Senior Plan Check Engineer

Senior Plan Check Engineer

Salary

$117,346.00 - $150,483.00 Annually

Location

City Hall - 300 E. Chapman Avenue Orange, CA

Job Type

Full Time Miscellaneous

Job Number

01715

Department

Community Development Department

Division

Building Division

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Orange Community Development Department seeks its next Senior Plan Check Engineer!

The Building & Safety Division of the Community Development Department is a place where experienced professionals can make a meaningful impact every day. As a Senior Plan Check Engineer, you play a critical role in shaping the safety, resilience, and quality of life throughout our community. This position offers a unique blend of technical challenge, professional fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a mission rooted in public service. Beyond reviewing plans, you'll help guide responsible development, support innovative design, and ensure that every project contributes to a safe and thriving Orange.

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exceptional perks, including:

• Work-life balance with a predictable schedule and stable municipal employment
• Competitive salary
• Significant contributions towards the purchase of medical, dental, and vision insurance
• CalPERS retirement benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• A collaborative culture built on teamwork, integrity, and community pride

If youre passionate about helping people, solving complex problems, and enhancing the built environment, the City of Orange Building & Safety Division is an excellent place to grow your career and make a difference.

DEFINITION OF POSITION:

Under general direction, the Senior Plan Check Engineer provides technical and functional supervision to lower-level staff and performs advanced and highly complex professional engineering work in checking plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with Federal, State, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives and checks plans and designs for complex structures, new and remodeled commercial, industrial and residential buildings to ensure compliance; assists inspectors, contractors, design professionals and the public regarding construction requirements; provides expert technical and professional assistance to the Chief Building Official; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties

The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of plan checking staff in the Building Division; trains staff in work procedures; assists in the evaluation of employee performance, may counsel employees, and recommend initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.

• Monitors activities of the plan checking work unit; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on activities and projects; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.

• Determines and recommends staffing needs for assigned activities and projects; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.

• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.

• Oversees and performs difficult structural analysis and reviews plan check submittal documents for permit applications for complex construction, alteration, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with the Orange Municipal Security Code, California State Building Code, disabled access requirements, energy conservation requirements, Uniform Building Code requirements for size, occupancy, exits and construction methods and materials, and National Electrical, Uniform Plumbing, and Uniform Mechanical Code requirements; investigates building violations requiring citations or legal complaints.

• Refers to a variety of manuals, documents and books including California Codes, Uniform Building, Uniform Plumbing, Uniform Mechanical Codes, National Electrical Code, I.C.B.O Research Reports, and Orange Municipal Code.

• Reviews and evaluates construction documents including plans, drawings, blueprints, specifications, engineering calculations, and energy calculations for compliance; makes judgments as to whether structural designs or plans conform to applicable codes.

• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners and others relative to construction or building projects; coordinates plan examining activities with City departments and other agencies; confers and corresponds with other professional personnel in connection with building code interpretation and application; acts as an information source in person or by phone by answering related technical or code questions; discusses complicated issues with engineers and architects in terms of structural engineering items, building codes, etc.; responds to questions and concerns and resolves disputes.

• May visit construction sites and assist building inspectors in the field where engineering problems are encountered; advises on engineering matters and technical judgments.

• Provides training to new staff in terms of city policies, procedures, rules and regulations; ensures uniform application of the appropriate codes, rules and regulations.

• Prepares plan review reports or comment sheets noting plan deficiencies.

• Coordinates project approvals with staff, other departments, and outside agencies.

• Oversees coordination for all building permits and plan reviews by other departments, divisions or agencies.

• Responds to public inquiries over the telephone or at the counter concerning questions regarding permit processing, building, or other construction-related questions; calculates permit fees; assists applicants in achieving compliance with various codes and regulations.

• Attends meetings to review and discuss plans, documents, and code requirements; performs field reviews as necessary.

• Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to structural engineering problems and building code enforcement; maintains records of plan checking activities.

• May assist with the training and supervision of office personnel and plan checking activities.

• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, and the training of staff in work procedures.

• Basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability.

• Principles, practices and methods of structural and building plan review.

• Practices for documenting plan checking procedures, correcting discrepancies and carrying through on court procedures.

• Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.

• Construction methods, materials, tools and equipment used for complex residential, commercial and industrial construction, and principles of structural engineering.

• Methods, materials, tools and safety practices of the building, plumbing, and electrical trades.

• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, regulations, policies, technical processes, procedures, requirements, and building, plumbing, electrical mechanical, life safety, energy and related codes.

• Legal processes and considerations involved in prosecuting violations of the building codes and ordinances.

• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.

• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and property owners, contractors, developers, business owners and the public.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Supervise, train, plan, organize, schedule, assign, and review the work of staff.

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

• Read and interpret building plans, specifications, and codes.

• Examine and correct building plans, calculations and specifications in a rapid, uniform and accurate manner.

• Analyze, evaluate and solve or recommend effective solutions to building and code problems.

• Analyze, interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.

• Provide clarification and guidance regarding the application of codes, regulations, and ordinances.

• Evaluate legal violations and take appropriate action.

• Make structural calculations necessary to determine the adherence of structural plans to code requirements.

• Train staff in work procedures.

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

• Establish and maintain a variety of files and records.

• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.

• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.

• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil or structural engineering, architecture, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of professional level experience as an engineer or architect in performing plan checking of complex commercial or industrial structures and/or the enforcement of building codes for a public agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California drivers license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.
• Valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect issued by the State of California.
• Certification as a Building Plans Examiner from the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

Disaster Service Worker:

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

City Mission, Vision, and Values:

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the Citys Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The Citys values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.

BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.

The following is a partial list of benefits:

Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.

Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), including the Citys contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivors Benefit.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New" CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.

An employee who is a "Classic" Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.

Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,210 per month which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the Citys medical plan altogether and receive $500 per month.

Vacation. Employees earn 92 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 232 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.

Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $75,000.

Holidays. The City observes 11 paid holidays and provides 18 hours of floating holiday annually.

Administrative Leave. Employees receive 45 hours of administrative leave annually.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.

Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.

For more information, please click here for the Orange Management Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Note: an updated MOU is in the process of being uploaded, so the current document may include outdated information. Please contact HR staff at hrinfo@cityoforange.org if you have any questions regarding contents of the MOU.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

01

Do you possess a valid California drivers license, automobile insurance, and a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your highest level of education achieved:

• Some high school
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college, but no degree earned
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

03

Did you graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil or structural engineering, architecture, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04

Please indicate how many years of professional-level experience you have as an engineer or architect in performing plan checking of complex commercial or industrial structures and/or the enforcement of building codes for a public agency.

• Some experience, but less than a year
• 1-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4 or more years
• None

05

This position requires the possession and maintenance of a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect issued by the State of California. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

06

This position requires the possession and maintenance of a valid certification as a Building Plans Examiner from the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience working for a municipal agency?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Orange

Address 300 E. Chapman Avenue

Orange, California, 92866

Phone (714) 744-7255

Website http://www.cityoforange.org/jobs