Plan Checker​/Inspector

NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice.
First review of the applications will occur on December 22, 2025. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.

The City of Downey seeks a Building Plan Checker/Inspector that is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and experienced in both plan review and building inspection. The City is looking for someone with a strong technical background in building codes, construction practices, and safety standards, as well as exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills. The Building Plan Checker/Inspector will be part of the Building & Safety Division within the Community Development Department, which provides permit issuance, plan review, and inspection services to ensure compliance with local and state building regulations.

This position plays a vital role in reviewing building plans, conducting field inspections, and assisting property owners, contractors, and design professionals through the permitting and construction processes. The Building Plan Checker/Inspector helps to ensure that all projects meet safety and code requirements while maintaining a customer service‑oriented approach that supports the community’s development goals.

The ideal candidate is an experienced professional who demonstrates sound judgment, technical expertise, and a collaborative spirit. The Building Plan Checker/Inspector will be highly organized, efficient, and approachable—capable of providing clear guidance to applicants and maintaining positive working relationships with staff, other departments, and the public.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated and knowledgeable team committed to ensuring safe and high‑quality construction in the City of Downey. If you take pride in your work, take pride in providing excellent customer service, value teamwork, and enjoy serving the community, apply today!

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part‑time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification and are specific to the position by Division:

• Check plans and specifications of proposed structures for compliance with code and safety requirements, including occupancy factors and types of construction;
• Confer with builders, engineers, contractors, architects, and the public regarding building codes and permit requirements;
• Respond to questions and inquiries and perform special investigations as required;
• Provide temporary and vacation relief in similar occupational fields, such as building inspection; and
• Provide building inspection of special projects as directed and maintain records of inspection and progress.

High School graduation or equivalent.

Associate of Science Degree in engineering, information technology, or mathematics is preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years increasingly responsible experience, including two (2) years experience preparing or performing review of plans or construction drawings, building or public works inspections, or closely related experience, preferably in a municipal government environment.

Principles, methods, materials, equipment and hazards of field construction; collection of evidence and information necessary to support enforcement efforts; building and zoning codes; planning regulations and ordinances or engineering rules and regulations; and permit processing and fee structures.

Understand, interpret, comprehend and analyze plans, reports and specifications to effectively identify and correct defects and deficiencies of residential, industrial and commercial site construction plans; understand operations; read and interpret rules, regulations, and ordinances; apply engineering principles, rules and…