Plans Examiner II

City of Pasadena; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pasadena is seeking a Plans Examiner II in the Building & Safety Division to review building plans, fire protection calculations, and specifications for compliance with California codes and adopted standards. The role includes preparing plan review reports and assisting at the permit counter.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be results-focused, and able to manage a demanding workload.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in civil/structural engineering, architecture or construction technology and two years of related experience
• Possession of an ICC Plans Examiner certification is required
• Experience with building codes, plan review and inspections is desired

Responsibilities

• Check plans and specifications for residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings for compliance with codes and ordinances
• Ensure plans meet building code requirements and correct deficiencies
• Perform site inspections and discuss issues with engineers, architects, contractors, and the public

Skills

Action & Results Focus

Relationship Building

Professional & Technical Expertise

Decision Making

Handling Conflict

Self-Management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil/structural engineering/architecture/construction technology

Two years of experience in structural design/architecture design/plans examiner

ICC Plans Examiner certification

Job description

The Pasadena Planning & Community Development department is seeking a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced Plans Examiner II in the Building & Safety Division. The Plans Examiner II reviews building plans, fire protection system calculations and specifications for compliance with established California building and fire codes and adopted national standards, and other applicable laws and ordinances. In addition, prepares comprehensive plan review reports and assists at the permit counter.

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 successful candidate will be a fundamental part of the Building and Safety team must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Additionally, they are results-focused with the ability to make difficult decisions and maintain a depending workload.

Please note that this recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. It is being conducted as both Open Competitive and Promotional, and two eligible lists will be established. The promotional list may take precedence. First review of applications will be on August 13, 2026.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Checks plans and specifications and structural calculations for residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings and structures for compliance with uniform building codes, grading ordinances and other related county, state and federal laws.
• Ensures that plans meet the requirements of related building codes, regulations, and restrictions; makes corrections of deficiencies where required.
• Performs inspections of job sites to evaluate discrepancies between plans, specifications, and work completed; consults with engineers, architects, contractors, or the public to discuss problems 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; provides technical assistance to engineers, architects, contractors, other City personnel, and the public; interprets and explains requirements and restrictions relative to building codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Develops alternative methods to comply with those requirements and restrictions.
• Assists in researching and developing code changes or procedural changes to enhance customer services.
• Assists others in the performance of related tasks.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this classification.

JOB COMPETENCIES

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

• Action & Results Focus - Takes initiative and responsibility and focuses on accomplishment.
• Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships. Maintains a positive and problem solving mindset to support projects in obtaining permit approvals. Works well with customers under pressure while having the ability to be clear with compliance of code requirements.
• Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job, being a continued learner. Stays current with latest code and laws applicable to the role and construction industry.
• Decision Making - Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner. Maintains a practical solutions mindset using experience to determine suitable solutions.
• Handling Conflict - Has conflict resolution skills/ chooses the best resolution to solve problems.
• Self-Management - Able to work independently with minimal supervision. Has the experience to research requirements and incorporates industry standards.
• Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue and writing. Ability to explain complex requirements in a simple manner.
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals. Supports all team members within the assigned role.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include:

• Bachelor's degree in civil, structural engineering, architecture or construction technology, and;
• Two years of experience in structural design, architecture design, or as a plans examiner, and;
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Public agency experience in code compliance review is desired.

SELECTIONPROCESS

The selection process will consist of any combination of application evaluation, written exam, oral panel interview, department interview and may be required to complete a brief soft-skills assessment during the selection process. The candidate assessment provides insight into core interpersonal skills, behavioral traits, and preferred work environment—helping us support your success in the role.

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.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record; possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Requires a minimum of 1 Residential Plans Examiner ICC Certification.