Description
Job Title: Plans Examiner
Reports to (title): Plans Examination Supervisor
Department: Department of Planning - Cayman Islands Government
The successful candidate will be responsible for examining construction drawings submitted to the department to ensure compliance with the Cayman Islands Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code and relevant Laws and Regulations relating to public health and safety. The preferred candidate will be required to focus largely on Commercial level Building Plan review.
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Providing guidance and assistance to Architects, Engineers, Contractors and the general public on Procedures and Code requirements and interpretations.
- Reviewing drawings submitted for approval to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
- Inspecting projects under construction for code compliance and conditions of approval, and completed projects for Certificate of Fitness (for Occupancy).
- Provide training and assistance to junior staff as needed;
- Preparing reports and other duties assigned by the Plans Examination Supervisor and/or Deputy Director of Planning (BC).
Qualifications, Experience & Skills:
An Associate’s Degree in Construction Science or related subject and four years’ experience in commercial level plan review,
OR
A Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering, Construction , Electrical Engineering or related subject, with a minimum of two years’ experience in commercial level plan review;
Must be Certified by International Code Council (ICC) or equivalent as a commercial plans examiner in three or more of the following disciplines: Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Fire and Plumbing;
- Have extensive knowledge of the ICC 2009 family of codes (Electrical, Building, Mechanical and Plumbing) and related technical standards,
- Knowledge of general construction practices;
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and written;
- Ability to work with others as a team and with the public;
- Ability, competency and willingness to provide training to junior staff;
- Ability to aid customers in rectifying problems with excellent interpersonal skills
The remuneration package for the successful candidate is offered without deductions. The Cayman Islands Government provides an additional 12% pension contribution and 100% health insurance coverage for the employee and their dependents.
A pre-employment drug screen/medical test and a Police Record check are conditions of employment.
Please visit careers.gov.ky to apply online. https://careers.gov.ky/application/login/login.aspx
Paper applications will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: 04th September 2026
Requirements
Job Title: Plans Examiner
Reports to (title): Plans Examination Supervisor
Department: Department of Planning - Cayman Islands Government
- 1. JOB PURPOSE
The main purpose of this job is to examine applications submitted for building permits, to ensure compliance with the Cayman Islands Building Codes, relevant Acts and Regulations. The post holder will review major commercial projects, residential, multi-family apartments, hotels and industrial buildings to ensure compliance with the above mentioned Codes, Acts and Regulations, to ensure public health and safety.
The post holder may act as Plans Examination Supervisor in their absence.
The post holder is considered an Essential Staff member and will assist in the Damage Assessment process following a natural disaster.
- 2. DIMENSIONS
The post holder will:
Review for compliance against the adopted Codes (Cayman Islands Building Code, Cayman Islands Residential Code, ICC-600 (International Code Council, the Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions) Cayman Islands Mechanical Code, Cayman Islands Plumbing Code, ANSI A117 (Accessibility codes) and various reference standards;
Examine approximately 50 applications per month for complex projects (large Commercial projects, High Rise Building, and Single-Family Dwellings).
Respond to approximately 30-40 client queries per day; this includes Architects, Engineers, Developers, and Contractors to discuss code requirements relative to proposed construction and/or alterations.
Conduct inspections of approximately 10 major projects under construction per year.
Actively participate in training initiatives during the year; including delivery of training.
Engage in Damage Assessment activities, particularly during Hurricane season; 6 months of the year.
Post holder is not responsible for any budget; however, the value of the projects reviewed can be in excess of CI$100m in value.
3. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Review Building Permit applications submitted for complex residential and major commercial projects to ensure compliance with Codes, Acts and Regulations. In areas that aren’t specified, or where the use of alternate materials and methods are being proposed, the post holder will have to conduct research and make a recommendation to the Plans Examination Supervisor. 60% time.
Provide guidance and assistance to Architects, Engineers, Contractors and the general public on Planning Development Acts and Regulations, and Building Code interpretations. The post holder will also be expected to share knowledge and train other departmental staff. 20% time.
Inspect projects under construction (as needed) for code compliance and conditions of approval, and completed projects for Certificate of Occupancy. Keep the OPS (online application system) and my-Vista time management system updated. 10% time.
Conduct Pre-Central Planning Authority reviews (as needed) for Life Safety Code requirements. 5%time.
The post holder will play a vital role in the Damage Assessment process following any major natural disaster. In the event of a significant natural disaster this output could take precedent over other duties. 4% time.
