Structural Plans Examiner – City of Eugene – $95k–$129k

About this job

The City of Eugene is seeking a skilled licensed engineer with structural design and/or structural building code plan review experience to join a team that values sound engineering judgment and a commitment to public safety. This role is ideal for engineers who possess the aptitude to quickly understand complex structural analysis, thoughtful code application, and collaborative problem-solving with design professionals.

As a Structural Plans Examiner, you will review and evaluate a wide range of structural designs, apply advanced engineering principles to ensure compliance with the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, and collaborate with architects, engineers, builders and fellow plan review colleagues to support safe and innovative solutions. You’ll balance a varied caseload through strong time management, daily prioritization, and effective project planning.

This position is well-suited for licensed engineers, SE-track professionals, and certified structural plans examiners who want to apply their technical skills in a role that combines engineering rigor with effective project coordination.

Bring your engineering background to public service and help ensure the long-term safety and resilience of Eugene’s structures. Your expertise matters here. Join us!

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The next review of applications will take place: Sunday, October 19, 2026.

Accepting Online Applications Only through the City of Eugene Website

Information on How to Apply

Classification: Structural Plans Examiner
Salary: $46.04 - $61.54 Hourly / $95,764.05 - $129,280.40 Annually*

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

*Please note, these hourly rates of pay reflect the cost-of-living increase that is scheduled for July 1, 2026.

Department/Division: Planning & Development / Building and Permit Services Division
Position Information: Non-Represented, Non-exempt
Work Location: Atrium, 99 W 10th Ave., Eugene OR

This position is expected to report onsite full time. After one year probation, will become eligible for some limited remote work should business need allow. Must reside in the State of Oregon and be able to report onsite in Eugene, Oregon for work as scheduled.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. with the flexibility per business need.

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as benefits packages.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Examines structural engineering construction plans and calculations for commercial, industrial, multi-family and residential buildings for compliance with Oregon State Specialty Codes and referenced engineering standards and practices, and other applicable standards, codes, ordinances and zoning requirements.

Confers with architects, engineers, contractors and owners on proposed projects to identify code deficiencies and identify issue resolution options.

Answers questions and advises design professionals and the public about policies and procedures concerning various construction related codes.

Provide technical advice, training and expertise to commercial plans examiners and residential plan reviewers on applicable state codes, structural engineering principles, and construction practices.

Functions as project coordinator for the review process of highly complex plan reviews; evaluates scope of work and establishes deadlines; identifies problems impacting timelines; monitors progress and status; compiles and presents staff review comments. Coordinates review with other staff, departments, divisions, public agencies, private developers and consultants.

Approves plans; identifies conditions of approval; issues permits for construction.

Acts as a primary contact for structural engineering questions related to permitting and construction. Conducts research including inspecting historical records, microfilm and document files; researches codes and interprets them based on City policy.

May perform field inspections to ensure structural and engineering standards are met and are in compliance with code; advises building inspectors of unusual design, construction or installation problems. Identifies solutions to correct defects or inadequacies found; requires that corrections be made to meet the requirements of pertinent codes.

Prepares analyses, recommendations and reports on departmental code policies.

Acts as the Building Official designee for code interpretation and enforcement.

May attend and serve on a variety of City committees and/or task teams.

Safely operate a City-owned vehicle to and from inspection sites located around the city.

Performs related duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Structural Plans Examiner

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil or structural engineering.

Experience

Minimum of five years of structural engineering experience performing design or review of buildings in regions of high seismicity.

Background

Must pass a background check.

License and Certifications

Current Oregon Professional Engineer license or PE license in another state with the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 6 months of the date of hire is required. Certification of registration as a Structural Engineer (S.E.), while not required, is preferred.

Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain the following certifications within 6 months of the date of hire is required:

Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and State of Oregon Structural Plans Examiner A Level (PEA) Certification

Valid Oregon driver’s license [or, the ability to obtain by date of hire]is required; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, abilities

Knowledge

Structural engineering principles related to materials and construction of commercial, industrial and residential buildings.

Structural design and engineering mathematics and specifications. Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.

Skills & Abilities

Read and interpret complex building plans, engineering calculations, site surveys and project specifications. Interpret and determine compliance with adopted building codes, referenced engineering design standards, and accepted engineering principles and practices.

Research methods and sources of information related to building code.

Apply engineering knowledge and follow proper plan check techniques to examine quality of work and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices; resolve structural engineering related issues.

Facilitate meetings with the development community and City staff.

Organize a work schedule to manage multiple projects.

Maintain accurate and up to date permit records.

Research and write technical reports.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Working conditions

Work performed primarily in an office environment. Eye/hand coordination needed to operate personal computer. Sitting or standing may be required for prolonged periods. Ability to visit construction sites as related to plan review and code regulation. Driving a motor vehicle on public roads as needed.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee mustdemonstratefluency in an eligible language and pass a languageproficiencytest that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.