City of Santa Cruz
Supervising Plans Examiner
City of Santa Cruz – Planning Department. The current vacancy is for Supervising Plans Examiner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Supervising Plans Examiner vacancies during the life of the list. The list is valid up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
The mission of the Planning and Community Development Department is to enhance quality of life, safety, and civic pride for our community by providing land use and development guidance through responsive, respectful, and efficient public service. Learn more at
Planning and Community Development Department .
Possibility of incentive pay of up to 8% for additional approved professional certifications over required base certifications.
Recruitment #26-038 – Application and Selection Process
Applications close Thursday, 01/29/26. All materials must reach Human Resources by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. Submit: online application only; RESUMES are not acceptable substitutes.
Response to supplemental questions is a primary tool in evaluating qualifications. Include all work experience both in the application and supplemental questions.
Week of 02/02/26: Competitive screening based on minimum qualifications. Notification of status by 02/13/26.
Week of 02/16 and/or 02/23/26: Interviews tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The process may include an interview and a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function Under general direction, the officer is responsible for supervising plan review and public counter functions in the inspection services division. Duties include complex plan review services, assisting the building official, conducting field inspections for compliance with codes, and performing related functions.
Distinguishing Characteristics This classification is distinguished from the Senior Plans Examiner by increased and broadened skills and duties: greater complexity and scope, supervising staff, and providing training. It is also distinguished from the Deputy Building Official, which manages daily operations and provides administrative support to the Chief Building Official.
Typical Duties
Supervise plan review/public counter function, organize staffing, coordinate with consultants, maintain timely service delivery.
Check plans of all types, including complex construction and development projects, using current building standards and other codes.
Coordinate with applicants and check plans for compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program; train, public outreach, and develop the program.
Assist applicants with non-conforming plans to achieve code compliance.
Resolve project challenges and customer concerns.
Review plan review policies and SOPs; recommend improvements.
Assist inspectors, maintain consistent application of code provisions, advise on work assignments.
Maintain technical manuals, records, and forms.
Provide administrative support to other city departments for building and energy projects.
Provide technical information to the public on code and design requirements.
Review initial plan compliance, prepare reports, coordinate with departments, designers, and applicants.
Monitor and coordinate plan review services from application to issuance.
Maintain records, prepare reports, estimate specialized costs.
Provide public counter support for permit applications, reviews, and issuance.
Perform field inspections for all construction types, including complex commercial, industrial, and essential facilities.
Assist in court actions involving building and related violations.
Input, access, and analyze data in the computer; use the city permit tracking system.
Assist Building Official in division operations as assigned.
Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Perform other related duties as reasonably expected.
Working Conditions Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping. Work may occur on uneven surfaces and in all weather. Requires repetitive hand movements, fine coordination, near and far vision, and acute hearing. May perform work outdoors. Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience
High School diploma or tested equivalent.
Two (2) years of college with a building inspection or construction–related emphasis **and** five (5) years of experience as a journeyman plans examiner, of which three (3) should be at the Senior Plans Examiner level with the City of Santa Cruz.
OR four (4) years of journeyman experience in construction, design, and/or inspection trades **and** five (5) years of experience as a journeyman plans examiner, of which three (3) should be at the Senior Plans Examiner level with the City of Santa Cruz.
Knowledge
Current plan check methods and practices.
California Code of Regulations Title 24 Building Standards Codes; other building, residential, mechanical, electrical, plumbing codes.
Federal and state codes, regulations, and standards governing housing and construction.
Effective use of building standards codes.
Principles, materials, and methods used in building design and construction.
Combination of building inspection requirements and procedures.
Blueprint reading and plan terminology.
Safe work practices and procedures.
Legal aspects of code administration.
Basic computer applications.
Effective supervisory and management skills.
Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Abilities
Review plans for compliance, including green building program.
Effectively supervise plan review and public counter services.
Assess situations, use judgment, and make sound decisions.
Read and interpret plans, notes, specifications, and legal descriptions; coordinate with applicants.
Administer Title 18 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
Interpret, apply, and explain city policies, procedures, and codes.
Write clear and comprehensive reports and correspondence.
Navigate codes and conduct research.
Explain complex regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate records; proficient in the permit tracking system.
Understand structural load and stress analysis.
Set priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions.
Communicate courteously and effectively; build working relationships with city employees and the public.
Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
Demonstrate enthusiastic customer service attitude.
Work independently and foster a team approach.
Drive company vehicle.
License and Certificates
Valid class C California driver’s license.
ICC Building Plans Examiner certification and at least two (2) unrelated ICC commercial certifications from the following:
Electrical Plans Examiner
Mechanical Plans Examiner
Plumbing Plans Examiner
Electrical InspectorMechanical Inspector
Plumbing Inspector
Department of State Architect Certified Access Specialist (CASp) may be accepted in lieu of one of the two additional ICC commercial certifications.
A third relevant certification is required within twelve (12) months of hire.
Other equivalent certification combinations may be considered upon approval by the Building Official.
