Senior Plan Check Engineer

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Under general direction performs advanced and highly complex professional engineering work in checking plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with Federal, State, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives and checks plans and designs for complex structures, new and remodeled commercial, industrial and residential buildings to ensure compliance; assists inspectors, contractors, design professionals and the public regarding construction requirements; provides expert technical and professional assistance to the Chief Building Official; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is an advanced professional classification responsible for performing highly complex structural plan checks and specialized engineering review. The incumbent is fully competent to independently conduct the most technically challenging plan reviews and provides guidance, training, and technical support to staff as assigned.

This position is at-will and exempt under FLSA standards.

1. Review plans, specifications, and structural calculations for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings to ensure compliance with the adopted Building Code, related regulations, and standards.
2. Verify that plans meet all applicable building codes, regulations, and restrictions, and identify or recommend corrections for any deficiencies.
3. Collaborate with the Building Official and structural engineers on complex code interpretations and structural issues.
4. Attend field meetings to evaluate discrepancies between plans, specifications, and work in progress; consult with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding design, engineering, and code compliance issues; assist other inspection staff or respond to requests from the Building Official.
5. Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and other stakeholders on complex construction projects; coordinate plan examination activities with city departments and external agencies; facilitate code interpretation and application.
6. Provide solutions to help resolve disputes involving developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public in a professional and constructive manner.
7. Analyze building designs to confirm that basic engineering principles and minimum safety standards are met.
8. Provide support at the permit counter, assisting applicants and reviewing plans for compliance.
9. Advise permit applicants, engineers, and architects on plan modifications needed to meet code requirements; recommend solutions to achieve compliance.
10. Coordinate with staff from other city departments and agencies regarding plan review and construction projects.
11. Handle difficult interactions professionally, promoting quality customer service and positive public relations.
12. Draft reports, correspondence, and memos related to plan reviews.
13. Maintain accurate records and generate reports related to permit processing and plan review activities.
14. Analyze current processes and recommend process improvements.
15. Report to work as scheduled, with flexibility for potential work on evenings or weekends.
16. Travel to offsite locations within and outside the city as necessary.
17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.

• Principles and practices of building plan review and inspection. 
• Civil and structural engineering principles, methods, and techniques used in plan review.
• Building construction, design practices, methods, and materials.
• Applicable codes, including the California Building Code Standards (Title 24), Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, National
• Electrical Code, Disability and Energy Regulations, and other relevant state and local regulations.
• Typical plan review and permit fee structures and systems.
• Customer service best practices and service-oriented approaches.
• Modern computer systems and software related to plan review (i.e. Bluebeam) and permit processing.
• Safety standards and liability reduction strategies.
• Problem-solving methodologies and techniques.

• Review and assess complex construction plans, blueprints, and specifications accurately.
• Perform engineering computations related to plan review.
• Follow departmental procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze and interpret code requirements effectively, and respond to technical queries.
• Assist applicants to modify plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, recommendations, correspondence, and specifications.
• Maintain safety standards and uphold professional work standards.
• Foster cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues, applicants, and external agencies.
• Provide exceptional customer service in a professional manner.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and also as part of a team.
• Read and interpret complex drawings, graphic materials, and written documentation.
• Identify opportunities for plan review process improvements and propose effective changes to enhance business operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience 
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field, and five years of professional engineering or plan review experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, or the ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity within six months of appointment. Certification by the International Code Council as a Plans Examiner is required within six months of appointment.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical Requirements:
Position requires the ability to perform light lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time; and walking standing and occasional hiking. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity are needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; occasional pushing, pulling, grasping, manipulation and reaching; and occasional use of hand and foot controls for driving. This position also requires the ability to read engineering drawings, plans, specifications, technical reports, contracts and other records. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.

Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in the office and occasionally in the field. Controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances are experienced in office environments. While in the field, the incumbent may travel from site to site; and experience exposure to occasional disagreeable elements such as construction and traffic noise; dust, gas or fumes; walking on uneven ground; machinery and construction equipment; and occasional driving to job sites. High volume of work with tight deadlines and performs overtime work beyond regularly scheduled hours.

Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

Salary : $117,408 - $166,584