Associate Plan Check Engineer (Mechanical/Plumbing)

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.
Performs responsible technical work examining construction drawings for the construction, alteration, or repair of single-family residential, apartment, conventional commercial, and industrial buildings, including associated structures, to ensure compliance with building safety standards and state accessibility codes prior to the issuance of building permits.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Advises and assists architects, contractors, builders, owners, and the general public at the public counter regarding the interpretation and application of building regulations and applicable state laws.
• Examines plans for proposed structures, including conventional commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, and auxiliary structures, to determine compliance with relevant building codes and state regulations, including state accessibility codes.
• Performs plan checking for residential, commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects of moderate complexity.
• Recommends approval or disapproval of proposed plans and provides constructive feedback as needed.
• Evaluates technical reports and test data.
• Provides plan check information and assistance to City staff, the public, and other parties.
• Performs administrative functions, such as compiling statistical data and preparing reports related to division operations and programs.
• Conducts research, collects and analyzes data, and provides findings.
• Reviews and recommends improvements to department and division forms, processes, and procedures.
• Trains lower-level staff in counter plan check operations and permit issuance policies and procedures.
• Serves as an active member of the City’s post-disaster assessment team.
• May occasionally perform field inspections for special projects.
• May draft documents and procedures related to the application and enforcement of building codes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Experience: One (1) year of responsible technical work experience in plan check or building construction, including building, electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing systems. Education: Associate’s Degree from an accredited college in civil engineering, architecture, construction engineering, or a related field. Special Requirements: Possession and retention of a valid driver’s license, or alternative transportation that meets operational needs. Highly Desirable:

• Possession of International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner Certification, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Plans Examiner Certification, ICC Electrical Plans Examiner Certification, Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Certification, Division of the State Architect (DSA) Certification, and/or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification.
• Public sector work experience in plan check or building construction.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of plan check review and code compliance.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in building construction.
• Applicable state and local laws, codes, and regulations, including state accessibility standards.
• Structural design principles and analysis for buildings resisting static and dynamic forces.
• Scientific and mathematical principles relevant to the construction field.
• Research methods and analytical techniques.
• Principles of public communication and customer service.
• Records management practices.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Skill in:

• Using personal computers and specialized plan review software.
• Using office software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply California's Building Standards and local building codes.
• Interpret and review construction plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Understand and establish occupancy classifications, fire resistance requirements, and egress provisions.
• Respond professionally to public inquiries.
• Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Conduct research and make sound recommendations.
• Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Exercise sound judgment within established policies and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, contractors, developers, architects, property owners, the public, and those contacted in the scope of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office, field, and construction settings. Occasional travel to different sites is required. Works on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work involves extensive public contact. Incumbents may be exposed to fumes, odors and smells, loud and noisy conditions, indoor and outdoor lighting, dirt and dust, wind and pollen, and variable weather conditions. Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office, field, and constructing settings; operate motor vehicles or use alternative transportation that meets operational needs; climb stairs and ladders; occasionally reach, bend, stoop, crouch, squat, kneel, twist, run, jump, and climb; frequently stand and walk; continuously sit; have dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate objects; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; see with normal vision and visual range, with or without correction; and hear in the normal audio range, with or without correction; lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds unassisted; and push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight unassisted.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide .

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for March 4, 2026) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SEIU)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 2/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Santa Ana

• 714-647-5340

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