The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.

Under general supervision, performs responsible technical work in examining construction drawings for the construction, alteration, or repair of single-family residential, apartment, conventional commercial, or industrial buildings, and associated structures to ensure compliance with building safety standards prior to issuance of a building permit. 

At the public counter, advises and assists architects, contractors, builders, owners, and the general public with regard to the interpretation and application of pertinent building regulations and State laws. Examines plans for proposed structures, such as conventional commercial or industrial buildings, residential buildings, and auxiliary structures, such as signs, walls, or fences, to determine compliance with pertinent building regulations and State laws; recommends approval or disapproval of such plans. Evaluates test reports. May occasionally perform structural inspections in the field for special projects. Performs plan checking of residential, commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects of medium complexity. Performs review of projects to ensure compliance with the State accessibility code. Trains lower level staff in counter plan check operations and permit issuance. Serves as an active member of the City’s post-disaster assessment team. Assists in certain specified administrative functions, such as the development of statistics and the preparation of reports related to department programs. Reviews and makes recommendations regarding departmental forms and procedures. May write documents and procedures pertaining to the applicability and enforcement of building codes. Performs other functions as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction, or a related field, and two years of responsible technical experience in plan check or building construction, preferably in a public agency. A possession of an Engineer-In-Training certificate may be used in combination with experience to meet the minimum qualifications. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge and abilities may also meet the minimum qualifications:

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: basic principles and practices of plan check review; methods of and materials used in building construction; some knowledge of state and local laws, codes, and regulations; design and analysis of basic buildings and other structures constructed or rehabilitated to resist forces induced by vertical and horizontal loads of a static and dynamic nature; scientific and mathematical principles; modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. 

Skill in: the use of personal computers, software specific to planning, and current office software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

Ability to: learn and apply the State of California's Building Standards and local codes; read and interpret structural plans for compliance with state and local building and safety codes and ordinances; learn and establish occupancy classifications, building exiting, and fire resistance requirements; respond to requests from the general public; communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, planning staff, contractors, developers, architects, property owners, and the public. 

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Possession of Building Plans Examiner International Code Council (ICC) certification, Certified Access Specialist program (CASp) certification, Division of the State Architect (DSA) certification, and/or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is highly desirable.