Plans Examiner

Position Overview

Plans Examiner

Town of Vail | Community Development Department

Expected Hiring Range: $86,726 - $108,407 annually, depending on experience and qualifications Full Salary Range: $86,726–$130,089 annually

Build your career in one of Colorado's most iconic mountain communities!

The Town of Vail is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and customer-focused Plans Examiner to join our Community Development team. This is an opportunity to play an important role in shaping Vail's built environment while helping ensure that residential and commercial construction projects meet adopted building codes and life safety standards.

As our Plans Examiner, you'll review construction drawings, permit applications, and technical documents for code compliance, working closely with contractors, architects, engineers, property owners, and Town staff. You'll help guide projects through the permitting process, provide technical expertise, and contribute to safe, high-quality development throughout our community.

What You'll Do:

- Review commercial and residential construction plans for new buildings, renovations, additions, alterations, and repairs.

- Evaluate compliance with adopted building codes, including structural safety, accessibility, fire protection, emergency egress, and other life safety requirements.

- Interpret applicable building codes, ordinances, and technical standards and communicate findings clearly.

- Collaborate with applicants, design professionals, contractors, and Town departments to resolve code-related questions.

- Provide exceptional customer service throughout the permitting and plan review process.

- Conduct building, plumbing, mechanical, and related inspections as needed.

- Maintain accurate records of plan reviews, inspections, and code compliance activities.

You'll join a collaborative, fast-paced department with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to a wide variety of construction projects. Partial remote work may be considered and discussed with candidates.

Skills / Requirements

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with practical problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.

Minimum Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- At least five years of experience in code enforcement, code compliance, construction, project management, or a closely related technical field.

- Five or more years of experience reading and interpreting construction drawings, technical specifications, building codes, and standards.

- International Code Council (ICC) certifications as both a Building Plans Examiner and Residential Plans Examiner.

- Ability to obtain three additional ICC certifications in plans examination or inspection disciplines within 18 months of hire.

- Valid Colorado driver's license, which must be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

- Thorough understanding of International Code Council codes, building construction practices, and code compliance procedures.

- Ability to interpret complex construction documents, specifications, and technical standards.

- Familiarity with permitting processes, electronic plan review systems, and construction inspection practices.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical requirements to a variety of audiences.

- Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

Culture / Lifestyle / Benefits

Benefits

At the Town of Vail, we believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to promote financial security, health, wellness, and an active mountain lifestyle.

Health and Wellness

- Comprehensive medical insurance with substantial Town contributions toward premiums.

- Voluntary dental and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

- Preferred medical pricing through Vail Health and Vail Summit Orthopaedics.

- Employer-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.

- Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

- Employee Assistance Program and healthcare concierge services through Rightway.

- Wellness incentives, including a $300 employee bonus for completing qualifying preventive care requirements.

Retirement and Financial Security

- Town-funded 401(a) retirement plan, with employer contributions beginning on the first day of employment.

- Employer retirement contributions of 11.15% of base salary during the first year, increasing to 16.15% after one year of service, subject to plan provisions.

- Vesting over five years of service.

- Optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan with traditional pretax and Roth options.

- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Lifestyle and Additional Perks

- Access to additional employee benefits, discounts, and wellness resources.

- Opportunities for professional development and continued growth.

- The opportunity to live and work in a world-class mountain community with year-round outdoor recreation.

- Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation and holiday leave starting at approximately 4.2 weeks annually, increasing with years of service, plus paid sick leave.

- Recreation and Transportation Perks: Complimentary employee recreation pass offering access to golf, tennis, ice skating, and Nordic skiing, plus a free CORE Transit bus pass.

- Lifestyle Spending Account: Town-funded account to help cover eligible fitness, wellness, recreation, ski passes, outdoor equipment, and other lifestyle expenses.

Join a team dedicated to public service, community safety, and responsible development in one of Colorado's most extraordinary settings.

The Town of Vail is an Equal Opportunity Employer.