Conservation Planning Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

If you need an accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please complete the accommodation form linked below. For assistance regarding accommodations, contact Arlington County’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Rights at (703) 228-3929 or viaemail.

• Posting Date 07/03/2026, 04:00 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201, US (Hybrid)
• Salary $87,318.40 - $142,168.00 annually

NOTE: This is a re-opening to expand the pool of qualified candidates. If you have already applied for this position under Job Identification #1478, there is no need to re-apply to be considered for this vacancy.

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.

Interested in working for Arlington County's award-winning, fully accredited Inspection Services Division? We have just the opportunity for you! The Inspection Services Division (ISD) within the Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) Department is seeking an Energy Construction Plans Examiner I/II to join our team! The ISD is responsible for working with Arlington County citizens, design professionals, developers, and contractors to review and inspect projects throughout the County.

This position provides senior technical energy plans examinations and inspections of commercial construction projects for compliance with state adopted codes, local codes, ordinances, and standards. The position may be filled at level I or II based on candidate's experience and qualifications.

Major Job Duties:

• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates energy conservation codes and standards plans for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings for approval;
• Provides inspectors with technical support for code decisions, conducts inspections of commercial construction projects, determines compliance with VUSBC and other building regulations, and enforces codes;
• Documents deficiencies in written narratives, including specific code citations, to clearly communicate compliance requirements to engineers, contractors, architects, and developers, facilitating permit issuance and the start of construction;
• Inspects projects to ensure compliance with approved construction documents;
• Collaborates and coordinates with the other Plans Examiners and inspectors;
• Maintains knowledge of changes to state adopted codes, local codes and ordinances;
• Participates in code development process at State and National levels; and
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Working knowledge of construction drawings and plans pertaining to energy code compliance, including the ability to analyze drawings, apply codes, and determine methods of construction.
• Working knowledge of testing, and commissioning requirements of Energy Codes and Standards.
• Knowledge of International Energy Conservation Code and relevant ASHRAE standards, and International Residential Code energy provisions.
• Ability to comprehend technical materials, compose letters or narrative reports, and problem‑solving skills to solve defined practical problems.
• Interpersonal skills to provide routine information courteously, to explain rules and procedures clearly, and to serve as expert witness.

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

Energy Construction Plans Examiner I:

• Must obtain Virginia state certification as a Plans Examiner in classification of applicable code discipline/trade within 12 months of employment.

Energy Construction Plans Examiner II:

• Some experience with energy construction plans related to buildings and facilities;
• Possession of Virginia Plans Examiner Certification in applicable discipline/trade – OR – Registered Design Professional license upon employment; 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 an area or areas of specialization (e.g., plumbing, construction, mechanical or electrical engineering) may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

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

• Working with the International Energy Conservation Code;

Reading and interpreting construction documents, specifications, codes, regulations and/or ordinances;

Responding to public inquiries.

Preference may be given to candidates with the following designations:

ICC or the State of Virginia as a Commercial Energy Plans Examiner;

Commercial Energy Inspector; and

Residential Energy Plans Examiner/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.
• Virginia Energy Plans Examiner Certification is required 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 applicant must possess a valid driver's license and authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of the applicant's official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving records.
• Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Additional Information:

Work hours: Monday - Friday, with flexible and remote work hours between 8:00am - 5:00pm. Occasional meetings and inspections are scheduled outside of normal work hours.

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 ranges are below.

Construction Plans Examiner I: $87,318.40 - $135,324.80

Construction Plans Examiner II: $91,707.20 - $142,168.00

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

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