Plan Check Engineer

This recruitment may close at any time without advance notice. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. The next review of applications will occur on March 18, 2024.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Plan Check Manager, plans, coordinates, reviews, supervises and participates in the engineering review of all building construction plans and calculations for residential, commercial and industrial structures for structural design integrity and compliance with applicable codes, regulations and permit requirements; personally performs the most complex plan reviews; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Plan Check Engineer is a Registered Professional Engineer, who performs the most difficult and complex structural plan reviews. The position requires a higher level of professional certification and performs more complex structural analysis during the plan review process.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Attends development plan review meetings to monitor status of projects.
• Personally performs the most complex and difficult plan checks, including all that require a Registered Professional Engineer; investigates reports of structural problems on other assignments and makes recommendations to the Building Official and Deputy Building Official/Plan Check Manager.
• Establishes occupant loads, building types, and fire hazards to determine kinds of materials, stresses, loads, and degree of inspection required.
• Prepares correspondence to architects, engineers and contractors relating to the correction of plans and engineering detail; initiates notifications of code violations.
• Advises Building Inspectors on structural and other building-related problems arising in the field during construction.
• Prepares and conducts training programs for plan check, inspection, and counter personnel.
• Investigates new and substitute construction materials and design practices that can be shared with departmental staff.
• May assist Deputy Building Official/Plan Check Manager with preparation of Plan Check section reports and budget.
• Responds to inquiries and other communication from the public via phone, email, or other means and provides timely, responsive, friendly and helpful detailed service.
• Performs all other related job duties as assigned.

Knowledge

Theories and principles of structural design, engineering mathematics and soils engineering; approved building construction methods, materials and proper inspection methods related to residential, commercial and industrial developments; federal, state and municipal codes and regulations governing housing and building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy, including the Model or California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy, Fire and Electrical Codes; appropriate safety and fire prevention construction and building methods.

Ability

Operate a computer terminal and use word processing, spreadsheet and related software programs; plan, organize, perform detailed analysis and examination of building and construction designs, specifications and plans; apply engineering and architectural principles and techniques to solve complex residential, commercial and industrial construction problems and objectives; analyze structural integrity and load factors using engineering design mechanics; make accurate engineering calculations; organize work and set priorities in order to meet work deadlines; interact effectively with the staff, management, homeowners, builders, engineers, contractors, developers, manufacturers and others in the course of work; prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials; analyze and evaluate complex building plans, data and reports to determine whether compliance has been achieved.

Education/Training/Experience

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in architecture or civil, structural, or architectural engineering; and five years of increasingly responsible professional plan checking experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements

A valid Class C California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Registration as a Professional Engineer with the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs - Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists with a status of good standing and not suspended or revoked. Certification as a Building Plans Examiner by ICC is required, or ability to obtain within one year of employment date.

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; and use hands repetitively to operate, finger, handle or feel office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are occasionally required to stand and walk and lift and carry records and documents weighing less than 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions, and interact with officials and the public.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees in this class work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.