What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLANS EXAMINER I position at City of Surprise, AZ?
FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 19th, 2026
If you are driven by protecting public safety and take pride in getting the details right, the Plans Examiner I role offers the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on the community. Every plan you review helps ensure homes are built safely, correctly, and in compliance with adopted codes and standards. Your technical expertise won’t sit on a shelf — it will shape real projects, real neighborhoods, and the long-term quality of development across the city. This is work that matters, and the results are visible in the community you help build.
This position is more than reviewing plans; it’s about being a trusted resource and a steady professional voice in the development process. You’ll translate complex regulations into clear guidance, support architects and contractors through problem-solving, and help maintain a culture rooted in service and accountability. With a foundation in construction, inspection, or plan review, and a commitment to staying current with evolving codes, you’ll continue to sharpen your expertise while contributing to something larger than yourself. If you value precision, integrity, and meaningful public service, this role delivers both challenge and purpose.
SUMMARY
Incumbents perform residential and routine plan review, applying knowledge in multiple areas of applicable building codes. Incumbents must be able to: generate basic correspondence and review comments; review and process applications for permit revision or modification; and effectively explain codes, policies processes procedures to architects, contractors and the public in person, by phone or via written correspondence. Incumbents are responsible to reinforce the customer service culture and may act as a liaison between the public and other City departments.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED, and two years' experience in construction, building inspection, plan review, or building trades..
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
None
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
International Code Council (ICC) Residential Plans Examiner (R3), or other ICC-issued certifications, related to area of assignment.
Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include a panel interview.
Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening may include:
- Criminal Background Screening
- Education & Experience Verification
- Fingerprinting
- E-Verify
The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.
The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information,