Plans Examiner II / Senior Plans Examiner

Job Description:

Plans Examiner II / Senior Plans Examiner

Description

Description

Join our dedicated team by the sea and help shape our city's future! We're searching for a motivated Plans Examiner II or Senior Plans Examiner to contribute to a collaborative, friendly environment focused on growth and community safety. If you have a keen eye for detail and want to work with a supportive staff, this is the perfect opportunity to advance your career while enjoying the coastal lifestyle.

DEFINITION

Plans Examiner II

Under general supervision, to review and approve plans for residential, tenant improvement, room additions and miscellaneous construction permits; and to assist homeowners, architects, contractors and engineers regarding code related matters.

Senior Plans Examiner

Under general direction, to perform complex and advanced professional plan check activities for commercial, residential, and other structures to ensure compliance with building codes, laws, ordinances and regulations; to provide technical guidance and supervision to other professional and technical staff; to provide responsible administrative assistance to the Building Official; and to serve in the absence of the Building Official.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Plans Examiner II is the journey level in the Plans Examiner class series allocated only to the Community Development Department; positions in this class report to a higher-level management class; responsible for reviewing and approving plans for residential, tenant improvement, room additions, and miscellaneous construction permits in compliance with pertinent building construction and safety laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines.

Senior Plans Examiner is the lead level class in the Plans Examiner series allocated only to the Community Development Department. The Senior Plans Examiner reports to the Building Official, and is responsible for performing difficult and complex level plan check activities for the department; and serving as a lead worker over assigned staff. This class is distinguished from Plans Examiner I and II by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Senior Plans Examiners are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Essential Functions

Essential and other important functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Plans Examiner II

• Reviews and approves plans for simple residential projects, tenant improvement and room addition permits; reviews and approves structural calculations for room additions, re-roofing, flag poles and monument signs; reviews and approves plans for patio covers, retaining walls, pool/spa, sign and skylight applications, HVAC and all MEP permits; and reviews and approves solar photovoltaic plans and applications.

• Reviews and approves structural calculations for room additions, foundation stabilization systems, retaining walls, decks, and other relevant components of building or construction projects.

• Provides information to architects, engineers, designers, contractors and homeowners regarding code and building standards questions, and screening for existing and proposed projects; and provides information and guidelines regarding requirements for plan approvals.

• Uses permit tracking systems to assign and maintain plan review records, pending completion of departmental reviews.

• Researches records and files in order to collect data and information for plan reviews; and prepares written reports.

• Assists office personnel regarding plans and documents for permits and technical matters.

• Assists field inspectors and planners regarding codes and zoning inspection issues.

• Attends meetings and functions relating to building safety, construction, fire safety, plan review, and other related activities or functions.

• Works on special structural capital improvement projects.

• Performs counter services as required.

• Performs related work as required.

Senior Plans Examiner

• Performs complex and advanced plan check activities of commercial, residential and other structures; review plans for conformance to various building codes, laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Develops program policies and procedures on plan check; provides input for permit plan modification; and implements changes as required.
• Prepares proposal specifications; review specifications and calculations of building plans to ensure compliance with building codes, laws, ordinances and regulations; and consults with originator when needed to clarify or make corrections as necessary.
• Prepares a variety of reports on program activities and projects requiring administrative actions; maintains appropriate records on plan check activities including case logs; uses a computer to enter building permit data; and maintains and updates databases.
• Interprets codes to members of the general public, contractors, engineers, architects, City staff, and representatives of outside agencies, companies, or organizations; analyzes complex plans for plan check submittals; and coordinates projects with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Informs contractors, engineers, and architects of problems in plans conformance to codes; identifies and resolves difficult problems associated with building codes and city ordinances; and resolves issues within scope of assignment.
• Performs field inspections of complex building structures, and provides directions and guidance to staff assigned to perform field inspections of construction or other related projects.
• Serves in the role of Assistant to the Building Official; and supervises Building Division staff as required in the absence of the Building Official.
• Serves as a lead worker and provide technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
• Ensures that staff adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
• Performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications

Plans Examiner II

Knowledge of :

Operations, services, and activities of a plan check program

Principles and techniques of building design and plan check requirements

Methods and materials used in the construction of buildings and related structures

Advanced mathematical principles including algebra and geometry

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards related to building construction

Acceptable safety standards

Advanced inspection methods and techniques

Principles and procedures pertaining to the maintenance of files and records

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment and software programs.

Ability to:

Independently perform plan check activities under minimal supervision and guidance

Read, understand, and interpret complex blueprints and specifications in an accurate and correct manner

Understand, interpret, and prepare building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical policies and procedures

Perform accurate and complete mathematical calculations of varying complexity when reviewing plans, blueprints, and other technical documents

Verify calculations to ensure specifications and drawings are correct, accurate, and in compliance with applicable codes and safety standards

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public

Understand and follow verbal and written instructions and directions

Communicate in a clear, concise, and understandable manner both verbally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Collect, compile, and review data and information accurately and completely

Make informed, logical, and sound judgement and decisions when approving or not approving plans, or providing information to persons contacted during the course of work

Provide guidance, education, and advice to customers in a helpful, tactful, and diplomatic manner

Make sound and logical decisions during the course of work.

