Remote Building Code Plan Reviewer Jobs in Richmond, VA

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of General Services (DGS)

Location:Richmond, VA 

Agency Website:www.dgs.virginia.gov 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The DGS Division of Engineering & Buildings (DEB) is seeking a qualified, licensed Engineer to serve as a State Review Electrical Engineer. Under the general supervision of the Director of Engineering & Code Compliance, this Review Engineer will leverage extensive knowledge of building and building system designs, and construction practices for a variety of facility types and sizes in order to inspect construction and evaluate building construction plans and specifications. The Review Engineer ensures building code compliance, best practices for design development, construction detailing, and the proper use of public funds are addressed through reviews, comments, and collaboration in meetings.

DEB's Architectural & Engineering staff members are the highest-level building-related architects and engineers (A/Es) in the State System. They act on behalf of the State Building Official for all buildings on state property and review and direct the work of A/Es at state agencies and the work of private sector licensed A/Es providing services on state projects. They have the responsibility and authority to exercise their professional judgment to direct changes to the work.

This Review Engineer is responsible for providing professional and technical expertise to assure that the applicable Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) codes, Construction & Professional Services Manual (CPSM) technical policies and practices, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) statutes are correctly applied and coordinated for the design of state-owned buildings and structures. Unique alternative technical design solutions are researched, evaluated, and accepted or rejected.

They also ensure that state Capital Outlay facilities/projects conform to good construction practices, are economical solutions to program requirements, conform to Virginia Public Procurement Act standards, conform to the CPSM design standards, and are within the project description authorized by the Governor and the Legislature.

Job duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Reviewing and directing corrections necessary for plans and specifications to conform to the VUSBC and CPSM.
• Creating technical reports and recommendations on the proper application of codes and standards and effectively present that information orally and in writing to management, clients, and other upper-level professionals, managers, and administrators.
• Consulting with other DEB reviewers to determine correct applications of ambiguous code and standard requirements to assure consistent and uniform guidance to designers.
• Participate in building inspections.
• Provide technical assistance to Agencies, their A/E designers, and representatives from A/E firms.

This position is located in Richmond, Virginia and eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (telework up to 2 days/week) after the completion of a Telework Agreement.

We've got great benefits! 

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Requirements

• Professional Engineer licensed in Virginia (or the ability to be licensed in Virginia within one year of employment).
• Valid Virginia driver's license (or able to obtain VA license within 60 days of employment).
• International Code Council certification as a Electrical Plans Examiner and as a Commercial Electrical Inspector (or the ability to attain the certifications within one year of employment).
• Substantial experience in building code, program, and functional analyses, and in the preparation of plans and specifications for a variety of facility types and sizes, including the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electric Code, and other regulatory standards (UL, NEMA, NECA, etc.) to design development and construction practices for medium and large new construction, renovations, and additions.
• Substantial experience inspecting construction in progress.
• Ability to research and analyze policy and requirements and develop alternative solutions to problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including creating and presenting written reports and analyses for all levels of professionals, managers, and administrators.
• Ability to independently prioritize and schedule normal workload and special deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills and personal discipline, including strong interdisciplinary coordination skills and the ability to conduct interactions with work associates and clients in a professional, fair, and cooperative manner.
• Ability to use word processors, spreadsheets, and electronic document review software (ex: BlueBeam, Adobe) to review and produce written comments and reports.

This position requires on-site inspections, applicant must have ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. 

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and a DMV driving records check. 

Additional Considerations 

• Considerable knowledge and experience with Commonwealth of Virginia building regulations and policies, including the CPSM, VUSBC, Virginia Existing Building Code, and Virginia Energy Conservation Code.
• Knowledge with the Virginia Public Procurement Act.
• Experience with BlueBeam.

Special Instructions 

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all of your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application. 

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov. 

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.  

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after August 24, 2026. Please refer to the "Your Application" page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.    

Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and a DMV driving records check. The selected candidate must also complete a Statement of Economic Interest prior to the first day of employment.

The selected candidate will also be required to obtain the following licenses and certifications within one year of hire date, if they do not already have them:

• Virginia Professional Engineer license;
• International Code Council certification as a Electrical Plans Examiner; and
• International Code Council certification as a Commercial Electrical Inspector.

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights. 

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.  

From July 1, 2026, through January 21, 2029, applicants who were terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025 due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency may be eligible for HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration. Applicants seeking HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration must identify themselves within the state application process and provide supporting documentation, including a Standard Form 50 (SF-50), verifying their eligibility. 

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019. 

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process. 

Contact Information 

Name: DGS Human Resources 

Phone: 804-786-3910 

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov