Talent and integrity are what has made Carlisle | Wortman Associates (CWA) one of the most trusted and longest established planning firms in Michigan. CWA is an exceptional group of thought-leaders who make a daily impact in Michigan’s communities. We value and nurture long-term relationships with our public sector clients, affording our staff a diverse range of community planning experiences and opportunities. Our team works collaboratively in a close-knit, fun, supportive, and creative environment.
We’re Hiring!
Associate Planner
Carlisle|Wortman Associates Inc. (CWA) is a multi-disciplinary municipal services provider based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CWA provides high-level planning and building department services to more than 80 municipal clients throughout the state of Michigan. CWA offers a wide range of services including on-site staffing; development review; master planning; zoning ordinance evaluation, amendments and administration; recreation planning; public meeting facilitation; and more. CWA is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team.
Description
This opportunity is for an Intermediate Level Associate Planner who will work closely with principals and other planners to provide services to our clients. Duties include master planning, development review, zoning ordinance development, community engagement, project management, and coordination with municipal Planning Commissions and other boards and commissions. This position requires a working knowledge of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Responsibilities will include attendance at evening meetings on a regular basis.
Minimum qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related field. Master's degree is preferred.
• 3-5+ years of related experience is preferred.
• Knowledge using the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) and Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Benefits:
• Compensation
- Competitive Salary based on Qualifications and Experience
- Significant Bonus Opportunities
- Travel and expenses reimbursement
• Health/Dental/Optical Insurance with FSA available
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching Contribution
• Training Opportunities
• Tuition & Continuing Education Reimbursement
• Hybrid Work Opportunities
• Professional Supportive Work Environment
• Other Benefits as Negotiated
To Apply:
Qualified individuals should email a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of work/writing samples to:
Carlisle|Wortman Associates
Attn: Michael Radzik
mradzik@cwaplan.com
Housing / Property Maintenance Inspector - Downriver Southeast Michigan Area
Carlisle|Wortman Associates Inc. (CWA) is a multi-disciplinary municipal services provider based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CWA provides high-level planning and building department services to more than 80 municipal clients throughout the state of Michigan. CWA offers a wide range of services including on-site staffing; development review; master planning; zoning ordinance evaluation, amendments and administration; recreation planning; public meeting facilitation; and more. CWA is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team.
Description
The Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector is responsible to inspect and evaluate the condition of rental dwellings and structures for the purpose of certifying them for continued occupancy; conduct inspections of commercial properties for business registration and resale purposes; write inspection reports; photograph code violations as evidence; work with property owners and managers to achieve code compliance on behalf of municipal clients.
Reports to:
• Jennifer Dufore, CWA Regional Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities
• None
Education/ Experience/ Qualifications:
• High school graduate or GED equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred but not required
• Two (2) years of professional work experience performing inspections, administrative support work, or similar work experience considered; municipal building or planning department environment preferred; any type of law or ordinance enforcement experience is helpful
• Valid driver’s license required
• ICC Housing Inspector certification preferred
• P.A. 407 professional certifications are a bonus but not required
Knowledge and skills:
• General computer proficiency required
• BS&A software platform proficiency preferred
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and meeting applications (Zoom/Teams).
• Attention to detail with data entry and reporting required
• Knowledge of the ICC Property Maintenance Code, Michigan building codes, construction standards, and property maintenance standards preferred
Required Performance Standards:
• Ability to effectively communicate/collaborate with clients and internal team members
• Ability to interact positively with the general public
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to evaluate facts and circumstances and exercise sound judgment fairly and equitably
• Capability to interact with coworkers and clients equitably and uniformly
• Ability to accurately accomplish directives with attention to detail
• Ability to organize and accomplish complicated tasks
• Accepts supervision and constructive criticism where appropriate
Equipment Proficiencies:
• Phones (cellular smartphone)
• Computer/Laptop/Tablet
• Printer/Scanner/Copier
• Basic testing equipment (electrical, temperature, etc)
Work Environment:
• Indoor and outdoor commercial and residential environments in all weather conditions
• Occasional indoor environments involving dilapidated/condemned structures
• Travel to and within client jurisdictions
Physical Activity and Demands:
• Ability to be mobile in an office setting
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move lightweight items
• Ability to communicate in person, by telephone and email; read regular sized and small print; view and produce written and electronic documents; and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes
Compensation Package:
• Starting salary range $60,000 to $70,000 DOQ.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Healthcare insurance effective on first day.
• Dental/vision/life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) with employer matching funds.
• Front-loaded paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays off.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available.
• Tuition reimbursement, paid membership fees, expense reimbursement.
To Apply:
Qualified individuals should email a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of work/writing samples to:
Carlisle|Wortman Associates
Attn: Michael Radzik
mradzik@cwaplan.com
Disclaimer: This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, CWA may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time. All prospective employees are subject to a successful background investigation prior to being hired and during the course of employment as necessary.
Building Plans Examiner
Carlisle|Wortman Associates Inc. (CWA) is a multi-disciplinary municipal services provider based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CWA provides high-level planning and building department services to more than 80 municipal clients throughout the state of Michigan. CWA offers a wide range of services including on-site staffing; development review; master planning; zoning ordinance evaluation, amendments and administration; recreation planning; public meeting facilitation; and more. CWA is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team.
