Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) Department is seeking an Electrical Plans Examiner I/II to report to the Building Official and Chief of the Plan Review Services. This position will review construction documents to ensure that the building construction and systems are designed and comply with electrical design standards of Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). Projects are complex due to size, multiplicity of structures, advanced design of installed systems, and advanced construction methods and techniques.

Specific duties include:

• Designing, reviewing, and approving construction documents for compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and VUSBC;

• Interpreting and enforcing codes, regulations and ordinances;

• Conducting field visits to evaluate buildings and systems, including field surveys of buildings;

• Developing information and training materials including conducting training for peers and constituents;

• Providing code consultation services to builders, developers, engineers, property owners, architects and other governmental agencies;

• Evaluating electrical systems and components to determine whether the system design will comply with National Electrical Code;

• Representing the Division and the County at meetings and public hearings;

• Developing, participating in, and defending code change proposals at local, state, and national arenas; and

• Performing other job-related duties as assigned, including ensuring accordance with accepted code standards and applicable legal ordinances and regulations.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Demonstrated ability to apply the modern principles and practices of the electrical engineering/technical field;

• Skilled in negotiating agreements with engineers, developers, contractors, and governmental professionals to bring about compliance with applicable permitting, engineering, and code requirements;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships among staff, community representatives, representatives from other jurisdictions, and work effectively as a contributing team member;

• Ability to acquire the knowledge of the legal mandates which define/limit the public-service mission of the division and department; and

• Knowledge of applicable codes, statutes, and regulations, including computer applications relevant to the field.

Minimums Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architecture & Sustainable Design, or related field; plus
Electrical Plans Examiner I:

• Must obtain Virginia Plans Electrical Examiner Certification within 12 months of employment.

Electrical Plans Examiner II:

• Some responsible experience in Electrical Systems Engineering related to buildings and facilities;
• Experience working with construction plans;
• Possession of a Virginia Plans Electrical Examiner Certification - OR - Registered Design Professional license; and
• Completion of the requirements to obtain additional certifications as a Plans Examiner in qualifying disciplines (e.g., plumbing, structural, building, fire, mechanical, and/or electrical).

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience in electrical engineering may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

Desirables: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

• Working with the National Electrical Code;
• Reading and interpreting construction documents, specifications, codes, regulations and/or ordinances;
• Responding to public inquiries; and
• Certification by ICC or VA as an Electrical Plans Examiner, Commercial Electrical Inspector, or Residential Electrical Inspector.

Special Requirements:

• A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights how your background and experience align with the qualifications for this position.
• Possesses Virginia Electrical Examiner Certification within 12 months of employment.
• Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon hire and annually thereafter.
• A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
• The incumbent will work at locations other than the primary worksite and must have the ability to use alternative transportation methods or possess a valid driver’s license. If possess a license, will be required to show proof by providing a copy of driving record.

Additional Information:

Work Hours Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, and eligible for teleworking.

The official job title is Construction Plans Examiner I and II. This position may be filled at Examiner I or II level depending upon the qualifications and appropriate certifications of the candidate. The salary range below is effective July 1, 2026.
Construction Plans Examiner I: $87,318.40 -$135,324.80
Construction Plans Examiner II: $91,707.20 -$142,168.00

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Each section of the application must be completed including the supplemental questions. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

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