Plan Examiner
Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Places and Regions
Overview: Plan examiners are a type of construction and building inspectors who determine if plans for a building or structure comply with local codes. In general, construction and building inspectors review plans, approve building plans, monitor construction sites, use survey instruments, inspect finished buildings, issue citations, keep logs, and write reports. Plan examiners also determine the engineering and environmental demands of a building site. People with a background in geography would fit well into this field due to their understanding of field methods, like surveying, and the environment. Plan examiners need to complete a certification and continued training to remain up to date with local codes. They would also benefit with some experience in construction or engineering. This field is expected to continue growing in the next decade.
Geographers at work: Environmental geographers, Physical geographers
Recommended College Courses: Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Natural Resource Use and Management, Energy Resource Management, Community and Regional Planning, Environmental Hazards, Cities and Urban Design
Skills: Maps and mapmaking, Human resource management, Field methods, Location analysis, Local geography, Communication, Local codes and policies
Occupation Group: Construction and Extraction
Learn more about Plan Examiner from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-and-building-inspectors.htm#tab-2
Written by Alisa Hartsell