Plans Examiner Trainee
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Job Summary
Position Information
Under supervision performs entry level technical work in the plan checking and review process of building permits; and performs related work as required.
This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
This position is in a flexibly staffed class series. The hiring department has the discretion to hire at any level within the class series for which the applicant may be qualified. Applicants interested in being considered for each level within the series must submit an application for each position.
For more information on this position please see the Job Specification at QualificationsOne year of experience in building and design building construction plan review drafting or inspection. Possession of one or more of the International Code Council (ICC) certifications may substitute for the experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
License or Certificate- A valid drivers license is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
- Must possess the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications or recognized equivalent certifications within one year of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification:
- Building Plans Examiner (B3) OR Residential Plans Examiner (R3)
- Residential Building Inspector (B1)
The ideal candidate is a customer-service-oriented professional who demonstrates sound judgment strong technical aptitude and the ability to apply building codes consistently and fairly. They possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and are able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with homeowners contractors design professionals colleagues and the public.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex plans identify code compliance issues and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to clearly explain technical code requirements to a variety of audiences.
- A commitment to exceptional customer service while maintaining the Countys responsibility to protect public health safety and welfare.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a timely manner while maintaining accuracy consistency and attention to detail.
- Sound decision-making skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively with other divisions departments and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to efficiently review plans and meet established timelines.
- Proficiency in interpreting construction documents technical specifications adopted codes and regulatory requirements.
- A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- The ability to be adaptable solution-oriented and capable of balancing regulatory compliance with responsive and professional public service in a fast-paced environment.
Conditions of Employment
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Plans Examiner Traineeposition.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation. Effective January 1 2025 the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation whichever is greater.What Happens Next
1. After your application is screened you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will receive an email invitation to take the Professional Level online exam administered remotely; notices will be delivered within 1 week from the closing of the recruitment.
This exam link will tentatively be delivered via email the week of July 20 2026 and qualified candidates will have a time limit to complete the exam within 4 calendar days. **You will be notified if you are eligible to transfer an exam score within 1 week following the closing date of the recruitment.
The exam will evaluate your expertise knowledge skills and abilities in the following areas:- Reading Comprehension
- Written Communication
- Analytical Ability
- Business Math
- Interpersonal and Customer Service Skills
Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook the Department of Human Resources does not administer an exam when there are less than 20 qualified candidates. Once the recruitment has closed if there are less than 20 qualified candidates the exam will be waived and all qualifying candidates will be placed on an unranked eligible list which will be referred to the hiring department. If the exam is scheduled to move forward and less than 20 candidates take the exam as determined by the Department of Human Resources the exam will be waived. Only those candidates who took the exam or have a transfer score will be placed on an unranked eligible list which will be referred to the hiring department.
3. After the exam is completed you will receive an additional email notifying you of the results. If you pass the examination you will receive your score and rank. This rank will be used to determine which candidates will be interviewed by departments trying to fill a vacancy.
4. Hiring departments schedule interviews from a list of top scoring candidates. If your name is not sent to the hiring department it will remain on the list for future opportunities as they become available.
5. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:- Applications to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for your submitted application for each recruitment a copy of the job listing and your applicant history for each recruitment.
- Inbox to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
- Account to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact.
If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link: Veronica North
Veteran Point
Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations order to be given a bonus point applicants must attach proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) to the Online Application at time of submission.Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.Washoe County will recruit hire train and promote into all job levels without regard to race religion or belief gender marital status or domestic partnership familial status national origin age mental or physical disability pregnancy sexual orientation gender expression or identity genetic information (GINA) veteran status political affiliation membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
Required Experience:
Intern
