of employment.
- The City Code provides preference for eligible internal candidates, veterans, and current city residents.
- The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, the City provides reasonable accommodation when requested without causing undue hardship. If accommodation is needed, please call 302-576-2466.
THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE
The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.
Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).
Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.
Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.
Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA’s, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.
Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City’s and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.
Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.
Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.
Vacation: At least eight (8) hours* of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months* of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.
Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays
Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.
Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.
Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.
Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City’s unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.
Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.
Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city’s teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.
PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.
*Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.
