What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Examiner position at City of Fremont?
Description
The City of Fremont's Community Development Department is recruiting for:
Plans Examiner
VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE
The Department
Role
The role of the Community Development Department is to help Fremont become the sustainable, strategically urban community envisioned in the City's General Plan. Department activities include:
First Review of Applications
The first review of applications is April 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.
To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.
Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov.
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Plans Examiner Class Specification
Under direction, to perform independent construction plan examinations concerning non-structural construction or alteration of industrial, commercial and residential buildings to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws and regulations; and performs other related work as required.
Class Characteristics
This is a journey level classification reporting to the Plan Check / Permit Center Manager. Incumbents perform work in all areas of non-structural building plan review for compliance with applicable City Municipal Code, Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Green Building Code, Mechanical Code, Disabled Access Standards, and California Energy Standards; performs highly technical plan checking including all types of construction and occupancies; performs field inspections as required; uses considerable independent judgment in performing daily duties. This class is distinguished from Plan Check Engineer in that the latter has responsibility to perform the most complex review work, including structural and seismic analysis requiring a certificate to practice as a registered civil or structural engineer in the State of California.
Essential Functions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of pertinent codes, laws and regulations governing building construction; building construction practices and procedures; plan checking techniques and annotation symbols; and elements of supervision.
Skill in: Reading and interpreting building plans, specifications and codes; examine and correct building plans, calculations and specifications in a rapid, uniform and accurate manner; coordinate the flow of assigned work and follow through in a timely manner; express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; train and review the work of other professionals; and deal tactfully and effectively with those encountered in the course of work.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, architects, the public, and fellow employees; communicate and interpret code requirements in a clear and concise manner; travel to various work sites within the city to conduct inspections and oversee related activities; work outdoors under natural environmental conditions; and organize and keep records of work performed.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be: graduation from high school or equivalent with some college coursework in architecture, mathematics, construction technology, or related courses and either a)a minimum of five years of experience as a contractor, engineer, architect, superintendent, foreman or competent mechanic in charge of construction or b) a minimum of five years of experience in plan checking, building inspection or related field.
Certificates/Special Requirements
Positions in this classification require possession of a valid Class C California driver's license by the time of appointment. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.
ICC Certification as a Plans Examiner or equivalent certification from a recognized agency is required within one year of date of hire. Failure to maintain this certification will result in termination.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%
Sitting: Constant
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Rare
Bending (neck): Frequent – to review planes on desk/counter
Bending (waist): Frequent – to review planes on desk/counter
Squatting: Never
Climbing: Rare – when in the field (couple hours in the month)
Kneeling: Never
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Rare – when in the field
Balancing: Rare - when in the field, waking on 2' x 10" planks
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Never
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Rare
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach – above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull
Up to 10 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
11 to 25 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
26 to 50 lbs. Rare – 26-30 rolled plans
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting
Up to 10 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
11 to 25 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
26 to 50 lbs. Rare – 26-30 rolled plans
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying
Up to 10 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
11 to 25 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
26 to 50 lbs. Rare – 26-30 rolled plans
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Required
Driving: Required
Vision
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required
Talking
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Required – when on construction site (couple hours per month)
Work Environment
Works indoors, works outdoors, being around moving machinery – cranes, earth mover etc. when in the field, exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles – when in the field, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals (wear protective clothing construction site/pile driver), exposure to excessive noise, exposure to radiation or electrical energy – transformer, exposure to solvents, grease or oil – inspect service stations, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working below ground, using computer monitor, exposure to vibration, works around others, work alone, works with others.
Class Code: 4521
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 2
Barg. Unit: CFEA
Probation: 12 months
Rev.: 11/15
The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.
To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary
01
Please be specific in answering the Supplemental Questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
What is your highest level of education?
Have you completed college coursework in architecture, mathematics, construction technology, or related courses?
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please list the college coursework completed. If you answered “No” to the previous question, enter “N/A”.
05
How many years of experience do you possess as a contractor, engineer, architect, superintendent, foreman, or competent mechanic in charge of construction?
How many years of experience do you possess in plan checking, building inspection, or related field?
Are you in possession of an ICC Certification as a Plans Examiner or equivalent certification from a recognized agency?
Do you have experience with mechanical and plumbing reviews?
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you do not possess this experience, please enter “N/A”.
The City of Fremont's Community Development Department is recruiting for:
Plans Examiner
VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE
The Department
Role
The role of the Community Development Department is to help Fremont become the sustainable, strategically urban community envisioned in the City's General Plan. Department activities include:
- Providing professional assistance to developers, contractors, businesses, and homeowners
- Preserving open space
- Planning for and assisting with the building of high-quality strategically urban residential and commercial developments
- Maintaining and increasing the range of housing alternatives for the community
First Review of Applications
The first review of applications is April 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.
To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.
Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov.
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Plans Examiner Class Specification
Under direction, to perform independent construction plan examinations concerning non-structural construction or alteration of industrial, commercial and residential buildings to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws and regulations; and performs other related work as required.
