Plans Examiner

THE CITY: Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, theres always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index website.
This position is a member of the Building & Safety Department and is responsible for checking building plans and specifications for compliance with established uniform building codes, zoning regulations, and ordinances; coordinating plan checking activities with other departments; and preparing comprehensive plan check reports. Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform plan checking activities; examine plans and specifications for compliance with established uniform building codes, zoning regulations, and ordinances; approve plans as needed.
• Provide information to the public, contractors, and architects including the interpretation of construction codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations.
• Coordinate plan checking activities with other departments; transmit plans and specifications to appropriate departments, divisions, or outside consultants; transmit other department comments to applicants as necessary.
• Establish and maintain system of log sheets and files to track current status of projects; file approved plans and specifications.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends in the field of plans examination and building code compliance.
• Conduct pre-permit site inspections of commercial and residential building additions; assist owners in complying with codes and ordinances.
• Assist in the operation of the permit counter; provide information to customers; issue building permits; receive plans for review.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. "Full-time work" means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as "desirable" or "preferred" are not included as part of the minimum requirements.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible plan check experience with emphasis on commercial plan checking is required.
• Two (2) years of plan check experience in a municipal/public agency environment is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Excel, Word, and Outlook is preferred.

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge, skills and abilities in the following:

• Key Competencies
  • Analysis, interpretation and assessment
  • Building and zoning codes, ordinances and regulations
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
• Core KSA's
  • Modern methods and procedures of building construction
  • Principles and practices of plan examination work
  • Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping

Education and Training:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent education is required.
• Supplemental training in architecture, construction trades, building inspection, or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificates:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, within one year of appointment, a valid ICC Plans Examiner certification maintenance is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.

Special Requirements:

• Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, a physical and drug screen.

Working Conditions:
The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

This position works in an office and field environment with exposure to computers and other office equipment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, inclement weather conditions; may work or inspect in confined spaces or on slippery or uneven surfaces, and may require maintaining physical condition necessary for reading and writing; operating standard computer and other office equipment; standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods; communicate in person and by telephone; ability to exert light to moderate physical effort which may include climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting and carrying; drive from site to site. A completed application and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications.

Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as "see attached" or "see resume" as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise.
Selection Process Information - The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview.

Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates.

Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.

For more information on completing your application materials click here.
If you are ready to join the exciting Team Palm Springs and you meet the requirements detailed above, please click the apply button. For more information contact Human Resources at:
The City of Palm Springs 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
www.palmspringsca.gov
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Applications must be received by 4:00pm, August 13, 2025, in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.