Fire Science Technology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description Upcoming 3% Salary Increase Effective June 2026 Plans Examiner I: $47.87 - $61.10 Hourly $99,569.60 - $127,088.00 Annually Plans Examiner II: $50.40 - $64.32 Hourly $104,832.00 - $133,785.60 Annually The City of Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department seeks a highly qualified and dynamic Fire Plans Examiner I or II to perform professional and technical plan checking of residential, multiple dwelling, industrial and commercial building plans for conformity with pertinent fire and life safety, building and safety codes, ordinances and regulations, as assigned. The incumbent will also perform a variety of plan checking tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. This is a unique opportunity to join the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Community Risk Reduction Division and play a key role in shaping some of the most significant projects currently underway in Orange County

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to high-profile and complex projects such as the OCVIBE development surrounding the Honda Center as well as the DisneylandForward expansion initiative at the Disneyland Resort. This position offers the chance to work at the forefront of fire and life safety in large-scale development, collaborating with industry professionals, City departments, and project stakeholders that will have a lasting impact on the community. Candidates must possess prior plan checking experience relating to California building safety codes and standards, supplemented by college level coursework in engineering, construction management, fire science, fire technology or a related field.

Possession of a current Plans Examiner Certificate from any national or regional agency is required within twelve (12) months of appointment. Plans Examiner II candidates must possess certification as California State Fire plans Examiner or I.C.C. Fire Plans Examiner at time of appointment

Plan review experience for a fire agency or city municipality is desirable. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A Plans Examiner I performs more routine technical plan checking duties and has prior experience including: reviewing residential plans for completeness and accurate calculations and are knowledgeable on applicable codes and ordinances. A Plans Examiner II is the full journey level class within the Plans Examiner series.

The Plans Examiner II classification is distinguished from the Plans Examiner I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including the more complex activities associated with life safety plan checking. Employees at the Plans Examiner II level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in the Plans Examiner II classification are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Plans Examiner I level, or when filled from the outside, have prior journey-level experience.

The City of Anaheim reserves the option to hire at either the Plans Examiner I or Plans Examiner II level based on candidate qualifications and selection process. Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Perform technical plan checking of residential, commercial and industrial building plans and designs for overall code compliance. Respond to inquiries from engineers, architects, designers and the public regarding the interpretation of technical code requirements, as well as any specific City building standards. Advise permit applicants, engineers, designers or architects whose plans are not in conformance with required codes and indicate where designs do not comply with code requirements and regulations.

Conduct field inspections as required; advise City staff regarding outstanding issues and code interpretations. Coordinate plan check activities with other City departments and outside agencies. Evaluate construction plans for the issuance of permits and collection of applicable fees.

Research records and files for public dissemination and plan review data collection; develop written reports and generate correspondence as required. Accurately, input work and records into computerized system(s) for tracking and reporting of records and work. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

In addition to the essential functions above, when assigned to the Planning & Development Section: Review highly complex and technical high-rise, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing process plans to verify proper fire protection systems, exits, and code compliance. Meet with the public and a variety of businesses and agencies to review fire protection plans; recommend appropriate fire protection systems installations, as required. Assist in the evaluation of fire safety conditions; recommend changes in building and fire codes to remain current with new materials and methods of construction.

Perform moderately complex mathematical calculations, chemical classification, and evaluate compatibility with appropriate codes. Review proposals for alternate methods of compliance for equivalency with code intent and recommend approval or denial. Qualifications Candidates must possess some experience in plan checking and/or building inspection, construction or design.

Plans Examiner II candidates must possess professional journey level experience in plan review and inspection of buildings and systems for compliance with all California fire and life safety and/or building safety codes and standards. Experience for both classifications must be supplemented by college level coursework in engineering, construction management, fire science, fire technology or a related field. Plan review experience for a fire agency or city municipality is desirable.

Candidates must have knowledge of principles and practices of fire and life safety plan check review, as assigned; building construction and design practices, methods and materials at an advanced level; complex pertinent Federal, State and local building and safety laws, codes and regulations, including the California building safety codes and any applicable local regulations and ordinances; principles and procedures of plan review; principles and techniques of structure and building inspection; fire protection, alarm and water supply systems, especially for high-rise, commercial and industrial buildings, and fire sprinkler designs, plans and hydraulic calculations, as assigned; characteristics of a variety of chemicals and flammable, explosive and similar materials, as assigned; and customer service principles and practices. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to review and check the more complex plans and specifications for buildings and construction and determine compliance of plans with codes and regulations; interpret code requirements and respond to technical questions; provide lists of areas and elements that require modification of plans to ensure compliance with established codes; resolve plan review issues with property owners, contractors, developers, architects, engineers and others, while exercising tact, diplomacy and good customer service practices; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Possession of a current Plans Examiner Certificate from any national or regional agency is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Plans Examiner II candidates must possess certification as California State Fire plans Examiner or I.C.C. Fire Plans Examiner at time of appointment. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license is required at time of appointment

Driving is required for this position. Candidates must be in possession of a P.C. 832 Peace Officer's Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment

Supplemental Information IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. The selection process may consist of a minimum of skills examination and oral interview.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City. 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" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method. Equal Opportunity Employer.