Plans Examiner (Building)

The Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department is seeking a skilled and knowledgeable Plans Examiner to join the Building & Safety team. Under general supervision, the Plans Examiner reviews construction drawings of architectural, structural, accessibility, energy, CALGreen, grading and drainage, and generally for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans for residential and non-residential buildings. The Plans Examiner is required to prepare comprehensive written plan review comments.

The Building & Safety Division provides plan review and construction inspection services to enforce minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an effective team player with facilitative customer service and one who combines technical expertise with superb analytical and organizational skills. The ideal candidate has knowledge in construction design practices, building codes, and plan review documentation.

Please note: this recruitment is open continuous with first consideration given to those who apply by August 28, 2025. This recruitment may close at any time. Apply today!

The City offers outstanding benefits, including 9/80 schedules with alternative Friday's off.

The major responsibilities for this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Reviews plans, specifications, and structural calculations for residential and limited commercial buildings for compliance with Title-24 California Building Standards Law, and primarily the California Residential, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, EnergyCALGreen Codes and other related city, county, state, and federal laws.
• Serves the public at the permit center counter on a regular basis; ensures that construction documents and plans meet the requirements of building codes, regulations, and laws.
• Writes reports or comments for corrections of deficiencies where required.
• Review of plans and provide comments using electronic review software (i.e. Bluebeam, etc.).
• Use permit management software for data entry and recording disposition of plan check assignments.
• Consults and provide technical assistance with engineers, architects, contractors, designers, City staff, or the public to discuss solutions with initial plans and required changes.
• Performs field inspections in assistance to other work unit inspectors, or upon request of the Building Official.
• Responds to verbal or written inquiries.
• Interprets and explains requirements and restrictions relative to building codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assists in researching and developing code changes or procedural changes to enhance customer services.
• Will assess damages to properties and turn in reports to the appropriate government agency before and after disaster events.
• Performs Disaster Worker responsibilities.
• Assists others in the performance of related tasks.

The following list presents some of the core competencies for this position:

• Adaptability - Responding positively to change and modifying behavior, as the situation requires.
• Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps and final work products.
• Self-Management - Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialog.
• Customer Focus - Attending to the needs and expectations of customers.
• Professional Impact - Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering or architecture is required.
• One year of experience in structural design, architecture, or plan checking is required.
• International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required within one (1) year of employment and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• One or more years of experience.
• Public agency experience is desired.
• California Engineer or Architect license desired.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, an interview panel, a department-level interview.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There is currently one vacancy in the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Community Development Department.

The resulting eligibility from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.

Special Requirements

• Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record at the time of employment.
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required within one (1) year of employment and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.