Supervising Plans Examiner

City of Torrance

Torrance, CA

Salary: $8,443.07 - $10,264.80 Monthly

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WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

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The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants, and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The Community Development Department is seeking a dedicated and results-oriented Supervising Plans Examiner to join their dynamic team!

The Department

Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment 
The Community Development Department plays a vital role in the continued development, sustainable growth, and success of Torrance.  CDD maintains the Building and Safety, Engineering, Environmental (Code Enforcement), the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping, Housing, and Planning Divisions, which serve the community by overseeing redevelopment, comprehensive planning, zoning, housing programs, project planning, permitting, environmental stewardship, NPDES and building and code enforcement.

Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include:

  • Building Permits & Online Permitting
  • Code Enforcement
  • Construction Plan Check and Inspections
  • Development Review and Comprehensive Planning
  • Engineering Permits and Records
  • GIS
  • Housing Programs (including Section 8)
  • NPDES Administration
  • Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance 
  • Survey Information
  • Transportation Planning

The Division

The main purpose of the Building & Safety Division is to protect and promote public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. To accomplish this purpose, the Building & Safety Division provides inspections for new construction, buildings and remodeling of structures for compliance with the local, state and federal laws.  One of the primary goals of the Building & Safety Division is to provide guidance to the public on safe building construction practices and to serve as a resource for building code and design issues.
The Position

The Supervising Plans Examiner is responsible for the overall day to day operation of Plan Checking.  This position supervises assigned staff involved in permit and plan check processing, as well as examines, checks, and approves engineering plans, specifications, and reports for a variety of complex structures, and reviews applications for building permits. The Supervising Plans Examiner checks structural plans of greater complexity requiring a more thorough understanding of plan checking including the ability to calculate load and stress factors, confers with architects, engineers, contractors and owners regarding methods of construction and features of designs, makes field investigations to determine compliance with approved plans, and performs related duties as assigned. 

For a detailed job description, click here.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Education and Experience 
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; and three years progressively responsible professional experience in engineering or architecture involving structural design and/or plan checking of residential, commercial and industrial structures.  One year in a supervisory or lead capacity is preferred.
Possession of an ICBO Certificate in Plans Examining or Registration as a Civil Engineer may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
 
License and/or Certificates
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License.

Ideal Candidate
In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate will possess:

  • Possession of an ICC Certificate in Plans Examining or Registration as a Civil Engineer;
  • Proven experience in supervising staff, including training, mentoring, and fostering professional growth;
  • Excellent organizational skills with a high level of self-direction and initiative;
  • Strong ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, utility providers, and public agencies;
  • In-depth knowledge of building regulations and safety standards;
  • Thorough understanding of effective code enforcement;
  • Public sector experience; and
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of the applications will be those received by Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:

Performance Test: 30% (Tentatively scheduled on Wednesday, March 26, 2025)
Oral Interview: 70% (Tentatively scheduled on Wednesday, March 26, 2025)

SPECIAL NOTES

Visit www.torranceca.gov to find out more information about our community.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources.  If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.  For further information, click here.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
 
 The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!

Posted February 26, 2025, 3:23 PM PST


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