Description
The Building Plans Examiner reviews construction plans, specifications, calculations, and permit documents for compliance with adopted building codes, zoning regulations, municipal ordinances, accessibility standards, energy requirements, and related laws before a building permit is approved or issued. This position reviews residential, commercial, industrial, alteration, addition, repair, and tenant improvement projects; prepares correction comments; assists applicants with the permit process; coordinates with other municipal departments; and supports the Building Official in protecting public health, safety, and welfare through consistent code administration. This position also supports the public health, safety, and welfare mission of our municipal clients by identifying code deficiencies before construction begins, communicating required corrections to applicants and design professionals, coordinating reviews with other departments, and assisting with the orderly administration of the building permit process.
Reports to:
• Brent Strong, Director of Construction Code Division
Supervisory Responsibilities
• None
Education/ Experience/ Qualifications:
• P.A. 407 professional Michigan registration through LARA/BCC as a Building Plan Reviewer required.
• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification is a plus but not required.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience examining construction plans, producing review comments, and working with applicants to resolve code compliance issues.
• Relevant experience in building construction, inspection, plan review, architecture, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and apply building code requirements.
• Experience working in a municipal building department is a plus but not required.
• Experience with electronic plan review and permit management software (BS&A) preferred.
• Experience reviewing both residential and commercial projects.
• Experience interpreting adopted model codes and local amendments.
• High school graduate or GED equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, construction technology, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Reviews construction documents for compliance with applicable building, residential, existing building, energy, accessibility, zoning, fire, life-safety, and municipal code requirements.
• Examines plans, specifications, engineering calculations, truss drawings, structural details, site plans, and related documents.
• Identifies deficiencies and prepares written plan review comments, correction letters, and redline notes.
• Reviews revised plans to confirm required corrections have been adequately addressed.
• Coordinates plan review with zoning, planning, engineering, public works, fire, utilities, stormwater, health, and other departments or agencies.
• Provides technical assistance to applicants, owners, contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, and the public.
• Researches prior permits, code history, property records, approved plans, and relevant municipal requirements.
• Supports permit processing, including completeness review, fee verification, permit preparation, and approval routing.
• Assists inspectors and department staff with code interpretations and approved-plan questions.
• Maintains accurate plan review records in the municipal permitting system (commonly BS&A).
• Participates in meetings, pre-application reviews, and process improvement efforts.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge and skills:
• Working knowledge of:
- Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act
- 2021 Michigan Building Code
- 2015 Michigan Residential Code
- 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
- 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code
- Michigan Building Code accessibility provisions
- 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code
- Other relevant codes and standards
• Maintains current knowledge of adopted codes, code cycles, state requirements, municipal ordinances, and construction practices.
• General knowledge of Blue Beam, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and meeting applications (Zoom/Teams). BS&A software proficiency preferred.
• Researches code provisions, interpretations, administrative policies, product approvals, technical reports, and applicable standards.
• Skill in reading and evaluating plans, calculations, specifications, and technical documents.
• Skill in preparing clear written correction comments and technical correspondence.
• Ability to explain code requirements professionally and consistently.
• Ability to manage multiple reviews and deadlines.
• Ability to use permit software, electronic plan review tools, databases, spreadsheets, and standard office applications.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the public, design professionals, contractors, inspectors, and other municipal staff.
• Knowledge of engineering and architectural principles relevant to plan review.
• Knowledge of structural concepts such as loads, foundations, framing systems, lateral resistance, trusses, connections, retaining walls, and seismic or wind design requirements.
• Knowledge of building, residential, energy, accessibility, fire, life-safety, zoning, and municipal code requirements.
• Knowledge of permit application procedures, plan review workflow, inspection processes, and certificate of occupancy procedures.
• Knowledge of construction industry roles, including owners, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, inspectors, and municipal staff.
• Fluent in mathematics used in plan review, area calculations, occupant load calculations, height and area limits, construction valuation, and code analysis.
• Public-sector customer service, recordkeeping, and administrative procedures.
Required Performance Standards:
• Attention to detail with code compliance and plan review reporting required.
• Ability to effectively communicate/collaborate with clients and internal team members.
• Ability to interact positively with the general public.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate facts and circumstances and exercise sound judgment fairly and equitably.
• Capability to interact with coworkers and clients equitably and uniformly.
• Ability to accurately accomplish directives with attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and accomplish complicated tasks.
• Accepts supervision and constructive criticism where appropriate.
Equipment Proficiencies:
• Phones (cellular smartphone)
• Computer/Laptop/Tablet
• Printer/Scanner/Copier
Work Environment:
• Indoor office environment in downtown Ann Arbor.
• Occasional outdoor environments involving observation of construction projects in progress.
• Travel to and within client jurisdictions by motor vehicle.
Physical Activity and Demands:
• Ability to be mobile in an office setting.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move lightweight items.
• Ability to communicate in person, by telephone and email; read regular and small print; view and produce written and electronic documents; and enter data using a computer.
Compensation Package:
• Starting salary range $90,000 to $110,000 DOQ.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• BC/BS healthcare insurance effective on first day.
• Dental/vision/life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) with employer matching funds.
• Front-loaded paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays off.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available.
• Tuition reimbursement, paid membership fees, work expense reimbursement.
To Apply:
Qualified individuals should email a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of work/writing samples to:
Carlisle|Wortman Associates
Attn: Michael Radzik
mradzik@cwaplan.com
Disclaimer: This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, CWA may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time. All prospective employees are subject to a successful background investigation prior to being hired and during the course of employment as necessary.
We value workplace diversity and appreciate how it furthers our understanding of the communities we are working to serve.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.