Assistant Plan Review Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $117,408.00 - $166,584.00 Annually
Location : Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern Suite #203 Dana Point, CA 92629
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500030
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 12/03/2025
ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Dana Point is looking for a motivated individual who takes pride in providing high-quality customer service to support the Building Division within the Community Development Department. The ideal candidate will bring a team-first attitude, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping residents, contractors, and internal partners with professionalism and care.This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled, and may close at any time.
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Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Under general direction 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.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is an advanced professional classification responsible for performing highly complex structural plan checks and specialized engineering review. The incumbent is fully competent to independently conduct the most technically challenging plan reviews and provides guidance, training, and technical support to staff as assigned.
This position is at-will and exempt under FLSA standards.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right 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).

1. Review plans, specifications, and structural calculations for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings to ensure compliance with the adopted Building Code, related regulations, and standards.
2. Verify that plans meet all applicable building codes, regulations, and restrictions, and identify or recommend corrections for any deficiencies.
3. Collaborate with the Building Official and structural engineers on complex code interpretations and structural issues.
4. Attend field meetings to evaluate discrepancies between plans, specifications, and work in progress; consult with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding design, engineering, and code compliance issues; assist other inspection staff or respond to requests from the Building Official.
5. Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and other stakeholders on complex construction projects; coordinate plan examination activities with city departments and external agencies; facilitate code interpretation and application.
6. Provide solutions to help resolve disputes involving developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public in a professional and constructive manner.
7. Analyze building designs to confirm that basic engineering principles and minimum safety standards are met.
8. Provide support at the permit counter, assisting applicants and reviewing plans for compliance.
9. Advise permit applicants, engineers, and architects on plan modifications needed to meet code requirements; recommend solutions to achieve compliance.
10. Coordinate with staff from other city departments and agencies regarding plan review and construction projects.
11. Handle difficult interactions professionally, promoting quality customer service and positive public relations.
12. Draft reports, correspondence, and memos related to plan reviews.
13. Maintain accurate records and generate reports related to permit processing and plan review activities.
14. Analyze current processes and recommend process improvements.
15. Report to work as scheduled, with flexibility for potential work on evenings or weekends.
16. Travel to offsite locations within and outside the city as necessary.
17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building plan review and inspection.
• Civil and structural engineering principles, methods, and techniques used in plan review.
• Building construction, design practices, methods, and materials.
• Applicable codes, including the California Building Code Standards (Title 24), Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, National
• Electrical Code, Disability and Energy Regulations, and other relevant state and local regulations.
• Typical plan review and permit fee structures and systems.
• Customer service best practices and service-oriented approaches.
• Modern computer systems and software related to plan review (i.e. Bluebeam) and permit processing.
• Safety standards and liability reduction strategies.
• Problem-solving methodologies and techniques.

Ability to:

• Review and assess complex construction plans, blueprints, and specifications accurately.
• Perform engineering computations related to plan review.
• Follow departmental procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze and interpret code requirements effectively, and respond to technical queries.
• Assist applicants to modify plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, recommendations, correspondence, and specifications.
• Maintain safety standards and uphold professional work standards.
• Foster cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues, applicants, and external agencies.
• Provide exceptional customer service in a professional manner.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and also as part of a team.
• Read and interpret complex drawings, graphic materials, and written documentation.
• Identify opportunities for plan review process improvements and propose effective changes to enhance business operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field, and five years of professional engineering or plan review experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.

License or Certificates:

• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, or the ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity within six months of appointment. Certification by the International Code Council as a Plans Examiner is required within six months of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical Requirements:
Position requires the ability to perform light lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time; and walking standing and occasional hiking. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity are needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; occasional pushing, pulling, grasping, manipulation and reaching; and occasional use of hand and foot controls for driving. This position also requires the ability to read engineering drawings, plans, specifications, technical reports, contracts and other records. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in the office and occasionally in the field. Controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances are experienced in office environments. While in the field, the incumbent may travel from site to site; and experience exposure to occasional disagreeable elements such as construction and traffic noise; dust, gas or fumes; walking on uneven ground; machinery and construction equipment; and occasional driving to job sites. High volume of work with tight deadlines and performs overtime work beyond regularly scheduled hours.
Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or an 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.
The City of Dana Point prides itself on hiring qualified individuals who enjoy working in a challenging, yet pleasant environment. We hope you consider joining the Dana Point Team!
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL LEAVE (CAL) - Based upon years of service, employees accrue a specified number of hours per year to use for personal leave, sick leave, and/or vacation leave. The annual CAL accrual schedule currently is as follows: Years 1-3: 120 CAL hours, Years 4-6: 160 CAL hours, Years 7-9: 200 CAL hours, Years 10+: 240 CAL hours.
PAID HOLIDAYS - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, and Holiday Closure, Christmas Eve through New Year's Day.
ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULES - Employee may have the option of working a 5/40 or alternatively a 9/80 work schedule with supervisor and department head approval.
RETIREMENT - The City is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CALPERS). The City's contract provides a 2%@55 formula for Classic Members and 2%@62 for New Members. Employees are responsible for paying the full employee contribution toward the retirement system, which is currently 7%, plus an additional 2.00% for Classic Members; and for New Members, 7.75%.
HEALTH BENEFITS - The City has a cafeteria-style benefit program. This position is currently provided a $1,978 monthly benefit allowance to use toward monthly insurance premiums. The options include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. A 457 deferred compensation plan, and a Section 125/129 flexible spending account program is also available. A small gym is located onsite at City Hall and is available for use by employees.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT - The City may reimburse eligible employees for eligible education expenses, up to the cost of FT, in-state course work at a California State University
To learn more details, visit our benefits page
01
Are you in the possession of a license as a Professional Engineer in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you certified as an ICC plans examiner? If so, which certifications do you have?
03
How many years of experience do you have as a structural plans examiner for a jurisdiction?

• No experience
• 1 - 2 years experience
• 2 - 3 years experience
• 3 - 5 years experience
• 5 - 7 years experience
• 7 years or more

04
Do you have experience with electronic plan review tracking software such as Bluebeam?
05
Please describe your experience collaborating with inter-jurisdictional agencies, as well as outside agencies and design professionals? (3-5 sentences)
Required Question