Architectural Plan Checker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $96,899.80 - $133,180.60 Annually
Location : City of Stockton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Regular)
Job Number: 0226-07755
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 08/09/2026
DEFINITION
OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
TENTATIVE EXAMINATION DATE: TBD
UPDATED EXTENDED FINAL FILING DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
The current vacancy exists in the Community Development Department. The Senior Plan Checker reports directly to the Deputy Building Official and will be responsible for reviewing complex building plans and submittal documents for code compliance. Incumbents will be tasked with overseeing the plan review process from start to finish for the most sophisticated submittals the department receives, including consulting with design professionals and hosting project meetings with applicants. The incumbent will work a 9/80 schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fridays, with every other Friday off.
Incumbents in this position are included in the Civil Service system, in a "for-cause" employment status, and are represented by the Stockton City Employees' Association. (Classified/Represented)
This recruitment is being conducted as an Open/Promotional recruitment. Current full-time City of Stockton employees may apply for this position as a promotional opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on a promotional list. All other candidates may apply for this position as an open competitive opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on an open list. The appointing authority will have the option of requesting names from the promotional list or a combination of both. These lists may be used to fill future vacancies.
Prior to appointment, eligible candidates may be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting.
Under general supervision, performs skilled work involving the review and examination of building construction, improvement and repair plans and specifications for compliance with applicable building and health and safety codes and regulations; and performs related work as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Senior Plan Checker is the advanced level in the series and performs plan checking on more complex projects including major commercial and industrial developments and may provide lead supervision over subordinate plan check personnel. Assignments are varied and allow for the exercise of considerable judgment and independence in the performance of plan check work. This class is distinguished from Supervising Plan Checker/Structural Engineer in that the latter is a professional engineer or licensed architect and has first-line supervisory responsibility for the plan checking function.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews and examines construction documents for residential, commercial, and industrial building construction and alterations; ensures that plans, structural calculations, and specifications comply with building and related codes and regulations.
• Confers with homeowners, builders, engineers, and architects to give information and interpret building codes and regulations; recommends necessary changes to obtain compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Reviews corrected plans for conformity with requirements; calculates fees to be assessed for projects and submits documentation for permit issuance; may issue building permits.
• Maintains records of assigned permit applications, incoming plans, applications processed, and permits issued.
• Receives residential and commercial permit applications and plans and routes to appropriate divisions and/or departments; enters plan check data into computer database; updates and generates required printed reports.
• Initiates appropriate action to enforce code compliance.
• Prepares correspondence to architects, engineers, and contractors relating to the correction of plans and engineering detail(s).
• Advises building inspectors on structural and other building related problems arising in the field during construction.
• Coordinates construction planning documents review and processing with other City departments.
• Monitors changes and new legislation pertaining to assigned work; investigates new materials and substitute materials, and new methods of structural design and recommends appropriate changes in the building codes and regulations.
• Participates in setting work priorities, coordinating and scheduling own assignments, and establishing goals and objectives for assigned activity.
• Makes on-site construction inspections to confirm that construction complies with approved plans and specifications.
• Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
• Fosters an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Techniques, materials, and practices in the structural, plumbing, and electrical construction fields;
• Residential, commercial, and industrial construction materials, methods, and equipment;
• Applicable codes and ordinances governing housing and building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use, and occupancy;
• Appropriate safety and fire prevention construction and building methods;
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant software programs;
• Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammatical usage and punctuation;
• Safe work practices; and
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service.

Skill in:

• Performing detailed analysis and examination of building and construction designs, specifications, and plans;
• Applying basic engineering and architectural principles and techniques to the solution of complex residential, commercial, and industrial construction problems and objectives;
• Organizing work, setting priorities, and exercising sound, independent judgment with established guidelines;
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with City staff, other agencies, homeowners, builders, engineering firms, contractors, developers, manufacturers, and others;
• Analyzing and evaluating complex building plans, data, and reports, and reaching sound conclusions.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions and prioritizing workload to meet deadlines;
• Reading, writing, and comprehending the English language at a level necessary for effective job performance, exercising correct English usage, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Communicating effectively, tactfully, and positively in both oral and written form;
• Operating and using modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software;
• Utilizing appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishments of City goals, objectives, and activities.

