Building Plans Examiner V - SR-21

Salary : $61,884.00 - $91,620.00 Annually

Location : Future vacancies with immediate vacancy in Kailua-Kona, HI

Job Type : Permanent & Temporary Positions

Job Number : 2025-00019

Department : Public Works

Division : Building

Opening Date : 02 / 09 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 18 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Hawaii

Duties Summary

Supervises and participates in the review and processing of complex plans and specifications for buildings and other structures for compliance with provisions of the Building Code; or performs the full range of plan review in addition to regularly and primarily performs the most difficult and complex reviews; and performs other related duties as required.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Department of Public Works - Building Division in Kailua-Kona.

Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, assigns, and may supervise the review and processing of complex building plans and specifications submitted by private architects, engineers, and contractors for compliance with the provisions of the Building Code.
• Supervises and participates in the checking of plans and specifications for requirements such as location of building and property, type of construction allowed, existing facilities, sanitation and ventilation facilities, fire extinguishing systems, etc.
• Reviews and approves building plans and specifications for buildings and structures, which may regularly and primarily involve the most difficult and complex building plans.
• Checks detailed drawings on foundations, structural framework, exterior walls and openings, floors, stairways and roofs for compliance with minimum requirements as to size, thickness, and quality of materials used.
• Coordinates plan reviews with other sections, departments, and governmental agencies.
• Meets with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and homeowners regarding their building plans and structures.
• Approves building permit applications for single and multi-storied residential and commercial structures.
• May advise inspectors on interpretation of the Building code relative to approved plans and specifications.
• Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of subordinates engaged in building plan reviews; orients and trains new employees; resolves differences between subordinates and the public.
• Provides information, technical advice, and guidance in matters regarding building plan reviews, interpretation, permitting, and code enforcement; assists building inspectors in resolving problems.
• Keeps informed of applicable changes in codes, laws, regulations, and policies of the division and department; informs subordinates of the same.
• Participates in investigations of new building construction and existing buildings for compliance with building codes.
• May operate a vehicle to perform work-related travel.
• Prepares and maintains files on correspondences, records, and reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Training and Experience :

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to :

Examination : All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s) / certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application.

Note : In-person interviews and / or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department / agency. If in-person interviews and / or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department / agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of : building codes and ordinances of the County of Hawai`i, procedures involved in processing building permit applications; basic principles of building design; construction and engineering terminology; standard practices, methods, and materials in building construction and safety, and legal procedures involved in enforcing building codes.

Ability to : plan, assign, and coordinate the work of subordinates; interpret and apply provisions of the Building Code; read and understand complex building plans and specifications; explain laws, regulations, and procedures involved in processing building permit applications; deal tactfully and effectively with subordinates and the public; maintain records and prepare reports; give oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements : Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping : Light

Benefits of County employment : The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and / or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.

Supplemental Information

Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required :

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS :

Please ensure that the email address and mobile phone number you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails and text messages or fail to check your email box or NEOGOV account INBOX in a timely manner. Checking your NEOGOV account INBOX daily is recommended and is the most secure method to check on notices sent to you. This is a new feature created by our vendor, NEOGOV.

Please add to your contact list. Open your NEOGOV account using your user name and password. In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you. The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device. This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.

You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application. Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted.

Benefits of County employment : The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

Medical Plan (HMO or PPO)

These benefits are administered by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. For more information about current employee contribution rates and plans see the EUTF website ().

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and to legislative and / or changes negotiated through collective bargaining.

REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. The information provided to these Supplemental Questions may be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements and / or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or you receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. Any information you submit may be verified.

When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience Sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking.

I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the closing date of the recruitment, unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position. It is essential that you describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Note : Calculation of experience is based on full-time, 40-hour work weeks. Part-time experience must be pro-rated. Example : Twelve months of experience at 20 hours per week is equivalent to six months of experience. In addition, hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week, per work experience, will not be credited. Example : Twelve months of experience at 60 hours per week is equivalent to one year, not one and one-half years.

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HISET)?

Do you have five (5) years of experience in reviewing building plans and specifications for compliance with provisions of laws, codes, and ordinaces?

If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please describe where you gained your work experience. Treat each change in employer or position separately. Include the following information :

A. Employer's name

B. Your job title

C. Employment dates (from month / day / year to month / day / year)

D. Hours worked per week

E. Description of your duties reviewing building plans and specifications for compliance with provisions of laws, codes, and ordinances

F. The percentage of time you spent performing this work.

If you answered "No," enter N / A.

Be specific and complete ALL questions for ALL experience you are claiming. The following are unacceptable responses :

If you answered "Yes" to question #4, did two (2) of those years involve interpreting, applying, or enforcing the Building Code and related ordinances?

If you answered "Yes" to question #6, please describe where you gained your work experience. Treat each change in employer or position separately. Include the following information :

A. Employer's name

B. Your job title

C. Specific dates of employment (from month / day / year to month / day / year)

D. Hours worked per week

E. Describe your duties involving interpreting, applying, or enforcing the Building Code and related ordinances

F. The percentage of time you spent performing these duties

If you answered "No," enter N / A.

Be specific and complete ALL questions for ALL experience you are claiming. The following are unacceptable responses :

Do you have a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at the time of filing? (Note : You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire, if the position requires a driver's license.)

Required Question

Salary : $61,884 - $91,620