Senior Plans Examiner (FT

About the role

This Senior Plans Examiner position represents a critical leadership role within the technical review operations of CSG Consultants, where you will exercise comprehensive authority over the entire plan review lifecycle for intricate and high-value projects. You own the complex evaluation of construction documentation for residential, multi-family, and commercial developments, applying expert-level judgment to interpret detailed building regulations and resolve highly challenging technical obstacles. In this capacity, you will ensure that all construction activities proceed safely, efficiently, and in strict adherence to the applicable regulatory frameworks, safeguarding both public welfare and project integrity. The position is firmly based in Sacramento, California, and functions as a full-time engagement, requiring a consistent and dedicated on-site presence. Exact compensation details are not specified in this source and will be determined subsequently based on the candidate's specific skills, depth of experience, and precise geographic location. It is explicitly noted that candidates must be current residents of California, and the organization does not provide any form of relocation assistance for this role. Furthermore, this position mandates regular driving for essential client interactions and comprehensive site visits, thereby making a valid driver's license an absolute and non-negotiable requirement for successful employment.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will execute the complete and rigorous plan review cycle, encompassing complex residential, multi-family, and commercial construction projects from initial submission through final approval. You will exercise expert judgment to meticulously interpret and apply building regulations, ensuring all construction documentation meets the highest standards of life-safety and code compliance. The role requires a thorough assessment of structural calculations, detailed layout drawings, comprehensive soil reports, and all supporting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) documentation. You will analyze and interpret intricate design information, verifying seamless coordination and consistency across all engineering disciplines and construction specifications. This position involves leading sophisticated multidisciplinary reviews, actively coordinating with external consultants and internal stakeholders to resolve conflicts and maintain an unbroken chain of regulatory compliance. You will exercise primary responsibility for intake prioritization, clearly defining project scope, and proactively managing stakeholder expectations throughout every phase of the review process. A significant component of the role includes supervising and mentoring both Senior and Associate Plans Examiners, providing them with technical direction, conducting in-depth plan reviews, and delivering actionable feedback to elevate overall team performance. You will possess the authority to sign off on final construction documents, meticulously recording all corrections and ensuring that every established review protocol is fully executed and documented. The role demands direct collaboration with clients, particularly when facing stringent deadlines, requiring you to support intake triage and conduct preliminary screening of project files. You will identify high-risk design details and potential compliance issues before construction activities commence, thereby mitigating future complications. In addition, you will act as a key champion for best-in-class plan review practices, driving continuous improvement by updating internal guidance materials in response to evolving code changes and observed project patterns. This position requires a deep and current understanding of the California Building Standards Code and all other referenced standards pertinent to residential, multi-family, and commercial construction projects. You must demonstrate the capability to read, interpret, and analyze complex maps, construction diagrams, electronic plans, and detailed technical specifications with precision. Your evaluation of these materials must focus strictly on compliance with established codes and life-safety requirements, ensuring all designs meet regulatory benchmarks. The role necessitates proven expertise in construction inspection and plan review protocols, policies, and procedures, allowing you to exercise sound and defensible judgment in code interpretation. You will be expected to propose compliant alternative approaches when standard solutions are not feasible, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving acumen. Effective supervision of technical staff is a core requirement, necessitating clear, professional, and constructive communication of expectations and review outcomes.

The position demands an extremely high level of attention to detail and strong analytical reasoning, enabling you to navigate complex scenarios independently. You will communicate critical decisions effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and regulatory authorities. Maintaining continuous awareness of updates to building codes and relevant industry trends is an ongoing and essential responsibility of this role. This position requires travel to various job sites and client locations as dictated by the demands of specific projects and contractual obligations. Success in this role is defined by your unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. You will ensure that every review you conduct directly supports safe construction practices and rigorous regulatory adherence, thereby protecting the public interest. The role is instrumental in safeguarding the quality and safety of the built environment through meticulous document review and expert technical guidance.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a deep understanding of California Building Standards Codes and all referenced standards relevant to residential, multi-family, and commercial construction. This includes the demonstrated ability to read and interpret maps, construction diagrams, electronic plans, and specifications accurately. You must evaluate these materials for strict compliance with codes and life-safety requirements, leaving no detail unchecked. Demonstrated knowledge of construction inspection and plan review protocols, policies, and procedures is essential for performing the duties of this role effectively. You should exercise sound judgment in code interpretation and be capable of proposing compliant alternative approaches when standard methods are insufficient or impractical. The ability to supervise technical staff and communicate expectations clearly, professionally, and respectfully is a strict requirement for this position. You must be able to work independently with minimal supervision while consistently applying a high degree of judgment and accountability in all tasks. Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital, as you will be articulating complex technical information to varied audiences with differing levels of expertise. The role requires a commitment to maintaining organizational standards and contributing to a collaborative, solution-oriented team environment. You must be willing to adhere to all firm policies and procedures, ensuring that your work consistently reflects the company's values and operational excellence.