Building Plans Examiner II

Definition:
 
Under general supervision, to perform duties related to reviewing and approving building permit applications and plans for new construction and remodels to determine if they conform to established codes, laws, and special conditions; to perform related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
 
This class is the full working, journey level class in the Building Plans Examiner series and is distinguished from the Building Plans Examiner I by working independently and performing the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise.
 
Typical Duties:

• Examine construction documents for proposed structures for completeness and conformity with all codes and ordinances including structural, mechanical, electrical and energy calculations, safety and health features, us e of materials, placements in the property, and setbacks;*
• Correct detected defects or inadequacies; by requiring that corrections be made to meet the requirements of pertinent City codes;*
• Assist building permit applicants in completing applications; assist other departments and the public with researching and finding requested construction documents; research and answer questions at the front counter and via phone and email;*
• Determine plan examination, permit and other fees and valuation on plans submitted;*
• Explain disapprovals or modification to applicants for permits;*
• Confer with architects, engineers, contractors, owners and the general public on proposed projects to resolve problems;*
• Coordinate with other departments on project requirements;
• Enters and retrieves data from electronic data processing system; establishes and updates information, generates documents and correspondence, communicates with others; updates computer system files; prepares, review, and maintains forms, files, and other necessary records;*
• Make field investigations of structural problems, covering failures, instability, proper installation of unusual designs, materials or equipment, and other unsafe conditions; prepare reports and make recommendations on solutions;*
• Develop information handouts/checklists related to plan check requirements for public distribution;
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public, using principles of good customer service;
• Perform related assignments as necessary.

*Essential Function
 
Duties recorded above are representative of the duties of the class and are not intended to cover all the duties performed by incumbent(s) of any particular position.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class; such assignments shall fall under the category of “other duties, as assigned.”
 
Tools and Equipment Used:
 
Personal computer, including word processing and permitting software; motor vehicle; 10-key calculator; portable radio; phone; ladder or scaffolding; tape measure.
 
Physical Demands:
 
Work is performed mostly in office settings.   Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate drafting instruments, computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.  The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in this work environment is usually quiet in the office, moderate to loud in the field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:  Basic principles and practices of engineering and architecture as applied to building construction and structural design; safety standards, methods, materials, and techniques used in building construction; California Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, City Codes, CalGreen Code, and State regulations, and California State energy regulations; basic math.

Ability to:   Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection and examination techniques; read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, regulations, and building codes; advise on standard construction methods and requirements; make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately; maintain cooperative working relations with builders, contractors and the general public; provide technical assistance to other building department staff in assigned area of specialization; enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact with an emphasis on customer service.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:  Three years of increasingly responsible building plan examination, architectural design, drafting, and/or inspection experience.

Education:  An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering architecture, or a relation field, or the equivalent.

Additional Requirements:  Possession of a valid California Driver License.  Possession of a valid I.C.C. certificate as a Building Plans Examiner.

Desired Qualifications:
 
Possession of CASp Certification.

Equivalency may be established pursuant to the City Wide Classification Plan.