Salary : $72,592.00 - $112,548.80 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 27-02720
Department: Inspections and Permits
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
DescriptionThe ideal candidate will embody excellence and be able to effectively perform difficult technical work reviewing construction documents for commercial mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with the North Carolina State Building Codes and related regulations. The primary duties of this position are commercial mechanical plan review; however, some field inspection work may be required based on workload and staffing considerations. The successful candidate will also be expected to cross-train to serve as a backup Commercial Plumbing Plan Reviewer. Work includes considerable public contact in dealing with architects, engineers, contractors, owners, the general public, and other Town staff. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Chief Mechanical Code Official.
Applicants for this recruitment must hold a current NC DOI Standard Mechanical Level III Certificate. Please review the information below before submitting your application.
Anticipated Salary Range: $80,496.00 - $101,192.00
Typical Tasks - Review construction documents, plans, specifications, and calculations for commercial mechanical systems (HVAC, refrigeration, ductwork, exhaust and ventilation, fuel gas piping, venting, and combustion air) to ensure compliance with the NC Mechanical Code, NC Fuel Gas Code, mechanical provisions of the NC Energy Conservation Code, and related regulations;
- Prepare clear, well-documented plan review comments citing applicable code sections; communicate deficiencies to design professionals and applicants; review resubmittals and revisions through approval;
- Meet with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners in pre-submittal, pre-construction, and plan review meetings to discuss code requirements and resolve review comments;
- Following cross-training, serve as a backup Commercial Plumbing Plan Reviewer, reviewing commercial plumbing plans (water supply and distribution, drain-waste-vent (DWV), backflow prevention, and fixture requirements) for compliance with the NC Plumbing Code;
- Conduct commercial and residential mechanical field inspections at various stages of construction as needed based on workload and staffing considerations, including Live Remote inspections within the guidelines approved by NCDOI and Town of Cary management;
- Identifies conditions requiring correction or additional inspections; notifies appropriate individuals; issues warnings and stop work orders if necessary;
- Reviews alternate methods and materials not specifically prescribed by codes; determines if such alternate is equivalent to that prescribed by the code; approves or disapproves such use; documents and maintains records regarding plan reviews and inspections; enters plan review and inspection information on computer system;
- Coordinate with field inspection staff and other Town review disciplines to promote consistency between approved plans and field installations;
- Testifies in court on code violation cases;
- Provide consultation; advise and assist engineers, contractors, and the general public on mechanical and plumbing code requirements, code interpretations, plan review, and inspection procedures;
- Attend meetings and advise on difficult interpretation of the code and applicable ordinances;
- Conduct special research as needed; manage special projects as needed;
- Provide technical assistance to Town staff as needed;
- Perform other job-related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Comprehensive knowledge of commercial mechanical (HVAC, refrigeration, exhaust, and ventilation) system design, installation, and construction processes;
- Working knowledge of commercial plumbing system design, installation, and construction processes;
- Knowledge of engineering design principles in the mechanical and plumbing trades, including load calculations, equipment sizing, duct and ventilation design, and energy conservation requirements;
- Knowledge of NC state building and related codes and regulations, including the NC Mechanical Code, NC Fuel Gas Code, NC Energy Conservation Code, and NC Plumbing Code;
- Knowledge and ability to operate computers, related technology, electronic plan review software, and a variety of software applications;
- Ability to read and interpret complex commercial plans, specifications, equipment schedules, and engineering calculations quickly and accurately;
- Ability to compare approved plans with construction in-process;
- Ability to prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate plan review comments and written correspondence;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with design professionals, building owners, contractors and the public while using firmness and tact in enforcing building ordinances and codes;
- Ability to effectively work in high stress situations and manage multiple plan reviews with competing deadlines;
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing;
- Ability to adopt and maintain accurate records.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a community college with an associate's degree in mechanical technology, building construction, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field.
Applicants must hold a current North Carolina Standard Mechanical Level III certificate AND have at least five (5) years of experience as a Mechanical Inspector, Mechanical Plans Examiner, or NCDOI Mechanical Code Consultant, OR at least ten (10) years of experience working on the installation of commercial mechanical systems.
Preference will be given to candidates with the following: - Professional Engineer (PE) license;
- Experience in commercial mechanical system design;
- Mechanical, plumbing, or other contractor license(s);
- Leadership roles in industry trade organizations or code official associations;
- Multiple NCDOI standard certificates (e.g., Plumbing, Building, Electrical, or Fire);
- Commercial plumbing experience or certification, given the backup Commercial Plumbing Plan Reviewer role.
Physical Requirements: Employees must be able to walk, climb, crawl, talk, see and hear. Work includes the ability to communicate with the public and the physical ability to conduct inspections while construction is in progress.
Conditions of Employment: - Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger-printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.
- Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Must maintain a Standard Mechanical Level 3 certificate, including all required continuing education.
01
1. Do you currently possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?
02
2. Which best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Graduate/GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
03
3. How many years of experience do you have in commercial mechanical system design, installation, plan review, or inspection work? Details must be included in the work experience section of your application.
- Less than 5 Years
- 5 - 9 Years
- 10 - 14 Years
- 15+ Years
04
4. Select the certification(s) you currently hold from the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) in the Mechanical trade.
- I do not hold a pre-qualification or certification in Standard Mechanical
- Pre-qualification for Standard Level 3 Mechanical
- Probationary Level 3 Mechanical
- Standard Level 1 Mechanical
- Standard Level 2 Mechanical
- Standard Level 3 Mechanical
05
5. Which of the following describes your qualifying experience? Select all that apply. (Applicants must hold a Standard Mechanical Level III certificate and meet at least one of the experience requirements listed below.) Details must be included in the work experience section of your application, and supporting documentation may be requested to verify your selected response(s).
- I have at least five (5) years of experience as a Mechanical Inspector.
- I have at least five (5) years of experience as a Mechanical Plans Examiner.
- I have at least five (5) years of experience as an NCDOI Mechanical Code Consultant.
- I have at least ten (10) years of experience working on the installation of commercial mechanical systems.
- None of the above apply to my education or experience.
06
6. How many years of experience do you have performing commercial mechanical plan review? Details must be included in the work experience section of your application.
- None
- 1 - 2 Years
- 3 - 4 Years
- 5+ Years
07
7. Do you have experience working for a municipality or NCDOI as a mechanical inspector, plans examiner, or code consultant? If yes, details must be included in the work experience section of your application.
08
8. Do you have any Contractor's licenses? If so, license information must be listed on the application.
09
9. If you answered yes to Question #8, please list all Contractor's licenses that you currently hold. If you do not have any Contractor's licenses, please type "N/A".
10
10. If you earlier listed that you possess current certifications, or pre-qualification letters for certifications, have you attached those documents to this application?
11
11. Do you hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license? If so, license information must be listed on the application.
12
12. How many years of experience do you have in the design of commercial mechanical systems? Details must be included in the work experience section of your application.
- None
- 1 - 2 Years
- 3 - 4 Years
- 5+ Years
13
13. Do you hold NCDOI standard certificates in trades other than Mechanical (e.g., Plumbing, Building, Electrical, or Fire)? If so, check all that apply:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Building
- Fire
14
14. Have you held a leadership role (e.g., officer, board member, or committee chair) in an industry trade organization or code officials association? If so, details must be included in the application.
Required Question
