Apply today to become a Fire Plans Examiner and make a direct impact on community safety through professional, proactive fire code review. Step into a role where your expertise protects lives and shapes safer communities. You’ll review building and fire protection plans, ensure code compliance, and collaborate with teams to keep projects safe and on track. If you’re detail-driven and passionate about public safety, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference!!
The Fire Plan Check Engineer performs and provides professional and technical level work in the review of site, building, and fire protection system plans for compliance with established codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations. Checks and evaluates calculations and plans submitted for fire protection and prevention principles for the protection of life and property. May require general supervision over staff in the absence of a supervisor.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for first review of applications is Monday, May 4th, 2026.
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Review, evaluate, check, and interpret site plans, building plans, fire protection system plans, alarm system plans, specifications and calculation submitted for residential tracts, multi-unit residential homes, public assembly, and commercial industrial buildings; ensure compliance with codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations.
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Evaluate, identify, and determine existing and proposed fire protection and fire alarm system; check conformity to construction plans and monitor compliance with a variety of building, fire, and life safety codes; process and issue permits and notices.
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Enforce code requirements for the design, construction, and installation of equipment and materials based on an analysis of fire related hazards.
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Inspect, verify, check, and review special events permits and plans; oversee emergency plans and ensure compliance with all regulations and policies.
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Identify and communicate deficiencies of plans, calculations, and specifications; engage and communicate with various owners, contractors, and developers regarding non-compliant issues and remedies for resolution.
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Assist, support, and provide guidance for fire education, prevention, plan check, and inspection activities; assign, train, and delegate plan check and inspection related work to assigned staff; monitor quality and assist with challenging activities.
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Conduct field inspections and assist field inspectors and other staff with complex or unusual requirements for residential, commercial, public assembly, special events, and other structures.
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Provide assistance to the public in calculating fees, issuing permits, and dispensing general and technical information.
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Provide technical assistance to other city departments and staff; coordinate effectively with outside regulatory agencies.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Recruitment Guidelines:
Education: Equivalent to an associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in fire protection engineering or a closely related field. CA State Fire Marshal (CSFM) certification as a Fire Marshal or Fire Protection Specialist, or Fire Plan Examiner or International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Fire Plans Examiner may substitute for the required education.
Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in fire protection engineering or inspection.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Certificate of Completion for PC-832 (Arrests and Procedures).
Possession of CA State Fire Marshal (CSFM) certification as a Fire Marshal or Fire Protection Specialist, or Fire Plan Examiner or International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Fire Plans Examiner.
Medical Category: Group 1
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done in a standard office environment and in the field with exposure to construction materials, hazards, chemicals, and other adverse conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Career Advancement Opportunities
From: Fire Plan Check Engineer
To: Senior Plan Check Engineer
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
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An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
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An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. 