Salary: $8,061.73 - $10,294.27 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
DESCRIPTIONWE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.The Community Development DepartmentThe
Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for: economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The Department has 70 employees over 10 different divisions: Administration, Development Services, Environmental & Noise Abatement, Downtown, Housing, GIS, Plan Check, Building Inspection, Engineering, and Permit Center.
The DivisionThe main purpose of the
Building and Safety Division is to protect and promote public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. To accomplish this purpose, the Building and Safety Division provides inspections for new construction, buildings and remodeling of structures for compliance with the local, state and federal laws. One of the primary goals of the Building and Safety Division is to provide guidance to the public on safe building construction practices and to serve as a resource for building code and design issues.
The PositionThe Community Development Department is seeking an individual skilled in interpreting and applying various codes and ordinances to review residential, commercial and zoning plans. The
Plans Examiner reviews, checks, and approves various structural engineering and grading and paving plans, specifications, and reports to ensure compliance with State and local codes and ordinances; advises applicants for permits; checks building permit applications; and performs other related work as required.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to join a dynamic team and play a key role in ensuring safe and high-quality development in our community!
For more information about the duties of the position, click
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINESEducation and ExperienceBachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture or possession of an Engineer-in-Training Certificate from the State of California.
One year professional experience in plan checking of residential, commercial and industrial projects for a municipality or county or one year professional experience in engineering or architecture involving structural design or soils engineering. Possession of an ICBO Certificate as a Plans Examiner or State registration as a civil engineer is desirable.
Ideal CandidateSuccessful candidates will possess the following:
- Strong organizational skills and self-motivation;
- Extensive building and safety knowledge;
- Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
- Thorough understanding of effective code enforcement;
- Public sector experience;
- High comfort level with technology; and
- Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESSInterested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at
www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Next review of applications will be those received by
Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Oral Exam (Weighted 100%):Tentatively scheduled for
Tuesday, August 25, 2026Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of
September 7, 2026The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTESVisit
www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
03
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture?
04
If you answered "No" to the previous question, please indicate your highest level of education and your field of study.
05
Do you possess an Engineer-in-Training Certificate from the State of California?
06
Indicate the number of years of experience that you have in plan checking of residential, commercial and industrial projects for a municipality or county.
- None
- Less than one year
- More than one year, but less than three years
- More than three years, but less than five years
- More than five years
07
Indicate the number of years of professional experience that you have in engineering or architecture involving structural design or soils engineering.
- None
- Less than one year
- More than one year, but less than three years
- More than three years, but less than five years
- More than five years
08
Indicate your experience in explaining and/or interpreting rules, policies, codes, regulations or similar information.
- None
- Less than one year
- More than one year, but less than three years
- More than three years, but less than five years
- More than five years
09
Indicate the certifications that you possess.
- None
- ICBO Certificate as a Plans Examiner
- State registration as a Civil Engineer
10
Do you have experience utilizing permitting software, such as Accela?
11
If you answered yes to the previous question, please describe your experience. (If none, type N/A.)
Required Question
