Plan Checker I

The City of Salinas is accepting applications for Plan Checker I. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified applicants to fill current and future vacancies. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time. Only those applicants who clearly show they most closely meet the needs of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process. 

Base pay will be increased by three percent (3%) effective the first full pay period of July 2025. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible to receive certification pay of 2.5% for each additional job-related certification, not required for the position and contingent upon Department Director approval, for a maximum of 7.5%. Click here for a complete list of benefits.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All applicants must provide proof of the required education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received. 

Summary of Duties: To perform plans examination to ensure compliance with the California Building Standards Codes, Referenced Standards, and city ordinances. 

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level class in the Plan Checker series. It is distinguished from the level II by performing the more routine and standardized plan checking tasks. Incumbents typically have limited plan check experience and work under supervision while learning the full range of job tasks. 

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from the Senior Plan Check Engineer. Exercises no supervision. 

• Processes plan reviews and responds to a wide variety of requests for information and related inquiries, which includes questions at the counter
• Reviews residential and less complex commercial construction/building plans, specifications, and subdivision plot plans for compliance with established California Building Standards Codes, Referenced Standards and City Ordinances
• Assists departmental permit and plan review processing with other departments and appropriate agencies
• Maintains appropriate plans and supporting documents for record retention
• Prepares and presents effective oral and written reports
• Confers with builders, engineers, contractors, architects, and the public concerning site improvement construction/building codes and permit requirements
• Conducts field verifications
• Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace
• Performs related duties assigned

Knowledge of: 

• Conventional construction for residential construction, remodels, and additions; including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and all other applicable adopted codes and construction practices
• Principles and practices of record keeping

Ability to:

• Learn and utilize new computer programs and applications
• Exhibit sound judgment while reading and interpreting code requirements
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies with                                                                     regard to improvements applicable to all private development
• Read, interpret, and review construction/building plans
• Suggest alternate forms of compliance with codes & ordinances
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Remain calm in stressful situations

Education: High school diploma/GED

Experience: Two years of experience in building design, plan review or combination inspections. A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering or architecture may be substituted for the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Driver's License. Obtain certificate as a Residential Plans Examiner (R3) by the International Code Council (ICC) within one year of date of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computers, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read visual display terminals, fine print and blueprints, distinguish colors; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, to walk on uneven surfaces, through trenches and stairs, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift a full set of plans weighing up to 30 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions. 

Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Visit construction job sites. Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, ability to drive am automobile. 

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or patricia.penaloza@ci.salinas.ca.us