Senior Plans Examiner

• This recruitment is open until filled.  To apply, submit:

1. Application - online application only.  Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely.  Click the Apply button to begin the online application process.
2. Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position.  Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment once all applications have been reviewed.

• Reviews and examines construction plans and specifications for residential, commercial, industrial, public works projects or other major developments for compliance with adopted building standards code, state legislation and city ordinances.
• Develops schedules and recommends methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Coordinates with Green Building Specialist verifying compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program and CAL Green requirements and specifications.
• Assists permit applicants by fully participating and being proactive in the solution process of changes, such as alternate materials and methods and/or modifications; verifies that all submitted plans and documents are in compliance with applicable codes and standards. Provides assistance to all building staff to maintain consistent application of code provisions, policies and procedures, and advises on work assignments and challenges.
• Researches new and revised construction methods and materials.
• Updates and maintains technical manuals and publications.
• Provides technical support to city departments related to construction, energy and green building projects.
• Provides technical information to the public on code and design requirements, and on difficult or unusual code requirements for major structures; answers inquiries from the public relating to regulations for building and housing construction, remodeling and repair, including structural, non-structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other code related questions. 
• Provides preliminary reviews of planning projects for initial compliance with building standards, codes and local building ordinances; prepares clear and concise reports, coordinates with other city departments, design professionals and applicants.
• Monitors and coordinates plan review services activities from permit application to issuance.
• Maintains records, prepares a variety of reports, and makes estimates of a specialized nature in connection with various building projects. 
• Provides technical support, receives permit application reviews for code compliance and occasionally issues permits at the public counter.
• May occasionally perform field inspections. 
• Provides technical support to code enforcement staff when needed. 
• Inputs, accesses, and analyzes data in the computer. Proactive in the use and development of the city’s permit tracking system.
• May assist Building Official in division operations as assigned.
• Provides informal training exercises and leads staff.  
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping and reaching in the performance of daily activities. The position may also work on slippery, uneven surfaces. The position requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires acute near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents and in the performance of daily duties. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The incumbent may perform work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The need to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience

• High School graduation or tested equivalent and,
• Two (2) years of college with a building inspection/construction technology related emphasis and,
• Two (2) years experience as a journey level plans examiner with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm.

OR

• Four (4) years journey level experience in the field of construction, design and/or inspection trades and,
• Two (2) years experience as a journey level plans examiner with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm.

 Licenses and Certificates 

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Class C California driver’s license.
• Possession and continued maintenance of the following certifications –
  1. International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner or,
  2. International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO Legacy) Building Plans Examiner 
• Must possess one (1) ICC commercial certification from the following within one year from date of hire;
  • Electrical Plans Examiner
  • Mechanical Plans Examiner
  • Plumbing Plans Examiner
  • Electrical Inspector
  • Mechanical Inspector
  • Plumbing Inspector  
    or
  • Department of State Architects (DSA) Certified Access Specialist (CASp)

Other equivalent certification combinations may be considered acceptable upon approval by the Chief Building Official.

Knowledge:

• Current plan check methods, practices and procedures.
• Federal, state and locally adopted codes, regulations governing housing, building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy.
• Effective use of the building standards code.
• Building materials, construction methods, fire resistive construction, electrical installation and repair, plumbing and mechanical methods and materials.
• Effective combination building inspection requirements and procedures.
• Blueprint reading and terminology used in determining compliance of building plans and specifications.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• Legal procedures involved in the administration of codes and ordinances.
• Basic computer applications, including Word, Excel, Acrobat and/or Bluebeam Revu.
• Proficient use of the English language, correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Abilities:

• Being thorough and accurate during the review of plans and construction documents for compliance with applicable building standards code, city ordinances, including the city green building program.
• Read and interpret construction plans, notes, symbols, specifications, legal property descriptions, coordinate plan review requirements and processes with applicants.
• Learn, interpret, apply, and explain established City policies, procedures and codes.
• Become proficient with and effectively administer Title 18 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
• Write clear, cohesive, comprehensive reports and correspondence on administrative and technical issues.
• Proficiently navigate the codes, locating requirements and conducting associated research.
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex governmental regulations.
• Establish and maintain accurate records. 
• Become proficient in operating the city permit tracking system.
• Understand complex mathematical formulas. 
• Able to determine complete structural load path and apply analysis using recognized methods and standards.
• Set priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions.
• Communicate in a courteous and effective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees and the general public, including property owners, contractors, architects and engineers.
• Assist in training and evaluation of assigned staff.
• Demonstrate an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude.
• Safely drive city vehicles.

• Chief Building Official
• Deputy Building Official
• Supervising Plans Examiner
• Senior Plans Examiner
• Assistant Plans Examiner

Salary : $71,556 - $111,012