Plans Examiner

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City of Harlingen, TX

Plans Examiner

Lon C Hill

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Department

Planning/Building Inspections

Location

Lon C Hill

Position Type

FT Employee

Salary

From $16.57 an hour

Requisition

101426-BI

Open Date

10/14/2026

Close Date

09/30/2027

Description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Plans Examiner is responsible for approving applications for construction permits based on the codes, ordinances, and administrative directives, which are enforced by the Planning & Development Department. Duties include reading plans, interviewing applicants to determine if proposed construction conforms with various codes and ordinances, and interpreting and approving building plans and specifications. An employee in this classification works under general supervision and is responsible for making decisions requiring broad technical expertise. Employees in this classification report to the Chief Building Official who provides supervision and training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

• Reviews plans, sketches, and other data in order to approve or deny applications for construction permits.
• Advises construction permit applicants by phone and in person whether proposed construction conforms to the building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, zoning ordinance and related regulations and directives.
• Meets with applicants to inform them of requirements for code compliance.
• Completes necessary forms to issue permits for construction.
• Provides technical information from available records and maps to field inspectors and applicants.
• Advises and directs applicants to appropriate staff to resolve zoning, off-site improvements, and right-of-way dedication problems encountered during the review process.
• Issues construction permits by telephone and facsimile machine.
• Approves alternate methods or materials for code compliance within the scope of authority delegated by the Chief Building Official.
• Enters technical data as required for sites, permits, or plans information into computer.
• Reads code updates and ordinance changes, and attends seminars to keep current with code changes and new ordinances.
• Writes letters, memos and code compliance reports.
• Recommends changes in codes to supervisor or other appropriate staff.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Initiates and maintains email correspondence with contractors.
• Answers phone calls and offer assistance, respond to questions, and direct calls to the appropriate departments or individuals as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work
• Performs after work hours as required (nights and weekends)

Additional Requirements:

Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED

• General supervision is received from the Chief Building Officer.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

• City codes, ordinances, and directives, including building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and zoning requirements as applied to building construction projects and simple commercial projects.
• Various construction materials and methods and stages of construction.
• Mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.

Ability to:

• Objectively interpret and consistently apply code requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies.
• Read and accurately interpret plans and specifications.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, plans, schematic drawings, or other visual aids.
• Draw or letters charts, schedules, graphs, maps, or similar objects.
• Measure dimensions with precision, such as using engineer's and architect's scales.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work safely without presenting a threat to self or others.

Education & Experience:

• Associates Degree from a two-year college or university or three (3) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:

• Must possess or obtain certification as a Building Inspector or Plan Reviewer by a nationally recognized code agency by the end of the first year of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee must occasionally climb; bend or stoop repeatedly or continually, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVITY

This position is not classified as a safety-sensitive position.

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