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SALARY

Plans Examiner I: $46.85 – $58.55 per hour ($8,121.69 – $10,150.25 per month) - Non-Exempt

Plans Examiner II: $8,955.46 – $11,196.45 per month - Exempt

JOB TYPE

Permanent, Full-Time; The City has one vacancy to fill at either the Plans Examiner I or Plans Examiner II level.

THE POSITION

The City of Dublin is seeking a dedicated individual for the position of PLANS EXAMINER I/II to perform detailed, comprehensive technical reviews of residential and commercial permit applications and building plans. The incumbent performs a full range of plans examination duties to ensure projects and structures are in compliance with laws, ordinances, codes and regulations before permits are issued. The position serves as a resource to the City’s Permit Technicians who determine required plans and resolve problems regarding plan submissions and sufficiency. 

The PLANS EXAMINER I position is distinguished from the PLANS EXAMINER II level in that the PLANS EXAMINER II performs more complex technical reviews of commercial plan checks, structural reviews; and performs supervisory authority over assigned staff, including directing and training.

PLANS EXAMINER I
Under immediate supervision, receives and conducts detailed, comprehensive non-structural technical reviews of residential and commercial permit applications and building plans; provides customer service, assistance and information to members of the public pertaining to building codes and regulations, including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, green building and energy aspects of building construction; assists in resolving problems regarding plan submissions and sufficiency. This classification is flexibly staffed with the Plans Examiner II; after gaining the experience and knowledge to perform the full range of journey level tasks and fulfilling any special requirements, incumbents could reasonably expect to progress to the next level based upon the judgment of management and approval by the City Manager.
 
PLANS EXAMINER II
Under general supervision, receives and conducts detailed, comprehensive technical reviews of residential and commercial permit applications and building plans; provides customer service, assistance and information to members of the public pertaining to building codes and regulations, including structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, green building and energy aspects of building construction; assists in resolving complex problems regarding plan submissions and sufficiency. The incumbent is responsible for providing a wide variety of technical support to the Plan Check Engineer. The incumbent will be required to use independent judgement and initiative in carrying out assignments and tasks.
 The following duties are normal for this classification. 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 this class.
PLANS EXAMINER I:

• Perform plan checks for residential alterations, room additions and tenant improvements. Reviews building construction plans for compliance with building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, green building, accessibility and health and safety codes.
• Confer with homeowners, builders, engineers and architects to provide and obtain information and interpret building codes and regulations; recommend necessary changes to obtain compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Provides input and assists in the establishment and/or improvement of Division’s procedures and policies;
• Verifies that permit application and plans meet the minimum requirement of all applicable codes, state and local regulations.
• May perform routine building inspection assignments in support of inspection staff.
• Prepare correspondence to architects, engineers, contractors and homeowners relating to the correction of plans and details. Communicates verbally, in writing, by e-mail and by telephone with the general public, other City employees, contractors in order to explain and administer the various building codes.
• Properly interpret building codes, plans, specifications, and engineering calculations. Regularly research code questions for interpretation.
• Review and perform mathematical calculations to determine appropriate fees.
• Perform research, analysis and evaluation of site, architectural and related plans.
• Strong commitment to customer service and interactive team participations.
• Provide support to permit processing and public counter activities. 

PLANS EXAMINER II (In addition to the requirements for the Plans Examiner I):

• Reviews building construction plans for compliance with structural design requirements and building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, green building, accessibility and health and safety codes. Examples of reviews can include: residential additions, complex tenant improvements, HVAC roof top equipment, monument signs, etc.
• Handle the full-range of plan check duties including screening and preliminary review, and is responsible for independent decisions requiring technical judgement and public relations skills. 
• May assume the responsibility for supervision of plan check and permitting functions in the absence of the Plan Check Engineer.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Division’s policies.
• As assigned, perform on-site inspections as follow-up to plan activities.
• Resolve disputes between the City and designers.
• Attends and represents the Building & Safety Division at Pre-Development and other meetings.
• Evaluate the written qualifications of Special Inspection firms for inclusion into the City’s list of pre-qualified special inspections firms.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have experience in residential and commercial plan review, able to work with customers at the counter reviewing over the counter plan checks, has basic knowledge in construction and title 24 codes. This person will need to be an enthusiastic, self-motivated, quick learner individual who approaches plan review with a positive how can we assist the customer in getting a permit attitude.
Any combination equivalent to education and experience is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

PLANS EXAMINER I
Knowledge of: 

• Plan checking techniques, building plans and specifications, residential construction materials, methods and equipment;
• The state of California Building Codes (residential, building, accessible regulations, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, green building and health and safety codes), and other applicable federal, state and local regulations;
• Basic structural engineering principles for prescriptive designs;
• Customer service techniques, including principles of dealing with other;
• The principles, practices and safety standards of building construction in the field.

