About The Position

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 28, 2027, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase. Additional four percent (4.0%) increase on April 2028, April 2029.

The current vacancy is in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department.

Under general supervision, conducts reviews of residential and commercial/industrial plans for compliance with federal, state, and local standards. Assists in the enforcement of applicable codes and legal mandates and provides relevant information to the public.

Plan Checker/Inspector is a one-position class found in the Building and Safety Division of the Development Services Department and in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department.

The position reviews residential and commercial building plans and reports and provides corrections and constructive suggestions for compliance with federal, state and local mandates to meet City standards.

The position in the Engineering Division would have the opportunity to work with water supply, wastewater collection, drainage, traffic, GIS, CAD, and capital improvement programs.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part -time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year.

Examples Of Essential Functions

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification and are specific to the position by Division:

Engineering

Interacts and assists the public and other staff at the Public Works Counter and over the telephone, in resolving design, permitting and construction challenges;
Assists in the review of plan submittals and resolution of challenging engineering and design issues;
Reviews residential and commercial plan submissions for compliance with grading requirements and water quality regulations relative to runoff flow rate, volume and water quality protection;
Maintains records and conduct water quality inspections or investigations at construction, commercial, and industrial sites with the goal of eliminating the discharge of contaminated runoff;
Assists as needed with Public Works permitted encroachment and construction inspections;
Issues notices, letters, and reports to support permit requirements or document violations;
Collects storm, runoff, or waste water samples for laboratory analysis; and
Interacts with the public and contractors in a professionally, even during difficult inspections and investigations.
Inspects contractors and utility agencies in the field for proper work area safety, traffic control, backfilling and pavement restoration.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities for successful performance in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is:

Education: High School graduation or equivalent.

Associate of Science Degree in engineering, information technology, or mathematics is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years increasingly responsible experience, including two (2) years experience preparing or performing review of plans or construction drawings, building or public works inspections, or closely related experience, preferably in a municipal government environment.

Knowledge of: Principles, methods, materials, equipment and hazards of field construction; collection of evidence and information necessary to support enforcement efforts; building and zoning and electrical codes; planning regulations and ordinances or engineering rules and regulations; and permit processing and fee structures. .

Ability to: Understand, interpret, comprehend and analyze plans, reports and specifications to effectively identify and correct defects and deficiencies of residential, industrial and commercial site construction plans; understand operations; read and interpret rules, regulations, and ordinances; apply engineering principles, rules and regulations to permit issuance procedures; perform basic mathematical computations; maintain accurate files and records; understand and follow verbal and written directions; interact with contractors in inspection and enforcement situations requiring diplomacy and tact; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; operate a personal computer using Microsoft applications; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships during the performance of your duties; work with a minimum of supervision; construction grading issues and water quality measures that support runoff infiltration.

Additional Information

License Requirements:

Due to the performance of field duties a valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions and an acceptable driving record during the course of employment is required.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Independent body mobility to stand, climb stairs and ladders, walk on uneven ground or wet surfaces; upper body strength to reach and move items from above shoulder positions; corrected vision to read documents with standard text and computer screens; strength to lift and carry tools or equipment up to twenty-five (25) pounds in weight.

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an office environment and in the field with exposure to weather conditions. Sit, walk, or stand for extended periods of time; and, bending or stooping repeatedly or continually over time.

Testing & Selection Process

All applications materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the selection process which will consist of an appraisal examination (oral interview) weighted 100%.

The appraisal examination may also include performance testing to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority. An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). A pre-placement medical exam will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this position please click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

01

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

None
High School or equivalent
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Coursework beyond bachelor's degree
Master's Degree or higher

02

If you received an Associate's degree or higher, please list the following information: a) Name of the College that issued your degree b) Degree type and major. If you do not possess an Associate's Degree or higher, please type N/A.

03

Which of the following best describes your years of full-time experience in reviewing construction plans, determining code compliance, structural calculations, and/or other related areas.

None
Six (6) months to a year
One (1) to two (2) years of experience
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
Three (3) or more years of experience

04

The following certifications and licenses are highly desirable for this position. Please check all of the certifications that you currently possess.

ICC Building Plans Examiner Certification
Certification as an Energy, Green Plans Examiner, and MEP Plans Examiner
Certification as a California Access Specialist (CASp)
California registration as a Civil or Structural Engineer
California Professional Licensed Engineer (P.E.)
None of the above

05

Do you have the following building plan check, civil engineering, architecture, structural engineering work experience? Select all that apply.

Commercial/Industrial Plan Check
Residential Plan Check
Civil Engineering related to building and safety
Structural Engineering
Architectural related to Building and Safety
I do not have experience

06

Which of the following best describes your full-time experience in conducting plan reviews in a municipal setting?

None
Six (6) months to a year
One (1) to two (2) years of experience
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
Three (3) or more years of experience

07

Do you have experience utilizing permitting software, such as Accela?

08

If you answered yes to question, 7 describe your experience. (If none, type N/A).

09

Do you fluently speak and/or write any language(s) other than English?

Yes
No
Required Question

City of Downey

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Plan Checker/Inspector