Building Code Plans Examiner

Compensation Grade:

S21

Salary Range:

$104,178.00-$151,059.00

Opening Date:

June 27, 2025

Closing Date:

July 12, 2025

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As the Building Code Plans Examiner, you will ensure the Airports Authority's construction projects are compliant with the USBC and meet safety standards.

Building Code Plans Examiner.

Serves in the Building Codes Department, within the Office of Engineering, for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority).

Examines and reviews all construction permit plans and makes recommendations for permit issuance. Ensures the construction of new buildings and structures and alterations and repairs to existing buildings and structures on the Airports Authority property comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and other building standards and codes, as applicable. Provides technical advice, code interpretations, and code training to Office staff and contractors. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides technical advice, code interpretations, and code training to Office staff and contractors.

Reviews construction permit applications, plans, and specifications to ensure compliance with Federal, state, and professional standards and codes, including, but not limited to, USBC, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design, International Building Code (IBC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Sprinkler Codes, NFPA Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Conducts research to gather technical and statistical data necessary to verify code compliance in contractor’s plans.

Researches code references, analyzes code requirements, and determines if requirements apply to the construction plan under review.  

Performs mathematical calculations to confirm information provided by contractors. Prepares list of comments/questions for submission to IAD and DCA Airport Managers or the Office of Engineering Department Manager.

Reviews revised permit packages and makes recommendations for permit approval.

Issues construction permits and serves as the point of contact for document submittal-related issues.

Holds pre-construction meetings with contractors to review building codes, special project requirements, and mandatory code inspections.

Establishes, maintains, archives and updates permit files. Manages a reporting and recording system of applications, permits issued, inspection reports, notices and orders, waivers and modifications, and Certificates of Occupancy.

Provides daily technical advice, code interpretations, and code references to Office staff. Meets with internal Design Department staff and external professionals, developers, builders, and contractors to discuss the more complex code or construction issues and guides the constructability of designs or design features.

Performs periodic construction site inspections to check for code violations or discrepancies between plans and construction. As necessary, prepares notices or orders to ensure safeguards during construction for compliance with USBC requirements for the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. Reviews all ground penetrating radar (GPR) reports conducted to locate embedded items in structural members.

Reviews and approves third-party and special inspection quality reports and verifies the credentials of independent inspectors hired to perform special inspections of construction and structural testing of materials in compliance with USBC.

Maintains liaison with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD).

Maintains and updates the Airports Authority Building Codes Manual; specifies permit application process, and inspection requirements.

Stay updated on USBC, pertinent Federal regulations, and current construction trade practices.

Serve as the technical expert in interpreting, developing, and enforcing codes, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.

Designs, schedules, and provides technical training on code updates to Department staff.

Performs related duties on own initiative, or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Five years of experience in reviewing construction permit applications, plans, and specifications for code compliance; and providing technical advice to construction officials on code compliance issues and a bachelor’s degree in any field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Comprehensive knowledge of USBC, IBC, IMC, NEC, IPC, and NFPA codes and standards to implement, enforce, and provide advice on a comprehensive building code program (including both permit plans examination and code inspection) for the Airports Authority.

Knowledge of construction industry standards and practices (e.g., civil, and structural construction, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and elevator) sufficient to understand, review, and verify details in construction drawings and specifications, and ensure compliance with applicable building codes.

Proficiency in problem-solving to select, organize, and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical, or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes the ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information, and make well-balanced recommendations and decisions.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer and Office Suite software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in commercial permit plan review and code inspections.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) Certification as a Building Plan Examiner in each of the four disciplines (building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical).

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) Certification as a Building Inspector in each of the four disciplines (building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical).

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certification as a Fire Plan Examiner or Fire Inspector.

Experience reviewing construction permit applications, plans, and specifications for code compliance, providing technical advice to internal and external construction officials on code compliance issues, and training inspection staff and officials on code compliance issues.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Certification, by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD), as a Building Plans Examiner in each of the four disciplines (building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical) in commercial construction, or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

Certification by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as a Certified Fire Plan Examiner, or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire, promotion, or placement in the job

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

Must maintain all required certifications.

Must complete 16 hours of required continuing education units (CEU) every two years and 20 hours of training during the triennial USBC update cycle.

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions and dust/dirt when visiting fieldwork sites, wears personal protective equipment, as needed.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.