Freelance Building Code Plan Reviewer Jobs in Minnesota

The position reviews and inspects the design, construction, alteration, demolition, and repair of all items covered by the Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC) on all University properties state wide.   This position has the responsibility for performing inspections and evaluations of building systems and installations for all new and existing buildings and some plan reviews in accordance with the MSBC.  This position is a liaison to other University departments for questions or concerns involving design, operation and maintenance of building systems.  The position also serves as the technical code advisor and professional resource to the University construction community, architects, engineers, and owners representatives.
Location and Work environment: Work is generally performed in the field and will include site visits to outdoor areas, roofs, mechanical rooms, controlled access areas, tunnels and confined spaces.  Physical ability to climb ladders, enter tunnels and access all construction sites is required.  This position may involve field inspections which may require a variety of physical activities, safe vehicle operation, tools, and equipment.  May work near or be exposed to a variety of hazardous conditions or equipment.  May occasionally work in closed or small areas to conduct inspection, be exposed to weather conditions, animals, sewage, dust, gas, fumes, noise, asbestos, mold or other environmental conditions. Agility, strength, balance and familiarity with many and varied construction worksite conditions, tools and machinery is required.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Primary Responsibilities:

65% - Inspection of all permitted building maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel and construction work on all University of Minnesota properties system-wide                                   

Conduct on-site construction inspections, record results in permit software system.
Perform field inspections for permitted projects located in the Twin Cities and throughout the state of Minnesota as needed.
Document and initiate appropriate corrective action to enforce code compliance.
Maintain daily inspection log and related records in an up-to-date and orderly fashion to expedite  record keeping procedures
Conducts inspections on all permitted construction work involving building and related  systems to assure work is performed consistent with applicable codes and standards
Performs building inspections to verify compliance between plans and actual construction
Perform back-up field inspections (building, HVAC, plumbing and fire) for permitted projects located in the Twin Cities and throughout the state of Minnesota as needed.
Coordinate / manage certificates of occupancy, inspections, and construction documents.
20% - Review plans and scopes of work prior to permit issuance to verify compliance with all building codes and standards                                                                                                                                      
Examine design documents of building systems at different phases of design: schematic, design development and construction documents.  
Examine plans and specifications submitted for permit to identify life safety hazards, minimum construction standard inadequacies and other related code inadequacies.
Coordinate plan reviews with other inspectors; combining review comments in written correspondence to designers and contractors
Review deferred submittal(s) and changes made to the permit documents throughout the construction process to ensure code compliance is being maintained.
Review plans for conformity with requirements and issue building permits; calculate fees to be assessed for projects and submit documentation for collection
Identify the appropriate application of codes for commercial, industrial, and mixed occupancies for existing,   historical and new structures (educational & large assembly facilities, research laboratories, hospitals, hazardous buildings, underground buildings, high-rise buildings,  and stadiums)
Assess risks of building systems based occupant classification and overall safety of University students, facility, staff and visitors
15% - Consult, advise, discuss, and meet with designers, engineers, project managers, facilities managers and stakeholders regarding building code requirements                                                
Meet and correspond throughout the phases of design with project managers, architects, engineers, faculty/staff, end users and contractors with respect to building materials, installation requirements, building standards, and building design in order to verify compliance with MSBC. 
Identify the appropriate application of codes for commercial, industrial, and mixed occupancies for existing,   historical and new structures (educational & large assembly facilities, research laboratories, hospitals, hazardous buildings, underground buildings, high-rise buildings, experimental structures and stadiums).  
Discuss or explain code intent for building systems; providing awareness of code impacts to a project, interpretation of both prescriptive and performance code to prospective designs.
Consult with all stakeholders on building projects to facilitate flow of information with other internal  and external regulatory agencies
Problems encountered may be highly varied and unpredictable, complex and often non-recurring, requiring new and creative approaches; precedents may exist and supervisor provides broad guidance and overall direction.

Required Qualifications:
Minnesota Certified Building Official and ICC Building Inspector License.  
An Associates or vocational technical degree with at least seven years of related experience in commercial/institutional plan review, building inspection, and commercial construction, or BA/BS plus at least five years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least nine years. Experience towards completing a building license can be substituted for years of experience required.
A valid Class D Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor degree in a related field.  
Commercial construction experience as a job superintendent, project manager, or tradesperson

Health, Safety, and Risk Management is charged with providing leadership, resources, and services to protect the environment, and to ensure the health and safety of the University's students, faculty, staff, patients, and visiting public. Health, Safety, and Risk Management supports a safe, healthy and sustainable University environment through its work.

Pay Range: $115,000 - $121,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.