Senior Plans Examiner

DEFINITION

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level management; exercises functional and technical supervision over plan check, inspection, permit, and clerical support staff, as assigned.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

The classification specification provides a summary of the typical job duties performed, along with the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates the plan review function of the division. 
• Directs and oversees the work of assigned plan check, inspection, permit, and clerical support staff, as assigned.  
• Assists in the supervision and coordination of assigned staff and the provision of information at the public information counter. 
• Participates in the training of Plans Examiners, Building Inspectors, Permit Technicians, and related staff in regards to current codes and permit processing procedures. 
• Reviews and evaluates plans, structural engineering calculations, soil analysis reports, and other reports for commercial, industrial and/or residential projects to ascertain conformance to Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Codes, and pertinent provisions of City, State, and County health and environmental codes, laws and regulations.
• Prepares plan check reports indicating deficiencies in plans, structural engineering calculations, soil analysis reports and other reports, and ensures that requisite corrections are met. 
• Approves plans that comply; issues permits for construction. 
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors and the general public on proposed projects to resolve unusual problems. 
• Makes field inspections to determine structural soundness or proper installation of unusual designs, materials or equipment.
• Suggests corrections of defects or inadequacies found that require deficiencies be corrected to meet requirements of applicable codes. 
• Answers questions and advises the public by telephone and at the public counter concerning codes and plan check reports; advises building inspectors of unusual design, construction or installation problems. 
• Classifies and logs new projects for plan checks; creates plan check files; enters initial site data and permit data on computer; revises data as project status and details change. 
• Interacts with staff from other City departments involved in the plan review process. 
• Reviews the work of outside plan check engineers and consultants.  
• Responds to verbal or written inquiries and provides technical assistance to engineers, architects, contractors, and other City personnel. 
• Reviews and verifies calculations on hydrology and hydraulic studies; reviews plans and reports for engineering standards and appropriate codes and ordinances.  
• Reviews and determines fees associated with development projects; assigns building and street addresses. 
• Coordinates plan check activities with other City functions and outside agencies.  
• Completes work assignments using computer and related software programs. 
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Performs any tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer. 
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and municipal codes, ordinances, regulations, and construction standards governing housing and commercial building construction, rehabilitation, alternation, use, occupancy, and setback. 
• Major types of building construction, materials, and methods.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. 
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, including Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical codes. 
• Handicapped access requirements.
• California Energy Commission Standards of Title 24.
• Permitting requirements and approval processes.
• Building inspection practices and procedures. 
• Principles and practices of structural and civil engineering. 
• Computer operation and related software. 
• Grading, hydrology, or fire safety engineering (depending on assignment). 
• Complex principles of structural design and engineering mathematics. 
• Complex engineering principles related to materials and design concepts of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. 
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and evaluation of subordinates. 

• Effectively lead and coordinate the plan check function for the division. 
• Accurately interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations. 
• Read and interpret plans, blueprints, and specifications. 
• Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements. 
• Apply City codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental matters, and other regulations to field situations. 
• Advise on standard and complex construction methods and requirements for residential commercial and industrial buildings. 
• Conduct field investigations. 
• Make the most complex engineering and mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. 
• Research and write technical reports. 
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Train, evaluate, and effectively supervise assigned subordinates. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

•  Two years of professional experience as a plans examiner for compliance with all building safety codes and standards.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED supplemented by specialized college level course work in construction technology, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a State of California driver’s license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance program. 
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Plans Examiner Certification.
• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional civil or structural engineer or architect in the State of California is desirable.