Education/Experience:
Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Senior Plan Checker: Equivalent to a high school diploma and four years of increasingly responsible experience as a Plan Checker performing comprehensive building construction plan check work in a municipal or related government agency at a level equivalent to the City of Stockton Plan Checker II, in which incumbent has demonstrated competence in reviewing a variety of complex building and life safety systems.
Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Plan Checker I: Must possess certification from the International Code Council (ICC) as a Certified Plans Examiner within two years of appointment as a condition of continued employment. (California Health and Safety Code, 18949.28).
• Plan Checker II: Possession of an ICC-issued certification as a Certified Plans Examiner is required. A valid California registration as a Civil Engineer or license as a Professional Architect will be accepted at time of application at the II level; must subsequently obtain ICC-issued Certified Plans Examiner within 2 years of appointment as a condition of continued employment.
• Senior Plan Checker: Possession of an ICC-issued certification as a Certified Plans Examiner is required. Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification from the Division of the State Architect (DSA) is highly desirable.

Physical/Mental Abilities

• Mobility - Constant sitting and bending, for long periods of time, while operating a keyboard; occasional walking, bending of neck, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, and twisting;
• Lifting - Occasional lifting and carrying of 25 pounds or less;
• Vision - Constant use of overall visual capabilities; frequent need for use of color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work;
• Dexterity - Constant typing; frequent repetitive motion and writing; occasional grasping, pushing, pulling, and reaching;
• Hearing/Talking - Constant hearing and talking of normal speech in person and on the telephone;
• Special Requirements - Occasionally requires weekend, evening work, or driving;
• Emotional/Psychological - Constant concentration, decision making, and public contact; occasional ability to exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful situations; and working alone;
• Environmental Conditions - Occasional exposure to noise, hazardous materials (i.e. dirt, dust, gas, smoke, fumes, and poor ventilation); occasional exposure to outdoor conditions, indoor cold/heat, and working around equipment and machinery; and
• Working Conditions - Primarily performed in an office environment which is typically quiet.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.
THE EXAMINATION
Applicants who qualify in terms of relevant work experience and education, that best fit the needs of the City, will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination process may include oral and/or written test(s) or evaluation of training and experience weighted 100%. However, the City reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods if deemed necessary. Candidates must receive a minimum passing score of 70%, as determined by the relative performance of all candidates in all portions of the examination. In the event of identical ratings, candidates' names will be arranged in order of application date/time and, if same, then arranged alphabetically.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED FULLY AND SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL CITY OF STOCKTON APPLICATION FORM (DO NOT STATE 'REFER TO RESUME' ON YOUR APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE.) INCOMPLETE AND/OR FALSIFIED APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTALS WILL BE REJECTED AND CANNOT BE REVISED AFTER SUBMITTAL ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. POSTMARKS, FASCIMILES, AND PHOTOCOPIES OF THE CITY'S EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. RESUMES ARE WELCOMED BUT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ONLY.
The information in this announcement concerning the terms and conditions of employment does not constitute either an express or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change.
Notes:

• After on-line submittal, immediate notification will appear on your screen indicating your application has been received. Please print this notice as proof of filing.
• Notices and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed to applicants. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a correct email address is provided and that correspondence is received.
• NeoGov.com: You will receive correspondence via the e-mail address you placed on your application. Some e-mail accounts have been known to place these e-mails in the spam/junk file. Please check your e-mail folders or accept e-mails ending with neogov.com.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all City of Stockton employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.
This position is subject to Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) annual filing requirements. Please see the FPPC website, www.fppc.ca.gov, for more information.
This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Am