Plan Checker

Position Description

The Community Development Department is hiring a full-time, benefited Plan Checker in the Building and Safety Division. The ideal candidate will have experience performing commercial and residential inspections along with prior experience in the field of construction. Applicants must possess a strong foundation of the principle and practices of building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural inspections/plan check. Individual must be ethical and have a clear understanding of professional standards. A strong candidate will preferably have two ICC Inspector certifications and ideally be certified as a California Access Specialist (CASp). Candidate must be detail oriented and possess strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize their schedule while working independently. This position requires someone that is able to anticipate problems, solve them, and foresee future consequences of actions taken. The candidate should be extremely comfortable with technology and be an advocate for using technology to improve services for our residents and businesses. Working with the development community, homeowners and contractors requires excellent communication and customer service skills; the ideal candidate will be able to build relationships with internal and external customers that positively reflect the City’s commitment to excellent customer service.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, examines residential, commercial, and industrial building plans and specifications for compliance with pertinent building and safety codes and regulations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Plan Checker is the Senior Advanced Journey level classification primarily responsible for examining a variety of residential, commercial and industrial plans for conformance with applicable building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing codes and regulations. The employee also performs field inspections as necessary to assist in plan checking duties or to support the building inspection function. The employee is required to have specialized knowledge of architectural and engineering design practices, structural components, and load bearing standards associated with building construction projects, and engages in more advanced problem-solving in determining whether the proposed projects fully conform to requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director of Community Development or his/her designee.

May provide lead supervision to assigned staff.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews residential, commercial and industrial plans and specifications for new construction, additions, and alterations to evaluate compliance with building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other applicable codes and regulations; performs mathematical computations to check structural calculations, energy calculations, and soil reports; makes corrections of structural deficiencies as required
• Assists architects, engineers, contractors, designers, homeowners, and the general public at the public counter and through telephone and electronic communications on matters pertaining to code requirements and departmental policies and procedures
• Provides the public with counter plan checking services for minor construction, additions, and alterations; reviews plans and checks calculations; coordinates plan check process with other City staff members
• Coordinates plan review activities with other Community Development staff members and contractors; communicates pertinent issues and requirements
• Conducts on-site inspections of buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to evaluate discrepancies, answer questions, and resolve issues pertaining to code interpretation and plan review
• May perform field inspections to assist building inspectors, as required
• Calculates permit fees in accordance with established fee schedules; issues appropriate permits and receipts for payment
• Prepares technical reports and correspondence; maintains files and reports regarding plan check activities and findings
• Maintains current knowledge of building construction methods, materials, and requirements affecting plan check activities; attends and participates in seminars and professional group meetings
• May develop and maintain measures of employee workload and production; may establish performance standards; may train and provide input for the purposes of performance assessment of assigned staff or volunteers; and may foster a work environment that promotes positive morale
• Prepares and writes a variety of reports and documentation, including detailed Risk Management incident reports
• Performs other duties of a similar nature

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, experience, and training that has provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is required for entry into the classification. The City of Temecula utilizes equivalencies to substitute two years of applicable experience and similar responsibility for one year of college in order for a candidate to meet Minimum Qualifications. A typical combination of education, experience, and training for this classification includes:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; and three (3) years of experience in plan checking or building inspection.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building plans examination
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• Principles, practices, methods, and materials of building construction, including familiarity with carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations, including the Uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes
• Safety standards and practices in the building construction industry
• Occupational hazards and safety measures appropriate to work performed

Skill to:

• Operate various types of standard office equipment, including a personal computer and related software
• Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner

Ability to:

• Interpret, explain, and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• Read and understand building construction plans and specifications
• Evaluate situations, identify problems and deviations, and exercise sound independent judgment and decision making within established guidelines
• Perform mathematical computations with speed and accuracy
• Plan, organize and prioritize projects and tasks in order to meet program and department deadlines
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally or in writing
• Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative, and effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work
• Use proper English, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Effectively resolve conflicts and difficult situations with tact and impartiality while providing quality customer service
• Serves as emergency services worker in the event of an emergency

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Valid certification by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Plans Examiner.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Satisfactory results from a background investigation and administrative screening. The administrative screening may include a pre-employment drug screening for positions which are designated as safety sensitive or security sensitive, including but not limited to being responsible for the care and custody of children and operating heavy equipment.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit; talk or hear both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate equipment needed to carry out duties of the position; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently stands or walks, and lifts and moves records and documents or objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone, and up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math/mathematical skills; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with staff, management, developers, contractors, officials and the general public.

