What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plans Examiner I/II/Senior - Community Development position at City of West Sacramento?
The City of West Sacramento is recruiting for the position of Plans Examiner I/II/Senior in the Community Development Department. This position will report directly to the Building Official.
DEFINITION: The Plans Examiner I/II reviews and approves building construction plans to ensure compliance with pertinent codes, regulations, and ordinances.
The Senior Plans Examiner organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned personnel engaged in residential and commercial building plan reviews including the enforcement of City building regulations, and provides administrative support to the Senior Building Inspector.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Plans Examiner I/II: Receives general direction from the Department Head to which assigned or designee. The Plans Examiner II may oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower level personnel. Senior Plans Examiner: Receives general direction from the Chief Building Official or designee. This position may oversee, monitor, direct, supervise, and/or evaluate the work of assigned plan check staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The Plans Examiner I is the entry level class of the Plans Examiner series. Initially, under close supervision, the incumbent performs the more routine duties while learning City policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices and exercises less independent direction and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under general supervision.
The Plans Examiner II is the experienced, journey level class in the series, fully qualified to exercise independent judgment to perform assigned duties. This class is distinguished from the Plans Examiner I by the relative independence with which they perform their duties of plan reviewing residential, commercial and industrial structures, and making sound recommendations based on code research. This class is distinguished from the Senior Plans Examiner in that the latter serves as either the senior or advanced level specialist in the series.
The Plans Examiner I is flexibly staffed with the Plans Examiner II and advancement to the Plans Examiner II shall occur after satisfactorily performing the duties of a Plans Examiner I for two (2) years and upon recommendation from the department head. Satisfactory performance means an overall satisfactory or higher rating on the performance evaluation during the last evaluation period.
The Senior Plans Examiner is the senior level class in the Plans Examiner series. In the lead assignment, incumbents provide direction to lower level staff including assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of staff. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature of the public contact made. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series and provide technical and functional supervision over technical personnel. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Plans Examiner I/II
Education: Plans Examiner I/II: High school diploma or equivalent. AA/AS degree in building construction, architecture, engineering, or related field is highly desirable. Senior Plans Examiner: High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level courses in building design, construction, architecture, engineering or related field including classes in the building codes. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering or related field is highly desirable.
Experience
Plans Examiner I: One (1) year of full-time architectural design plans examination, permit plan review and processing, or inspection experience. Plans Examiner II: Two (2) years full-time experience as a Building Plans Examiner I with the City of West Sacramento; OR three (3) years of full-time architectural design, plans examination, or inspection experience. Senior Plans Examiner: Four (4) years of experience performing work similar to that of a Building Plans Examiner II in the City of West Sacramento with at least one (1) year of supervisory lead responsibilities.
Plans Examiner I/II: Possession of all of the following certifications may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement: Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1), Residential Electrical Inspector (E1), Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1). Possession of all of the following certifications may be substituted for two (2) years of the experience requirement: Building Plans Examiner (B3), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2/3), Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2/3), Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2/3).
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a California driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements
At the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits, designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
Plans Examiner II: Possession of a valid Residential Plans Examiner (R3) certificate issued by ICC, or Residential Building Inspector (B1) certificate issued by ICC, is required upon appointment. Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Building Plans Examiner (B3) certificate issued ICC, or California Building Plans Examiner (I6) certificate, within one year of employment within classification.
Senior Plans Examiner: Possession of a valid Residential Plans Examiner (R3) certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC), or Residential Building Inspector (B1) certificate issued by ICC, is required upon appointment. Possession of a valid Building Plans Examiner (B3) certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC), or California Building Plans Examiner (I6) certificate, is required upon appointment.
WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to attend off-hour and/or off-site meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment, and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist, and reach while performing office duties; mobility to occasionally traverse uneven terrain; periodically standing, stooping, bending, climbing, and kneeling to perform inspections; on occasion, may be required to work in exposure to weather. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and small tools and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (manuals, binders, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds such as files, manuals, or small tools and equipment for distances up to 50 feet.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies, and procedures.
DEFINITION: The Plans Examiner I/II reviews and approves building construction plans to ensure compliance with pertinent codes, regulations, and ordinances.
The Senior Plans Examiner organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned personnel engaged in residential and commercial building plan reviews including the enforcement of City building regulations, and provides administrative support to the Senior Building Inspector.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Plans Examiner I/II: Receives general direction from the Department Head to which assigned or designee. The Plans Examiner II may oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower level personnel. Senior Plans Examiner: Receives general direction from the Chief Building Official or designee. This position may oversee, monitor, direct, supervise, and/or evaluate the work of assigned plan check staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The Plans Examiner I is the entry level class of the Plans Examiner series. Initially, under close supervision, the incumbent performs the more routine duties while learning City policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices and exercises less independent direction and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under general supervision.
