Senior Plans Examiner

City of Fresno • Fresno, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Plans Examiner is an advanced working/lead-level position in the City of Fresno’s Planning and Development Department. Under general supervision, the incumbent performs combination plan review and structural engineering review of complex frame single-family dwellings and commercial interiors and alterations; reviews architectural, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical systems for commercial and industrial buildings; or reviews utility development projects, including water or sewer systems. Reviews address applicable fire, life, health, and safety requirements. The role may include inspecting projects during construction and at final acceptance, consulting with architects, engineers, contractors, and field inspection personnel about proposed solutions, and assisting with policy statements and code-change recommendations. The incumbent prepares comprehensive reports and recommendations, maintains records of reviewed plans and buildings—including time and cost records—and may prepare cost estimates and fee calculations. The position may provide lead direction to Plans Examiners and/or Plans and Permit Technicians but does not exercise supervision. The position reports to the Supervising Plans Examiner. It is based in Fresno, California, requires physical presence during assigned working hours, and is not available remotely or on a hybrid basis. A current certificate as a Plans Examiner or Building Inspector from a recognized code publishing organization such as ICC is required within two years of appointment. The selected candidate must pass a Department interview and Department of Justice fingerprinting before employment. The examination may include application review and an oral examination covering relevant systems, engineering and drafting principles, codes, regulations, ordinances, and laws. The oral examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following qualification options: two years of experience equivalent to that gained as a Plans Examiner with the City of Fresno; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, engineering technology, construction technology, inspection technology, architectural drafting, or a related field, plus two years of experience in design or construction of commercial and industrial buildings and multi-family dwellings; or three years of experience in construction inspection of new commercial or industrial buildings and multi-family dwellings with the City of Fresno, plus a valid and current certification applicable to the specialty.
• Possess a current certificate as a Plans Examiner or Building Inspector from a recognized code publishing organization such as the International Code Council (ICC) within two years of appointment.
• If qualifying through education, upload a copy of the degree and/or transcripts with the application; if qualifying through certification, upload a copy of the certification.
• Successfully pass a Department interview and Department of Justice fingerprinting before employment.
• Meet the onsite work requirement in Fresno, California; remote and hybrid arrangements are not available.
• Achieve a passing score on the oral examination to qualify for the eligible list.

Responsibilities

• Perform combination plan review and structural engineering review of complex frame single-family dwellings and commercial interiors and alterations, or review architectural, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical plans for commercial and industrial buildings.
• Review utility development projects, including water or sewer systems.
• Inspect projects for conformance and design during construction and at final acceptance, as needed.
• Consult with architects, engineers, contractors, and field inspection personnel to determine whether proposed solutions are adequate.
• Assist in preparing proposed policy statements and code-change recommendations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations on architectural, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical problems.
• Maintain records of plans and buildings evaluated, examined, and approved, including time and cost records.
• Prepare cost estimates and fee calculations, as needed.
• Provide lead direction to staff engaged in plan review, which may include Plans Examiners and/or Plans and Permit Technicians.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior