Senior Plans Examiner

City of Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant perks

Job summary

The City of Fresno is seeking a Senior Plans Examiner to perform combined plan reviews and structural engineering assessments for complex construction projects. The role involves evaluating architectural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems to ensure compliance with fire, life, health, and safety codes.

Incumbents may provide lead direction to staff and collaborate with architects, engineers, and field inspectors.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Plans Examiner or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Perform combination plan review and structural engineering review of complex single-family dwellings and commercial interiors.
• Provide lead direction to staff engaged in the plan review process and coordinate with architects and engineers.

Skills

Plans Review

Structural Engineering

Lead/Team Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

ICC/IAEI/IAPMO certifications as applicable

Job description

THE POSITION

Come and join the City of Fresno team and work towards achieving our mission of Building a Better Fresno!

The City of Fresno is currently recruiting for a Senior Plans Examiner. Under general supervision, performs combination plan review and structural engineering review of complex single family dwellings, or plan review of architectural, electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical systems, in the field or office, relating to the design and construction of complex private or public commercial and industrial structures; or the review of utility development projects.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Senior Plans Examiner is an advanced working/lead level class in which incumbents perform combination plan review and structural engineering review of complex frame single-family dwellings and commercial interiors and alterations, or architectural, electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical plan review related to fire, life, health, and safety requirements for commercial and industrial buildings; or review of water or sewer systems; may inspect projects for conformance and design during construction and at final acceptance; consults with architects, engineers, contractors, and field inspection personnel to determine if proposed solutions are adequate; assists in the preparation of proposed policy statements and code change recommendations; prepares comprehensive reports and makes recommendations on architectural, electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical problems; maintains records of all plans and buildings evaluated, examined, and approved including time and cost records; and may prepare cost estimates and fee calculations.

Incumbents may also provide lead direction to staff engaged in the plan review process; this may include Plans Examiners and/or Plans and Permit Technicians. This classification receives supervision from the Supervising Plans Examiner. This class does not exercise supervision.

This vacancy exists in the Planning and Development Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period for up to a maximum of two years at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

The primary work location for this position is Fresno, California. This position requires physical presence during assigned working hours. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available. Applicants who are unable to meet this onsite requirement will not be considered.

THE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligibility list.

OPTION 1:

Two (2) years of experience equivalent to that gained as a Plans Examiner with the City of Fresno.

OPTION 2:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, engineering technology, construction technology, inspection technology, architectural drafting, or related field

AND

Two (2) years of experience in design or construction of commercial and industrial buildings and multi-family dwellings.

OPTION 3:

Three (3) years of experience in construction inspection of new commercial or industrial buildings and multi-family dwellings with the City of Fresno

AND

One (1) of the following valid and current certifications listed below:

• ICC certification (formerly ICBO) as a Plans Examiner or Building Inspector for architectural specialty
• IAEI/ICC certification as an Electrical Inspector for electrical specialty
• IAPMO/ICC certification as a Plumbing Inspector for plumbing specialty

If you are qualifying with education, you must upload a copy of your degree and/or transcripts with your application.

If you are qualifying with a certification, you must upload a copy of your certification with your application.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a current certificate as a Plans Examiner or Building Inspector by a recognized code publishing organization such as the International Code Council (ICC), within two (2) years of appointment.

Recruitments may be limited to a specific area of expertise as required by operational needs. The specific areas of expertise are listed below:

• Architectural
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Mechanical

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The examination process may consist of the following:

APPLICATION REVIEW - Qualifying Only: Applications submitted will be reviewed and a limited number of the most qualified candidates may be invited to the panel interview. The selection will be based upon those applications and resumes which demonstrate the greatest breadth and depth of applicable education, experience, skills and training. Therefore, applicants are urged to submit sufficiently detailed information in their application materials for a proper evaluation.

ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%: A panel of subject matter experts will conduct a job-related oral examination to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge of: Architectural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical system requirements for fire, life, health, and safety principles and practices, principles and practices of architectural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical engineering drafting, structural engineering principles related to the design of single family dwellings and commercial interiors and alterations, applicable building codes, regulations, local ordinances, and state laws as related to residential occupancies and commercial and industrial buildings or other topics related to a candidate's training, experience and qualifications for the position. Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.

The oral examination has been tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period. Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service. Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested. Qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score.