Career Ladder
Chief Building Official
Deputy Building Official
Supervising Plans Examiner
Senior Plans Examiner
Assistant Plans Examiner
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Management and Manufacturing
Government Administration
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The mission of the Planning and Community Development Department is to enhance quality of life, safety, and civic pride for our community by providing land use and development guidance through responsive, respectful, and efficient public service. Learn more at
Planning and Community Development Department .
Possibility of incentive pay of up to 8% for additional approved professional certifications over required base certifications.
Recruitment #26-038 – Application and Selection Process
Applications close Thursday, 01/29/26. All materials must reach Human Resources by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. Submit: online application only; RESUMES are not acceptable substitutes.
Response to supplemental questions is a primary tool in evaluating qualifications. Include all work experience both in the application and supplemental questions.
Week of 02/02/26: Competitive screening based on minimum qualifications. Notification of status by 02/13/26.
Week of 02/16 and/or 02/23/26: Interviews tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The process may include an interview and a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function Under general direction, the officer is responsible for supervising plan review and public counter functions in the inspection services division. Duties include complex plan review services, assisting the building official, conducting field inspections for compliance with codes, and performing related functions.
Distinguishing Characteristics This classification is distinguished from the Senior Plans Examiner by increased and broadened skills and duties: greater complexity and scope, supervising staff, and providing training. It is also distinguished from the Deputy Building Official, which manages daily operations and provides administrative support to the Chief Building Official.
Typical Duties
Supervise plan review/public counter function, organize staffing, coordinate with consultants, maintain timely service delivery.
Check plans of all types, including complex construction and development projects, using current building standards and other codes.
Coordinate with applicants and check plans for compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program; train, public outreach, and develop the program.
Assist applicants with non-conforming plans to achieve code compliance.
Resolve project challenges and customer concerns.
Review plan review policies and SOPs; recommend improvements.
Assist inspectors, maintain consistent application of code provisions, advise on work assignments.
Maintain technical manuals, records, and forms.
Provide administrative support to other city departments for building and energy projects.
Provide technical information to the public on code and design requirements.
Review initial plan compliance, prepare reports, coordinate with departments, designers, and applicants.
Monitor and coordinate plan review services from application to issuance.
Maintain records, prepare reports, estimate specialized costs.
Provide public counter support for permit applications, reviews, and issuance.
Perform field inspections for all construction types, including complex commercial, industrial, and essential facilities.
Assist in court actions involving building and related violations.
Input, access, and analyze data in the computer; use the city permit tracking system.
Assist Building Official in division operations as assigned.
Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Perform other related duties as reasonably expected.
Working Conditions Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping. Work may occur on uneven surfaces and in all weather. Requires repetitive hand movements, fine coordination, near and far vision, and acute hearing. May perform work outdoors. Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience
High School diploma or tested equivalent.
Two (2) years of college with a building inspection or construction–related emphasis **and** five (5) years of experience as a journeyman plans examiner, of which three (3) should be at the Senior Plans Examiner level with the City of Santa Cruz.
OR four (4) years of journeyman experience in construction, design, and/or inspection trades **and** five (5) years of experience as a journeyman plans examiner, of which three (3) should be at the Senior Plans Examiner level with the City of Santa Cruz.
Knowledge
Current plan check methods and practices.
California Code of Regulations Title 24 Building Standards Codes; other building, residential, mechanical, electrical, plumbing codes.
Federal and state codes, regulations, and standards governing housing and construction.
Effective use of building standards codes.
Principles, materials, and methods used in building design and construction.
Combination of building inspection requirements and procedures.
Blueprint reading and plan terminology.
Safe work practices and procedures.
Legal aspects of code administration.
Basic computer applications.
Effective supervisory and management skills.
Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Abilities
Review plans for compliance, including green building program.
Effectively supervise plan review and public counter services.
Assess situations, use judgment, and make sound decisions.
Read and interpret plans, notes, specifications, and legal descriptions; coordinate with applicants.
Administer Title 18 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
Interpret, apply, and explain city policies, procedures, and codes.
Write clear and comprehensive reports and correspondence.
Navigate codes and conduct research.
Explain complex regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate records; proficient in the permit tracking system.
Understand structural load and stress analysis.
Set priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions.
Communicate courteously and effectively; build working relationships with city employees and the public.
Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
Demonstrate enthusiastic customer service attitude.
Work independently and foster a team approach.
Drive company vehicle.
License and Certificates
Valid class C California driver’s license.
ICC Building Plans Examiner certification and at least two (2) unrelated ICC commercial certifications from the following:
Electrical Plans Examiner
Mechanical Plans Examiner
Plumbing Plans Examiner
Electrical InspectorMechanical Inspector
Plumbing Inspector
Department of State Architect Certified Access Specialist (CASp) may be accepted in lieu of one of the two additional ICC commercial certifications.
A third relevant certification is required within twelve (12) months of hire.
Other equivalent certification combinations may be considered upon approval by the Building Official.
Career Ladder
Chief Building Official
Deputy Building Official
Supervising Plans Examiner
Senior Plans Examiner
Assistant Plans Examiner
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Management and Manufacturing
Government Administration
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