Associate Plan Check Engineer

Description

Under general supervision, to examine building plans submitted for building permits and to ensure compliance with applicable codes, laws, regulations, and industry standard engineering practices.

The Department of Planning and Development currently has two (2) vacancies for an Associate Plan Check Engineer. Candidates with extensive experience in building structural design, application of various codes, and requirements to achieve compliance standards are highly desirable.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Reviews applications and permits issued for commercial, public, educational, orresidential structures and developments;

• Reviews, checks, and approves plans for the construction or alteration of industrial, commercial, educational, and residential structures to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws, and regulations;

• Makes independent analyses, when required, to justify the adequacy and safety of proposed designs;

• Answers questions and gives instructions to architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding construction and design requirements, application of various codes, and requirements to achieve compliance standards;

• Performs regular public counter functions, as needed;

• May calculate valuations and fees;

• May issue permits after plan review approval;

• Assists and provides guidance to Building Inspectors and other office staff on engineering, structural, and plan checking issues;

• May perform site observations of residential and non-residential construction to ensure compliance with all building codes and local ordinances;

• Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to structural engineering problems and building code compliance;

• Prepares, establishes, and maintains up-to-date files on codes and amendments;

• Stays abreast of new county ordinances and building construction methods, materials, and requirements;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note:The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field;

and

Four (4) years of full-time professional engineering experience in building review, design, construction, and/or inspection.

Special Requirements

• Current registration/licensure as a civil or structural engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

• Must obtain required building plans examiner certification per California Health and Safety Code within two years of appointment.

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.If driving, possession of a valid California drivers license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• * As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers, including extra help.A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Proper techniques for building plan examination;

• Engineering annotation symbols;

• Civil engineering principles as they pertain to building construction;

• The means, methods, materials and equipment used in building construction;

• Structural engineering principles and practices as applied to building design and construction;

• Applicable Federal, State, and County laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations governing building construction;

• Forms, permits, plans, and specifications used in a building inspection and code enforcement program;

• Report writing techniques;

• Project management principles, practices, and common procedures;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret building plans, specifications, codes, and construction documents;

• Review site plans and architectural designs for methods of construction (for compliance with requirements);

• Observe construction for adherence to code requirements;

• Make structural calculations necessary to determine the adherence of structural plans to code requirements; advise on accepted construction methods and requirements;

• Communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Write technical correspondence and reports;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Exercise good judgement.