PLANS EXAMINER
Apply NowCompany: City of Torrance, CA
Location: Torrance, CA 90503
Description:
Salary: $6,890.00 - $8,798.40 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 25043530
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Plans Examiner to be a part of the Community Development Team!
The Department
Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment
The Community Development Department plays a vital role in the continued development, sustainable growth, and success of Torrance. CDD maintains the Building and Safety, Engineering, Environmental (Code Enforcement), the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping, Housing, and Planning Divisions, which serve the community by overseeing redevelopment, comprehensive planning, zoning, housing programs, project planning, permitting, environmental stewardship, NPDES and building and code enforcement.
Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include:
The Division
The main purpose of the Building & 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 & 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 & 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 Position
The Community Development Department is seeking an individual skilled in interpreting and applying various codes and ordinances, and reviews residential, commercial and zoning plans to ensure compliance with applicable City and building codes for the Building & Safety Division! The Plans Examiner reviews, checks and approves various structural engineering and grading and paving plans, specifications and reports to insure compliance with State and local codes and ordinances; advises applicants for permits; checks building permit applications; and performs other related work as required .
For a detailed job description, click here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Bachelor'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 of 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 Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested 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. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Monday, May 12, 2025 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 May 21, 2025)
The 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 NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination dates. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR ENGINEERS & TORRANCE FISCAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (TFEA)
Note: Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.
Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (sec.4.9)
The City's monthly contribution for health insurance effective 1/6/19 is as follows:
EE Only EE +1 EE +2 or more
Full time EE's $597.68 $1,140.36 $1,595.96
Part- time
(hired prior to 1/1/08) $493.11 $924.91 $1,277.43
Part-time
(hired after 1/1/08) $362.57 $628.31 $847.19
The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33
The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71/EE only and $67.42/EE +1 or more
The City provides a Cash In-Lieu payment of $400 per month for eligible full-time employees for as long as the employee opts-out of medical coverage
City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy
Premium Pay (sec. 3.1)
Varies by position and assignment. (See section 3.1 and 3.2)
Night Shift Differential (sec.3.2.1 and 3.5.1)
Full time employees paid 5% above base hourly pay when or more of the shift is scheduled to work after 5:00 p.m. or before 7:30 a.m.
Educational Incentive Premiums (sec. 3.6.1)
ENGINEERS: (Premiums paid above base pay, per hour. Total educational premiums not to exceed 12% combined)
Holidays (Sec 4.1)
13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday directly following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve)
Vacation/Annual Leave (Sec. 4.2)
Engineers (Accrual rate per month):
Year 1: 6.58 hours; Year 2: 7.21 hours; Year 3: 7.87 hours; Year 4: 8.54 hours; Years 5-6: 10.54 hours; Years 7 -9: 11.21 hours; Years 10 -20: 14.56 hours; Years 21 - 24: 15.88 hours; Year 25+: 18.54 hours
TFEA (Accrual rate per month):
Year 1: 6.57 hours; Year 2: 7.51 hours; Year 3: 8.17 hours; Year 4: 8.84 hours; Years 5-9: 10.84 hours; Years 10 -20: 14.19 hours; Years 21 - 24: 15.51 hours; Year 25+: 16.17 hours
Sick Leave/ Personal Leave (sec.4.3)
Accrual rate is 6 (six) hours per month to a maximum of 600 hours accrued sick leave. *Two work shifts of sick/vacation leave may be used for personal leave.
Bereavement Leave (sec 4.6)
Three (3) working shifts with pay (Additional leave, up to 2 additional working shifts for travel 300 miles or more for eligible family members)
Disability Insurance (sec 4.9)
Employee receives 2/3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)
Retiree Insurance (Sec. 4.9)
TFEA only: City will pay $51/month for retirees who continue health insurance coverage in one of the PERS health insurance plans
Retirement (sec. 4.10)
PERS 2%@55,
Employees hired before 1/11/2011, City pays 7% EPMC*
Employees hired on or after 1/11/2011 pay 7% EPMC*
*Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)
PERS 2@62
"New members" hired on or after January 1, 2013, pay (50%) of normal cost with three year average final compensation.
Uniform Allowance (sec. 4.11.1)
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER & SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER ONLY:
$107.50 every 6 months (Paid June and December).
Tool and Educational Materials Allowance (sec.4.12.1)
ENGINEERS ONLY:
$175 per year (Paid in February).
Licenses and Certificates (sec. 4.14.1)
ENGINEERS ONLY:
$220/year for license/certificates with recurrent fees: Registered Professional Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor, and American Institute of Certified Planners.
Shoe Allowance (4.15.1)
ENGINEERS ONLY:
$135 per year (Paid in September) for employees required to wear safety shoes or boots
Deferred Compensation Plan (Sec. 4.13.B)
A voluntarily 457 plan is available to all employees.
Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(a) plan upon completion of one year service.
Retirement Health Savings Plan (sec 4.13.C)
Any hours under or equal to 600 (sick) and 600 (vacation) will be deposited into the ICMA-RC RHSP Plan, for retiring and separating employees. The remaining balance up to limits allowed by law will be disbursed into the City's 457 plan or be paid in cash.
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 your years of experience plan checking of residential, commercial and industrial projects for a municipality of county.
07
Indicate the number of years of professional experience that you have in engineering or architecture involving structural design or soils engineering.
08
Indicate your experience in explaining and/or interpreting rules, policies, codes, regulations or similar information.
09
Indicate the certifications that you possess.
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
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 25043530
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Plans Examiner to be a part of the Community Development Team!
The Department
Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment
The Community Development Department plays a vital role in the continued development, sustainable growth, and success of Torrance. CDD maintains the Building and Safety, Engineering, Environmental (Code Enforcement), the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping, Housing, and Planning Divisions, which serve the community by overseeing redevelopment, comprehensive planning, zoning, housing programs, project planning, permitting, environmental stewardship, NPDES and building and code enforcement.
Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include:
- Building Permits & Online Permitting
- Code Enforcement
- Construction Plan Check and Inspections
- Development Review and Comprehensive Planning
- Engineering Permits and Records
- GIS
- Housing Programs (including Section 8)
- NPDES Administration
- Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance
- Survey Information
- Transportation Planning
The Division
The main purpose of the Building & 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 & 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 & 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 Position
The Community Development Department is seeking an individual skilled in interpreting and applying various codes and ordinances, and reviews residential, commercial and zoning plans to ensure compliance with applicable City and building codes for the Building & Safety Division! The Plans Examiner reviews, checks and approves various structural engineering and grading and paving plans, specifications and reports to insure compliance with State and local codes and ordinances; advises applicants for permits; checks building permit applications; and performs other related work as required .
For a detailed job description, click here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Bachelor'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 of 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 Candidate
Successful 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 PROCESS
Interested 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. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Monday, May 12, 2025 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 May 21, 2025)
The 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 NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination dates. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR ENGINEERS & TORRANCE FISCAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (TFEA)
Note: Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.
Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (sec.4.9)
The City's monthly contribution for health insurance effective 1/6/19 is as follows:
EE Only EE +1 EE +2 or more
Full time EE's $597.68 $1,140.36 $1,595.96
Part- time
(hired prior to 1/1/08) $493.11 $924.91 $1,277.43
Part-time
(hired after 1/1/08) $362.57 $628.31 $847.19
The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33
The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71/EE only and $67.42/EE +1 or more
The City provides a Cash In-Lieu payment of $400 per month for eligible full-time employees for as long as the employee opts-out of medical coverage
City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy
Premium Pay (sec. 3.1)
Varies by position and assignment. (See section 3.1 and 3.2)
Night Shift Differential (sec.3.2.1 and 3.5.1)
Full time employees paid 5% above base hourly pay when or more of the shift is scheduled to work after 5:00 p.m. or before 7:30 a.m.
Educational Incentive Premiums (sec. 3.6.1)
ENGINEERS: (Premiums paid above base pay, per hour. Total educational premiums not to exceed 12% combined)
- International Code Council (ICC) certificate: 4%
- 2% for each additional certificate, maximum of 12%
- Loss of 2% for each year's delay for failure to maintain certification
- LEED AP certificates (LEED AP, LEED AP BD+C, LED AP Homes, LEED AP ND): 2.5%
- Build It Green Certification (Green Point Advisor, Green Point Rater): 2.5%
Holidays (Sec 4.1)
13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday directly following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve)
Vacation/Annual Leave (Sec. 4.2)
Engineers (Accrual rate per month):
Year 1: 6.58 hours; Year 2: 7.21 hours; Year 3: 7.87 hours; Year 4: 8.54 hours; Years 5-6: 10.54 hours; Years 7 -9: 11.21 hours; Years 10 -20: 14.56 hours; Years 21 - 24: 15.88 hours; Year 25+: 18.54 hours
TFEA (Accrual rate per month):
Year 1: 6.57 hours; Year 2: 7.51 hours; Year 3: 8.17 hours; Year 4: 8.84 hours; Years 5-9: 10.84 hours; Years 10 -20: 14.19 hours; Years 21 - 24: 15.51 hours; Year 25+: 16.17 hours
Sick Leave/ Personal Leave (sec.4.3)
Accrual rate is 6 (six) hours per month to a maximum of 600 hours accrued sick leave. *Two work shifts of sick/vacation leave may be used for personal leave.
Bereavement Leave (sec 4.6)
Three (3) working shifts with pay (Additional leave, up to 2 additional working shifts for travel 300 miles or more for eligible family members)
Disability Insurance (sec 4.9)
Employee receives 2/3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)
Retiree Insurance (Sec. 4.9)
TFEA only: City will pay $51/month for retirees who continue health insurance coverage in one of the PERS health insurance plans
Retirement (sec. 4.10)
PERS 2%@55,
Employees hired before 1/11/2011, City pays 7% EPMC*
Employees hired on or after 1/11/2011 pay 7% EPMC*
*Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)
PERS 2@62
"New members" hired on or after January 1, 2013, pay (50%) of normal cost with three year average final compensation.
Uniform Allowance (sec. 4.11.1)
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER & SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER ONLY:
$107.50 every 6 months (Paid June and December).
Tool and Educational Materials Allowance (sec.4.12.1)
ENGINEERS ONLY:
$175 per year (Paid in February).
Licenses and Certificates (sec. 4.14.1)
ENGINEERS ONLY:
$220/year for license/certificates with recurrent fees: Registered Professional Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor, and American Institute of Certified Planners.
Shoe Allowance (4.15.1)
ENGINEERS ONLY:
$135 per year (Paid in September) for employees required to wear safety shoes or boots
Deferred Compensation Plan (Sec. 4.13.B)
A voluntarily 457 plan is available to all employees.
Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(a) plan upon completion of one year service.
Retirement Health Savings Plan (sec 4.13.C)
Any hours under or equal to 600 (sick) and 600 (vacation) will be deposited into the ICMA-RC RHSP Plan, for retiring and separating employees. The remaining balance up to limits allowed by law will be disbursed into the City's 457 plan or be paid in cash.
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?
- Yes
- No
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.
- Yes
- No
03
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture?
- Yes
- No
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?
- Yes
- No
06
Indicate your years of experience plan checking of residential, commercial and industrial projects for a municipality of 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?
- Yes
- No
11
If you answered yes to the previous question, please describe your experience. (If none, type N/A.)
Required Question