The Plans Examiner II is the experienced, journey level class in the series, fully qualified to exercise independent judgment to perform assigned duties. This class is distinguished from the Plans Examiner I by the relative independence with which they perform their duties of plan reviewing residential, commercial and industrial structures, and making sound recommendations based on code research. This class is distinguished from the Senior Plans Examiner in that the latter serves as either the senior or advanced level specialist in the series.
The Plans Examiner I is flexibly staffed with the Plans Examiner II and advancement to the Plans Examiner II shall occur after satisfactorily performing the duties of a Plans Examiner I for two (2) years and upon recommendation from the department head. Satisfactory performance means an overall satisfactory or higher rating on the performance evaluation during the last evaluation period.
The Senior Plans Examiner is the senior level class in the Plans Examiner series. In the lead assignment, incumbents provide direction to lower level staff including assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of staff. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature of the public contact made. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series and provide technical and functional supervision over technical personnel. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Plans Examiner I/II
- Examines commercial, industrial, and residential construction documents of proposed structures for completeness and conformity with all codes and ordinances including structural, mechanical, electrical, and energy calculations, safety and health features, use of materials, placement in the property, and setbacks.
- Conducts technical reviews of all aspects of building plans for completeness, accuracy and compliance with adopted City building codes and standards, and local regulations.
- Serves as the initial contact members of the public submitting building permit applicantions and plans for review. Provides customer service, technical assistance and information to customers.
- Determines plan examinations, permit, and other fees and valuation of plans submitted.
- Explains disapprovals or modification recommendations to applicants for permits.
- Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and the general public on proposed projects to resolve problems.
- Conducts field investigations of structural problems, covering failures, instability, proper installation of unusual designs, materials, or equipment, and other unsafe conditions.
- Prepares reports and makes recommendations on solutions resulting from field inspections.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Plans, prioritizes, reviews, and participates in the work of staff assigned to a variety of residential and commercial building plan review activities.
- Develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Participates in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
- Provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; reviews the work of staff engaged in a variety of building inspection or plan check activities.
- Prepares various reports regarding operations and activities.
- Confers with and gives information to architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding inspection, building and housing codes and methods of construction.
- Reviews plans and specifications for proposed construction projects.
- Researches new and revised construction methods and materials.
- Analyzes and prepares inspection and plan check issues and code interpretations.
- Responds to complaints regarding enforcement of City regulations.
- Performs complex field inspections or complex plan checks to ensure compliance with plans and code requirements.
- Prepares and files reports.
- Coordinates building plan review activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principals of good customer service.
- Reviews and coordinates third party plan review work for completeness.
Education: Plans Examiner I/II: High school diploma or equivalent. AA/AS degree in building construction, architecture, engineering, or related field is highly desirable. Senior Plans Examiner: High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level courses in building design, construction, architecture, engineering or related field including classes in the building codes. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in architecture, engineering or related field is highly desirable.
Experience
Plans Examiner I: One (1) year of full-time architectural design plans examination, permit plan review and processing, or inspection experience. Plans Examiner II: Two (2) years full-time experience as a Building Plans Examiner I with the City of West Sacramento; OR three (3) years of full-time architectural design, plans examination, or inspection experience. Senior Plans Examiner: Four (4) years of experience performing work similar to that of a Building Plans Examiner II in the City of West Sacramento with at least one (1) year of supervisory lead responsibilities.
Plans Examiner I/II: Possession of all of the following certifications may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement: Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1), Residential Electrical Inspector (E1), Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1). Possession of all of the following certifications may be substituted for two (2) years of the experience requirement: Building Plans Examiner (B3), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2/3), Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2/3), Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2/3).
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a California driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements
At the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits, designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Certified Building Inspector
- Certified Electrical Inspector
- Certified Plumbing Inspector
- Certified Mechanical Inspector
- Accessibility Plans Examiner
- Certified Access Specialist (CASp)
Plans Examiner II: Possession of a valid Residential Plans Examiner (R3) certificate issued by ICC, or Residential Building Inspector (B1) certificate issued by ICC, is required upon appointment. Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Building Plans Examiner (B3) certificate issued ICC, or California Building Plans Examiner (I6) certificate, within one year of employment within classification.
Senior Plans Examiner: Possession of a valid Residential Plans Examiner (R3) certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC), or Residential Building Inspector (B1) certificate issued by ICC, is required upon appointment. Possession of a valid Building Plans Examiner (B3) certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC), or California Building Plans Examiner (I6) certificate, is required upon appointment.
WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to attend off-hour and/or off-site meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment, and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist, and reach while performing office duties; mobility to occasionally traverse uneven terrain; periodically standing, stooping, bending, climbing, and kneeling to perform inspections; on occasion, may be required to work in exposure to weather. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and small tools and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (manuals, binders, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds such as files, manuals, or small tools and equipment for distances up to 50 feet.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies, and procedures.