Ability To:

• Work effectively with the public using tact and good judgment under sometimes tense and emotionally charged situations; provide exceptional customer service; maintain effective, tactful and courteous working relationships with the general public, homeowners, contractors, and City Staff;
• Work with immediate supervision and use discretion in making decisions; work on multiple projects and effectively set priorities;
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports; exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines;
• Effectively apply the required knowledge and skills in the daily performance of assigned duties;
• Explain technical subjects to non-technical individuals;
• Acquire knowledge of the overall Building Division operations and applicable department and City operations;
• Learn and operate the Division’s permit tracking computer system 
• Learn the street layout and topography of the City of Dublin;
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Work on multiple projects and effectively set priorities; organize workload and meet strict deadlines.

PLANS EXAMINER II
(In addition to the requirements for the Plans Examiner I)
 
Knowledge of: 

• Advanced plan checking techniques, building plans and specifications, residential, commercial and industrial constructions materials, methods and equipment;
• Advanced structural engineering principles;
• Customer service techniques, including principles of dealing with other, particularly in adversarial situations.

Ability To:

• Work without close supervision and use discretion in making decisions; solve difficult and complex issues; work on multiple projects and effectively set priorities;
• Effectively apply the advanced knowledge and skills in the daily performance of assigned duties;
• Supervise assigned staff;
• May be required to perform building and accessibility inspections of structures during construction to ensure conformance to City and State Codes, approval plans, calculations and specifications, using appropriate safety precautions.

Education and Experience:

PLANS EXAMINER I
Any combination equivalent to education and experience is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Architecture, Construction Management, Building Inspection, Construction Technology or a related field is required.
 
Experience: Minimum two (2) years of plan checking, permit technician and/or building inspector experience. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or closely related field may be substituted for the plan check experience.
 
PLANS EXAMINER II
Any combination equivalent to education and experience is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
 
Experience: Four (4) years of plan checking experience (combination model building codes) with increasing responsibility in nonresidential reviews. Lead or supervisory experience is preferred. A background in building inspection is preferred. Building inspection experience including ICC Combination Inspection Certification may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required plan checking experience.
 
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and Certificate of Automobile Insurance for Personal liability.

PLANS EXAMINER I

• ICC certification as a Residential Building Plans Examiner required within six (6) months of appointment; and ICC certification as a Commercial Building Plans Examiner required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class C drivers’ license and Certificate of Automobile Insurance for Personal Liability.
• Possession and maintenance of a State of California Safety Assessment Program Inspector required within six (6) months of appointment.

 
PLANS EXAMINER II

• ICC certification as a Residential and Commercial Building Plans Examiner required. Possession and maintenance as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) issued by the Division of the CA State Architect highly desirable. 
• Possession of a valid California Class C drivers’ license and Certificate of Automobile Insurance for Personal Liability.
• Possession and maintenance of a State of California Safety Assessment Program Inspector required within six (6) months of appointment.

 Physical Standards:
The physical standards described are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
An employee is required to work regularly in a standard office environment and periodically in a field environment involving body movement, dexterity and agility for balance and coordination while visiting construction sites; see well enough to read fine print, blueprints and VDTs; operate a computer keyboard; drive a vehicle; and hear and speak well enough to converse on the telephone or in person over noise.
 
An employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms, lift (push or pull) plans and specifications weighing thirty (30) pounds. The employee is frequently required to, bend and twist to reach files, walk and stand. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; interact with City management, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.
 
Other Requirements:
Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; travel to attend workshops, seminars and meetings during work and non-work hours; take courses required to satisfactorily perform the job; work late at night; and work outdoors in all weather conditions.