Stay current with new or revised Federal, State, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to building construction and safety

Complete work in a setting with shifting priorities and deadlines, as well as frequent interruptions.

Senior Plans Examiner

Knowledge of :

Operations, services, and activities of a plan check program.

Principles of leadership and training.

Principles and techniques of building design.

Methods and materials used in the construction of buildings and related structures.

Advanced mathematical principles including algebra and geometry.

Acceptable safety standards.

Advanced inspection methods.

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations related to the building construction and plan check activities.

Ability to :

Lead, organize, assign, and review the work of staff in the area of work assigned.

Independently perform the most difficult plan check activities.

Read, understand, and interpret complex blueprints and specifications.

Understand, interpret, and prepare building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical policies and procedures

Verify calculations to ensure specifications and drawings are in compliance with applicable codes and safety standards.

Perform and apply advanced algebraic and/or calculus concepts to include integration of relations

functions; perform and interpret statistical calculations and a full range of engineering calculations.

Prepare and present reports to management staff, and legislative and administrativebodies.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Complete work assignments in an effective and timely manner, while working in setting consisting of shifting deadlines and frequent interruptions.

Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Exercise sound and logical judgment, decisiveness, and creativity.

Experience and Education/Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Plans Examiner II

Experience:

Two years of experience in plans examining for an agency, company, or organization. Previous experience must have included reviewing energy plans; disabled access laws; and electrical, structural, building, plumbing and mechanical plans; OR two years of experience as a Plans Examiner I with the City of San Clemente.

AND

Education/Training :

Possession of an Associate Degree or at least two years of completed coursework in engineering, architecture, construction technology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Licenses or Certificates:

Possession or designation as a Certified Residential Plans Examiner by a recognized agency or organization is required by the time of appointment.

Possession of a valid ICC Plans Examiner Certificate is required within three months after appointment to this job classification.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver’s License within six months of appointment.

Senior Plans Examiner

Experience :

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in performing plans examination work, including reviewing energy, disabled access laws, electrical, structural, plumbing and mechanical plans; OR three years of experience as a Plans Examiner II with the City of San Clemente.

Education/Training :

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, architectural or civil engineering, or a related field.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Registration as an International Conference of Building Official certified plans examiner is required within 12 months of appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

Work primarily takes place in an office setting; traveling and working in an outdoor setting may take place on an occasional basis. May be exposed to construction sites, loud machinery noises, gas, fumes, and varying weather conditions when working outdoors in the field.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an indoor office environment, requiring extensive sitting, and some standing and walking; work may take place outdoors requiring the operation of motorized vehicles
  
• Moderate lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of boxes, files, blueprints, and maps
  
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling to access files or other materials
  

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment, handle files and documents
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Visual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

All applicants must submit a completed City of San Clemente application form and supplemental questionnaire in order to be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax or email.

Applications must be submitted via the City's web site at http://san-clemente.org/jobs . All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience.

Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense. If selected, written identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or age.

In accordance with the ADA, candidates that require accommodation to perform the tasks of this position should contact Human Resources to inform them of the accommodation requested.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of San Clemente provides excellent benefits which include:

FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE - Most positions work a 9/80 work schedule.

HOLIDAYS - The City presently recognizes 12 regular holidays, plus two floating holidays.

VACATION - Employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 104 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 176 hours based on years of service.

SICK LEAVE - Accrual of 8 hours per month.

INSURANCE - The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including employee medical, dental, vision.

LIFE INSURANCE - Value equal to two times annual earnings up to a maximum of $100,000.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION - Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary plan and defer up to the IRS permitted annual maximum. Employees may defer up to a maximum of $24,500 annually in 2026. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute up to $8,000 in catch-up contributions to these plans.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in either or both of the Health Care or Dependent Care programs.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services.

ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER - The City provides a no fee on-site fitness center with state of the art equipment located in City Hall.

RETIREMENT - The City of San Clemente is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and is subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under. Employee contribution rates will be determined by the employee's classification and requirements under PEPRA.
NOTE: The City is also a member of the Social Security system. As such, Full Time employees make contributions to Social Security in addition to their CalPERS contributions.

Classic Member:

Retirement Formula: 2% @ 55

Definition:

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the PEPRA definition of a "new member" as "classic members" who are subject to the Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL). PEPRA allows a member after January 1, 2013, to retain his/her classic member retirement benefit status if the member continues his/her membership in all previous California Public Retirement System(s) by leaving his/her service credit and contributions (if any) on deposit, and the member enters into employment that results in CalPERS membership within six months of separating from the most recent California Public Retirement System. Classic member status also requires the membership date to be on or before December 31, 2012, in a California Public Retirement System in which reciprocity is established.

New Member:

Retirement Formula: 2% @ 62

Definition: A new member is defined in PEPRA as any of the following:

• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has a break in service of greater than six months with another California Public Retirement System that is subject to Reciprocity.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.

Closing Date/Time: 1/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$107,328.00 - $143,832.00 Annually