Plans Examiner I/II

Summary

Plans Examiner I annual range: $79,020.10 - $105,894.49
Plans Examiner II annual range: $87,223.41 - $116,887.71

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Plans Examiner I/II in our Development Services Department/Building Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.
Under general supervision (Plans Examiner I) or direction (Plans Examiner II), performs professional and technical duties related to reviewing and approving construction plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with federal, state, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives and checks plans and designs for structures, new and remodeled commercial, industrial, and residential buildings to ensure compliance; assists inspectors, contractors, design professionals, and the public regarding construction requirements.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Plans Examiner I - This is the entry level class in the Plans Examiner series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Plans Examiner II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff. This position may receive direction or functional support from the Plans Examiner II.

Plans Examiner II - This is the full journey level class in the Plans Examiner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Plans Examiner I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed building and construction knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Plans Examiner II level are normally filled by advancement from the Plans Examiner I level.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Reviews and evaluates for ensuring the conformance of building plans and specifications with applicable codes and ordinances; reviews and approves submitted building plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing and related codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair and use of buildings and structures; performs plan checks to ensure for compliance with the City, State, and Federal codes and regulations; coordinates plan checks with other departments, outside agencies and consultants.

Interprets and monitors City rules, policies and procedures pertaining to building codes administration; explains and provides information to owners about building applications and permits; reviews applications for completeness and researches application and permit status; explains required inspections and construction requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors and the public; prepares correspondence to architects, engineers, and contractors relating to the correction of plans and engineering detail; prepares and maintains records and files for monitoring deficiencies and status of compliance.

Responds to public inquiries over the telephone or at the counter concerning questions regarding permit processing, building, or other construction-related questions; answers plan review related questions at the customer service counter for the general public; assists applicants in achieving compliance with various codes and regulations; resolves disputes.

Files and logs current projects to track status; transmits plans to other divisions, departments and outside consultants as appropriate; performs code research; investigates new and substitute materials; investigates new methods of structure design; keeps informed of changes and new legislator related to assignments.

May perform field inspection and consultation as required to assist Building Inspectors, contractors, or applicants with construction problems.

Performs related duties as required.

Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Building codes and related state and local regulations; principles of structural engineering relating to residential and commercial buildings; building materials and construction methods;
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances enforceable by the City, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes;
Procedures and techniques of plan review;
Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics;
Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
Principles and techniques of building plan examination work;
Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

Ability to:

Accurately read and interpret building plans and drawings; make accurate structural calculations;
Understand, interpret and explain department and program policies, procedures, rules, codes, laws and operational procedures; analyze, evaluate and solve building and code problems/issues taking appropriate course of action; remember various building and construction rules and codes;
Learn to interpret and apply pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations;
Apply City codes and policies regarding building and zoning; Operate modern office equipment and computers including specialized computer applications.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:

An Associate’s degree in construction, architecture, engineering, public administration, business administration, or closely related field

Plans Examiner I

Experience:

One year (full-time equivalent) of experience of examining plans, inspecting buildings, grading, residential drafting, construction, architectural drafting or design involving a variety of construction types and occupancy groups. Building inspection experience is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of International Code Council Residential Plans Examiner Certificate is highly desirable.
Must possess a valid Class C California driver’s license.

Plans Examiner II

Experience:

Two years (full-time equivalent) of experience of examining plans, inspecting buildings, grading, residential drafting, construction, architectural drafting or design involving a variety of construction types and occupancy groups. Building inspection experience is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of International Code Council Residential Plans Examiner Certificate at time of hire is highly desirable.
Possession of International Code Council Building Plans Examiner Certificate within twelve months.
Must possess a valid Class C California driver’s license.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Administrative / Clerical / Engineering Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 10/13/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Escondido

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