The employee typically works in office conditions; the noise level is frequently quiet or moderately quiet, at or below 50 decibels. When conducting field inspections, the employee is occasionally exposed to loud construction noise above 70 decibels.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification or below in the same classification series for both project and authorized positions.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a CalPERS annuitant, please be advised that this position does not meet the statutory criteria for post-retirement employment because the incumbent will be performing regular staff duties for an undetermined duration. Employment in this capacity would require you to rescind your retirement and reinstate as a current member of CalPERS.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION :
Flexibly Staffed: No
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Conflict of Interest: Not Required
Department: Community Development
Bonding Required: No

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to assist with the application, examination or interview process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 951-694-6490 as soon as practicable.

Benefit Summary for Full-Time Represented Employees

Full-time represented employees enjoy a generous allotment of $1,800 per month to purchase a variety of benefit options detailed below.

City Contributions
The City provides a Health Flex Contribution (HFC) of $600 per month that may be used for enrollment in the City’s health, dental, or vision insurance, or a health flexible spending account. Any unused portion of the HFC will be forfeited.

A Cafeteria Allotment of $1,200 per month may be used to pay premiums for health, dental, vision, mandatory group life and disability insurance, and health or dependent care flexible spending accounts. Any unused cafeteria allotment will be paid to the employee as taxable income.

Health Insurance
The City’s health plans are administered by CalPERS. We offer a variety of health plans, including HMOs and PPOs.

Dental Insurance
Dental coverage is offered through MetLife. Employees have the option of HMO or PPO plans with rich benefits at competitive rates.

Vision Insurance
EyeMed provides the City’s vision plan. In addition to extensive coverage at a low rate, EyeMed partners with service providers and retailers throughout the region.

Life and AD&D Insurance
All City employees are required to enroll in a basic life and AD&D group policy in the amount of $50,000. Additional life insurance is also available for employees and their family members.

Short- and Long-Term Disability
All City employees are required to enroll in short- and long-term disability insurance. This insurance pays 2/3 of the employee’s wages if the employee is off work due to an illness or injury outside of work.

Flexible Spending Accounts
The flexible spending accounts provided by the City allow you to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Supplemental Plans
Supplemental plans through Aflac can help you bridge the gap in your existing health insurance. Plans include Accident Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness Protection.

Retirement
Authorized employees are enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The City offers the following retirement plans depending upon eligibility:

Classic Tier 1 Members:
This category applies to employees hired by the City of Temecula before 9/24/11. The retirement formula is 2.7% @ 55 with an 8% employee contribution; however, the City pays 5% of the employee's contribution.

Classic Tier 2:
This category applies to employees hired by the City of Temecula on or after 9/24/11, and are considered "classic" CalPERS Members . The retirement formula is 2% @ 60 with a 7% employee contribution; however, the City pays 4% of the employee's contribution.

PEPRA Members:
This category applies to employees who are hired by the City of Temecula after 1/1/13 and are new to CalPERS membership. The retirement formula is 2% @ 62 with a 7.25% employee contribution.

Deferred Compensation Plans
The City partners with Voya to provide you with additional options to fund your retirement.

Comprehensive Annual Leave (CAL)
The City encourages work/life balance. We offer paid Comprehensive Annual Leave (CAL) that can be used for rest and relaxation, personal business or personal/family illness.

Holidays
City employees receive a total of 13 paid holidays each calendar year. This includes 12 observed holidays and one floating holiday each year.

Bonding Leave
The City believes bonding with a new child is vitally important for families. Employees are provided up to eight weeks of bonding leave for the purpose of bonding with their child in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Bonding leave is paid at the rate of 2/3 of the employee’s base salary and may be used for up to one year following the birth, adoption or foster care placement.

Tuition Reimbursement
The City offers Tuition Reimbursement of up to $1,500 per fiscal year for job related education or training that will benefit the employee in their position.

Computer Loan Program
After one full year of employment, the City provides employees with an interest-free loan of up to $2,000 to purchase a personal computer, iPad, or similar "computer tablet" device.

Closing Date/Time: 11/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Temecula

• 951-302-4152

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