Class Characteristics
This is a journey level classification reporting to the Plan Check / Permit Center Manager. Incumbents perform work in all areas of non-structural building plan review for compliance with applicable City Municipal Code, Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Green Building Code, Mechanical Code, Disabled Access Standards, and California Energy Standards; performs highly technical plan checking including all types of construction and occupancies; performs field inspections as required; uses considerable independent judgment in performing daily duties. This class is distinguished from Plan Check Engineer in that the latter has responsibility to perform the most complex review work, including structural and seismic analysis requiring a certificate to practice as a registered civil or structural engineer in the State of California.
Essential Functions
- Checks plans, specifications and calculations on construction documents submitted by architects, engineers, contractors and owners for compliance with non-structural design, zoning, energy and disabled access and general conformity to applicable ordinances, laws and state building standards and codes.
- Conducts independent analysis when required to evaluate the adequacy and safety of questionable designs.
- Answers questions and gives instructions to architects, engineers, contractors and owners regarding building requirements, application of various codes and requirements to achieve compliance with applicable standards.
- Makes field inspections as required or assigned.
- Advises Building staff on building related problems arising in the field during construction.
- Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to construction problems and building code enforcement.
- Keeps informed of new building construction methods, materials and requirements.
- Issues permits after plan review approval.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of pertinent codes, laws and regulations governing building construction; building construction practices and procedures; plan checking techniques and annotation symbols; and elements of supervision.
Skill in: Reading and interpreting building plans, specifications and codes; examine and correct building plans, calculations and specifications in a rapid, uniform and accurate manner; coordinate the flow of assigned work and follow through in a timely manner; express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; train and review the work of other professionals; and deal tactfully and effectively with those encountered in the course of work.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, architects, the public, and fellow employees; communicate and interpret code requirements in a clear and concise manner; travel to various work sites within the city to conduct inspections and oversee related activities; work outdoors under natural environmental conditions; and organize and keep records of work performed.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be: graduation from high school or equivalent with some college coursework in architecture, mathematics, construction technology, or related courses and either a)a minimum of five years of experience as a contractor, engineer, architect, superintendent, foreman or competent mechanic in charge of construction or b) a minimum of five years of experience in plan checking, building inspection or related field.
Certificates/Special Requirements
Positions in this classification require possession of a valid Class C California driver's license by the time of appointment. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.
ICC Certification as a Plans Examiner or equivalent certification from a recognized agency is required within one year of date of hire. Failure to maintain this certification will result in termination.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%
Sitting: Constant
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Rare
Bending (neck): Frequent – to review planes on desk/counter
Bending (waist): Frequent – to review planes on desk/counter
Squatting: Never
Climbing: Rare – when in the field (couple hours in the month)
Kneeling: Never
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Rare – when in the field
Balancing: Rare - when in the field, waking on 2' x 10" planks
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Never
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Rare
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach – above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull
Up to 10 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
11 to 25 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
26 to 50 lbs. Rare – 26-30 rolled plans
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting
Up to 10 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
11 to 25 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
26 to 50 lbs. Rare – 26-30 rolled plans
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying
Up to 10 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
11 to 25 lbs. Rare – rolled plans
26 to 50 lbs. Rare – 26-30 rolled plans
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Required
Driving: Required
Vision
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required
Talking
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Required – when on construction site (couple hours per month)
Work Environment
Works indoors, works outdoors, being around moving machinery – cranes, earth mover etc. when in the field, exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles – when in the field, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals (wear protective clothing construction site/pile driver), exposure to excessive noise, exposure to radiation or electrical energy – transformer, exposure to solvents, grease or oil – inspect service stations, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working below ground, using computer monitor, exposure to vibration, works around others, work alone, works with others.
Class Code: 4521
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 2
Barg. Unit: CFEA
Probation: 12 months
Rev.: 11/15
The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.
To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary
01
Please be specific in answering the Supplemental Questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
- Yes
- No
What is your highest level of education?
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some college
- AA degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
Have you completed college coursework in architecture, mathematics, construction technology, or related courses?
- Yes
- No
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please list the college coursework completed. If you answered “No” to the previous question, enter “N/A”.
05
How many years of experience do you possess as a contractor, engineer, architect, superintendent, foreman, or competent mechanic in charge of construction?
- No experience
- Less than five (5) years
- At least five (5) years but less than seven (7) years
- Seven (7) years or more
How many years of experience do you possess in plan checking, building inspection, or related field?
- No experience
- Less than five (5) years
- At least five (5) years but less than seven (7) years
- Seven (7) years or more
Are you in possession of an ICC Certification as a Plans Examiner or equivalent certification from a recognized agency?
- Yes
- No, but I acknowledge that ICC Certification as a Plans Examiner or equivalent certification from a recognized agency is required within one year of date of hire.
Do you have experience with mechanical and plumbing reviews?
- Yes
- No
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you do not possess this experience, please enter “N/A”.
- Required Question