Engineering Plans Examiner

This position is responsible for reviewing and evaluating construction plans, permit applications, and related documents to ensure compliance with applicable municipal codes, zoning regulations, building standards, and state and federal requirements. This position provides technical guidance to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and the public, ensuring that proposed projects meet City regulatory standards before permits are issued. The Engineering Plans Examiner collaborates with building inspection, zoning, engineering, fire, and planning staff to support efficient permitting processes and consistent code enforcement. Work includes interpreting codes, identifying deficiencies, recommending corrective actions, and maintaining accurate records of plan reviews. Incumbent may also assume a role in the reviewing of other areas (e.g., grading, sediment/erosion control, ADEM compliance). The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and a commitment to supporting safe and sustainable community development.

• Reviews construction plans and permit applications for residential, commercial, and industrial projects to ensure compliance with municipal building codes, zoning ordinances, land-use regulations, and applicable state and federal laws
• Reviews all subdivision and site plan submittals for compliance with the City of Madison Subdivision Regulations and the City of Madison Construction Specifications Manual for Public Improvements.
• Communicates plan review findings to architects, engineers, designers, contractors, developers, and property owners, providing clear guidance on required revisions and compliance measures.
• Coordinates with internal departments, including Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, Planning/Zoning, Engineering, and Fire Servicesto ensure consistency and accuracy in the permitting and review process.
• Reviews engineering plans for residential and commercial developments following City standards and specifications to ensure submitted plans comply with City specifications and standards.
• Issues written review comments, approvals, and conditions, maintaining proper documentation and electronic records within the permitting system.
• Provides technical assistance to staff, applicants, and the public regarding code requirements, permit procedures, and construction standards.
• Ensures that storm water drainage and roadway design meet City of Madison standards, specifications and regulations.
• Attends all technical review meetings pertaining to the submittals for developments within the city limits.
• Performs periodic construction inspection of projects to ensure that construction adheres to original plans and specifications and complies with the City of Madison requirements.
• Attends Planning Commission and City Council meetings as needed.
• Updates the City Comprehensive Drainage Basin Study and Storm Drainage Plan.
• Reviews and revises the engineering requirements of the City of Madison Subdivision Regulations and the City of Madison Construction Specifications Manual for Public Improvements.
• Conducts follow-up reviews to verify that corrections have been made and that final plans meet all regulatory requirements.
• Participates in pre-application or pre-construction meetings to guide applicants through code requirements and permitting expectations.
• Stays current with building codes and industry standards through ongoing training, certification maintenance, and review of updates to local and national codes.
• Supports field inspectors by clarifying plan details, resolving discrepancies, and confirming that construction activities align with approved plans.
• Prepares reports and maintain accurate records of plan reviews, approvals, and communications for audit, legal, and administrative purposes.
• Assists in the development or update of local amendments, policies, and procedures related to plan review, permitting, and building safety.
• Responds to drainage complaints & flooding incidents, and coordinate with Public Works & Engineering personnel to evaluate the concerns and propose solutions.
• Assists with the review and approval of FEMA Elevation Certificates.
• Assists with the review of FEMA LOMR applications.

Job Conditions:

• Normal office working conditions plus working outside in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Must be able to work occasional extended hours.

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience preferred.
• Obtain or maintain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) (or able to obtain within first 10 months of employment).

• Knowledge of the principals and practices of civil engineering, drafting and design as related to municipal public work projects; considerable knowledge of construction and maintenance methods, material, tools and of street and stormwater related to public work projects; good knowledge of property descriptions; good knowledge of the principles and practices of land surveying and engineering mathematics.
• Knowledge covering hydrology, hydraulics, soil mechanics, surveying, highway geometry, engineering economics, and design application of traffic control devices
• Knowledge of ACAD and GIS software with ability to perform basic functions like navigate or interpret electronic maps or drawings
• Knowledge of and ability to apply municipal building codes, zoning ordinances, land-use regulations, and relevant state and federal construction standards consistently across a wide range of projects.
• Knowledge of and skilled in using digital plan review platforms, permitting software, technical reference materials and office technology to process and track applications.
• Knowledge of best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater pollution prevention and control.
• Knowledge of building construction methods, materials, engineering principles, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local stormwater regulations, including the Clean Water Act, NPDES, and MS4 permitting requirements.
• Knowledge of plan review procedures, permitting processes, and documentation requirements within a municipal regulatory environment.
• Make complex engineering calculations quickly and accurately
• Moderate knowledge of traffic signals, traffic planning, speed studies, signal warrant studies, etc. and the ability to modify signal coordination and timing.
• Skill in analyzing complex technical documents to identify deficiencies, safety concerns, and code violations.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication when providing guidance to applicants, contractors, and design professionals.
• Skill in interpreting architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and specifications.
• Skill in managing multiple plan review assignments, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accuracy under time constraints.
• Ability to collaborate with internal departments and resolve technical issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make defensible decisions regarding code interpretation and compliance.
• Ability to explain complex code requirements clearly to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Ability to make independent investigations of complex engineering problems in connection with design work and to prepare reports of technical and advanced engineering information.
• Ability to stay current with code updates, industry trends, and continuing education requirements.

Physical Capabilities:

• This positions physical requirements involve light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
• Must be able to inspect construction projects, drainage problems, and citizen complaints.
• Mobility to occasionally inspect and work in various terrains, including ditches and pipe systems.
• Work is performed while intermittently sitting, standing, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, walking, bending, or crouching.
• The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease and occasional hot and cold temperatures or inclement weather.
• Ability to drive and travel to different sites.
• Must be able to work on computer, sometimes for a long period of time.