Plans Examiner

City of Rialto, CA

$70K — $94K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
  • One year of journey level building construction experience, including plan examination.
  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant codes and regulations accurately.
  • Knowledge of major types of building construction methods and materials.
  • Possession of a California driver's license and ability to maintain insurability.
  • Ability to obtain ICC Plans Examiner Certification within one year of appointment.

Responsibilities

  • Review and evaluate plans for compliance with building codes and regulations.
  • Prepare reports on plan deficiencies and ensure required corrections.
  • Issue construction permits for compliant plans.
  • Engage with architects and contractors to address project-related issues.
  • Conduct field inspections to verify structural integrity and compliance.
  • Maintain project records and input data into computer systems.
  • Provide clear guidance and technical support to the public regarding codes and reports.

Benefits

  • Monthly cafeteria contribution of $1,800 for health, vision, and dental insurance.
  • Life insurance coverage of $75,000 with dependent options.
  • Potential for merit raises based on performance evaluation.
  • Bilingual pay incentive for passing proficiency exams in Spanish.
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,500 per fiscal year for educational advancement.
  • Generous vacation and sick leave accrual without maximum accumulation.
Full Job Description
Salary : $5,882.69 - $7,884.61 Monthly
Location : Rialto, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-025
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUILDING SERVICES
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Classification Definition
**** WORK SCHEDULE WILL BE TUESDAY - FRIDAY****
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to perform professional plans and technical level work which involves the checking and reviewing of plans, calculations and specifications for tract housing, multi-unit residential, commercial, and industrial building projects for compliance with established codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations; to provide information and assistance at the public counter, over the telephone, or in meetings to architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and the general public; and to perform related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class are alternately staffed with Plans Examiner I's or Plans Examiner II's. A Plans Examiner I may be considered for advancement to Plans Examiner II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the higher-level class. The City also reserves the right to utilize the classification of Plans Examiner I as on-going entry level class in which an incumbent may continue to be assigned and perform routine entry level work. The determination of whether an incumbent meets the performance criteria for the higher level shall be determined jointly by hiring authority and the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Typically, a Plans Examiner I is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within 24 to 36 months, depending on an individual's education and prior experience.
Plans Examiner I - This is the entry level class in the Plans Examiner series. This class is distinguished from the Plans Examiner II by the performance of the less complex plan and examination work. Because this class is typically entry-level, employees may have only limited or no directly related plan check work experience. Employees assigned to a position in this class are expected to read and interpret building plans and codes and have a working knowledge of plumbing, air conditioning, electrical and building construction.

Essential Duties and Responsiblities

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:
  • Reviews and evaluates plans, structural engineering calculations, soil analysis reports, and other reports for commercial, industrial and/or residential projects to ascertain conformance to Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Codes, and pertinent provisions of City, State, and County health and environmental codes, laws and regulations.
  • Prepares plan check reports indicating deficiencies in plans, structural engineering calculations, soil analysis reports and other reports, and ensures that requisite corrections are met.
  • Approves plans that comply; issues permits for construction.
  • Confers with architects, engineers, contractors and the general public on proposed projects to resolve unusual problems.
  • Makes field inspections to determine structural soundness or proper installation of unusual designs, materials or equipment.
  • Suggests corrections of defects or inadequacies found that require deficiencies be corrected to meet requirements of applicable codes.
  • Answers questions and advises the public by telephone and at the public counter concerning codes and plan check reports; advises building inspectors of unusual design, construction or installation problems.
  • Classifies and logs new projects for plan checks; creates plan check files; enters initial site data and permit data on computer; revises data as project status and details change.
  • Interacts with staff from other City departments involved in the plan review process.
  • Reviews the work of outside plan check engineers and consultants.
  • Responds to verbal or written inquiries and provides technical assistance to engineers, architects, contractors, and other City personnel.
  • Reviews and verifies calculations on hydrology and hydraulic studies; reviews plans and reports for engineering standards and appropriate codes and ordinances.
  • Reviews and determines fees associated with development projects; assigns building and street addresses.
  • Coordinates plan check activities with other City functions and outside agencies.
  • Completes work assignments using computer and related software programs.
  • Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Performs any tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer.
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
  • Federal, state, and municipal codes, ordinances, regulations, and construction standards governing housing and commercial building construction, rehabilitation, alternation, use, occupancy, and setback.
  • Major types of building construction, materials, and methods.
  • Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
  • Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, including Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical codes.
  • Permitting requirements and approval processes.
  • Building inspection practices and procedures.
  • Principles and practices of structural and civil engineering.
  • Basic computer operation and related software.
  • Basic principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
  • Basic engineering principles related to materials and design concepts of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
  • Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
Ability to:
  • Learn and accurately interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Read and interpret plans, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements.
  • Learn and apply City codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental matters, and other regulations to field situations.
  • Advise on standard construction methods and requirements for residential commercial and industrial buildings.
  • Conduct field investigations.
  • Make engineering and mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
  • Research and write technical reports.
  • Learn to interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience:
  • One year of experience in journey level building construction including experience in the examination of plans and engineering designs.


Training:
  • Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelors' degree in Civil, Mechanical or Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

Licenses and Certifications
  • Possession of a State of California driver's license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance program.
  • Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Plans Examiner Certification within one year of appointment, or equivalent certification.

Supplemental Information

Application Procedure:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.

Selection Process:
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility:
Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. For more information, please see the City's Veteran's Preference Policy.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

According to the Rialto City Employees Association (RCEA) Memorandum of Understanding, in addition to the monthly salary, the City offers:

CAFETERIA PLAN The City's Contribution to the Cafeteria Plan to go towards the employee's contributions for health, vision, and dental insurance premiums will be one thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800) per month. Employees hired on or after 11/14/2018 shall be provided one thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800) per month, but there shall be no cash back to the employee for any amount not used. Opt out for new hire employees (on or after 11/14/2018) shall be limited to a $200 per month for not electing City medical insurance.

LIFE INSURANCE provides a $75,000 double indemnity policy for employee plus dependent coverage ($10,000 for spouse and $5,000 dependent children).

MERIT RAISES may be received in the form of salary increases seven times within or in six years with the attainment of satisfactory work performance.

BILINGUAL PAY is paid at the rate of $100 per period for employees who successfully pass the bilingual proficiency examination for Spanish.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE An employee who has completed the probationary period and has attained college degrees will receive an increase to their pay as follows:

Bachelor's Degree: Five percent (5%) of base salary
Master's Degree: Seven point five percent (7.5%) of base salary
Please note, these educational incentives are not cumulative.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT Employees can receive up to $2,500 per fiscal year.

VACATION is earned at the biweekly rate of six (6) hours for the first through fourth years.

SICK LEAVE is accumulated at the rate of 4.62 hours per period (120 hours per year) with no maximum amount of accumulation.

SPORTS CENTER Employees, employees' spouses, retirees, and retirees' spouses shall be allowed free use of the Rialto Fitness Center during normal operating hours as long as the City has managerial control of the facility. Employees, employees' spouses, retirees, and retirees' spouses shall adhere to the same regulations regarding reservations and the use and care of the facilities as the general public.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION is available to those employees who wish to supplement their retirement income. Money may be deducted from their checks and placed in a security plan without paying taxes on the amount until it is withdrawn. Employees with 5-9 years of City service the City contributes $370/month on the employee's behalf. Employees with 10+ years of City service the City contributes $670/month on the employee's behalf.

EMERGENCY SERVICE: All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.
01

Do you meet the requirement of completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

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