Salary: $81,106.00 - $89,217.00 Annually
Location : West Fargo City Hall
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: PANDZ202607
Department: Planning and Zoning
Division: Inspections
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description
NOTICES: Applications will be reviewed after 2 weeks and at the close. Three professional references preferred.
Under limited supervision, the Plan Reviewer III serves as the City's senior technical authority for plan review, independently managing the full range of residential and commercial plan review activities. This is the advanced journey-level position in the Plan Reviewer series and functions as the lead plan reviewer for the Inspections Division. The Plan Reviewer III provides technical guidance to junior staff, assists the Inspections Administrator in operational and process matters, and serves in an acting administrative capacity as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as the City's lead plan reviewer, independently managing plan review for the full range of residential and commercial construction projects, including complex occupancy types, mixed-use buildings, and large-scale commercial developments.
• Reviews commercial and residential plans and applications for compliance with applicable ICC codes and related development regulations.
• Issues building permits and certificates of occupancy; reviews and recommends fees for permits.
• In the absence of the Inspections Administrator, serves as the acting authority for plan review and permitting decisions, including resolving technical disputes between contractors and inspectors regarding code-related items.
• Meets with owners, contractors, architects, and engineers in the pre-design stage to discuss design concepts and the application of code, particularly when designs require code interpretation.
• Assists the Inspections Administrator in the development and implementation of City-wide plan review and permitting processes, including the use and integration of permit management software systems.
• Assists in building inspections as needed to support the Inspections division.
• Provides technical oversight, mentoring, and guidance to Plan Reviewer I and II staff; reviews work for accuracy and completeness as directed by the Inspections Administrator.
• Responds to building code inquiries, citizen complaints, and contractor concerns; determines resolutions consistent with City goals and policies.
• Maintains relationships with community organizations, contractors, developers, and citizens; serves as a technical resource regarding Inspections programs, policies, and procedures.
• Assists the Inspections Administrator in representing the Inspections Division with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Maintains accurate records of plan review activities, permit issuances, and technical determinations.
• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains effective working relationships in carrying out job functions.
• Works safely, follows safe work practices, and identifies and reports unsafe work conditions.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction engineering, construction management, or a related field; or an Associate's degree with an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in plan review, building inspection, or a closely related field.
• ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification.
• ICC Commercial Plans Examiner certification.
• Demonstrated ability to independently review complex commercial construction documents across a variety of occupancy types.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable International Codes including the IBC, IRC, and IEBC, and working knowledge of other applicable International Codes as they relate to plan review.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, other City departments, subordinates, vendors, contractors, external government agencies and organizations.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

Preferred Qualifications
• ICC Certified Building Official (CBO) certification, or active progress toward CBO eligibility.
• ICC Building Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Previous experience in a lead or senior plan review role in a municipal setting.
• Familiarity with permit management software systems and process improvement.
• Previous supervisory or mentoring experience.

• Retirement: Defined Contribution Plan or NDPERS Pension if eligible
  • Up to 15.26% Employer Contribution on Defined Contribution Plan, 16.26% Employer Contribution for Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Main, Main 2020, Public Safety). Inquire with HR for eligibility, conditions and details.
• High-Deductible Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution match
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Vacation Accruals
• Sick Accruals
• Personal Days

Inquire with HR for additional information on our benefits package, including rates and employer contributions.
01

List the ICC certifications you have obtained.
02

How many years of experience do you have in commercial plan reviewing?
03

How many years of experience do you have in residential plan reviewing?
04

How many years of experience do you have in building code inspections?
Required Question