Prepare reports and other duties assigned by the Plans Examination Supervisor or Deputy Director of Planning. Act as Plans Examination Supervisor to cover periods of leave. 1% time
- 5. 4.. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Building Control section is part of the Department of Planning and is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the public’s health and safety in buildings through compliance with numerous statutes. The Cayman Islands Building Code, the Electricity Act and Regulations, the National Electrical Code, the Standard Plumbing Code, the Standard Mechanical Code and the Standard Gas Code are the primary statutes. The operational aspects of the Building Control are concerned primarily with the delivery of efficient and effective plan reviews, and building inspection services to customers, and the continuous monitoring, analysis and evaluation of this service to ensure building code compliance and optimum customer satisfaction.
This effort is in concert with Environmental Health, Public Works, Sanitation, Fire Services, Water Authority, Caribbean Utilities Company and other entities connected to the construction industry.
The post holder will be responsible for reviewing plans for a combination of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and/or fire-protection systems.
5. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE: An Associates Degree in Construction Science or related subject and four years experience in commercial level plan review,
Or
A Bachelors Degree in Structural Engineering, Construction or related subject, with a minimum of two years experience in commercial level plan review
And
Certified by ICC as a commercial plans examiner in three or more of the following disciplines: building, mechanical, plumbing and fire.
Working towards an ILM Level 3 Certification or equivalent would be desirable.
KNOWLEDGE: Extensive knowledge of the ICC 2009 family of codes (Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and/or Fire) and related technical standards (NFP 72, NFPA 13, and ANSI 117.1). Knowledge of general construction practices.
SKILLS
- - Ability to conduct research and write reports;
- - Ability to read, interpret, structural and architectural drawings, plans and specifications
- - Ability to communicate effectively verbally and written;
- - Ability to work with others as a team and with the public;
- - Ability, competency and willingness to provide training to junior staff;
- - Ability to aid customers in rectifying problems with excellent interpersonal skills;
- - Effective time management skills and ability to prioritize work assignments.
- - Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and meet established deadlines.
- - The ability to use MS Office programs and other standard office software such as Zoom.
- - Experience with plan review software would be advantageous.
6. ASSIGNMENT AND PLANNING OF WORK
- The workload of the Plans Examiner is generated mainly by the number of applications submitted for building permits. The Plans Examination Supervisor (PES) assigns plan reviews for all the reviewers, however the post holder has some control over their day to day schedule.
7. SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
The postholder does not supervise others, however, he/she will provide training to the Plans Examiner II, and other staff as needed.
8. OTHER WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
It is necessary to foster good relationships with the construction industry and to ensure that good construction practice are followed and Laws and Regulations are adhered to.
The postholder also works with other departments namely Fire, Environmental Health, Water Authority, P.W.D and Legal to ensure that buildings comply with minimum requirements for occupancy, or to adhere to legal concerns.
9. DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY AND CONTROLS
The post holder is required:
- To determine if the work being conducted is in compliance with the relevant codes, acts, regulations and the department-approved drawings;
- To determine if any device or component being installed is safe and has the required permit or approval allowable under code;
- If any work or components pose an immediate threat to life and safety, the post holder has the authority to temporarily issue a cease-work order, after which the DDOP (BC) or the DDOP (BC) designate must be immediately notified.
All other decisions are to be made in consultation with the Plans Examination Supervisor, DDOP (BC) or the DOP. The post holder is encouraged to make recommendations with regards to any issue relating to operational efficiency and effectiveness.
10. PROBLEM/KEY FEATURES
The post holder’s main challenges will be:
a) Handling situations with unhappy clients can be challenging and requires good conflict resolution skills and a calm demeanor.
b) Requirement to remain on Island (as Essential Staff) and assist in the damage assessment process following a natural disaster; It should be noted, the islands are susceptible to Hurricanes 6 months of the year (i.e. Hurricane season: June – November).
11. WORKING CONDITIONS.
The post holder will generally work in an office environment. However, occasionally, the post holder will be required to work outside the office to conduct site inspections; this may include physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity. The post holder cannot be sensitive or allergic to common construction materials.
A department vehicle will be available as needed for occasional out of office meetings and inspections.
The post holder will work with a wide range of diverse clients and must be able to deal with occasional irate customers.
The post holder is considered Essential Staff and in the event of a natural disaster (Hurricane, Earthquake etc.), the post holder will be required to remain on island and assist in the Damage Assessment process /exercise.
Work hours of 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday; not shift based.
