Building Plans Examiner - County of Orange, CA

Building Plans Examiner I – County of Orange, CA

Bowman has an opportunity for a Building Plans Examiner I to join our team in County of Orange, CA.

Responsible for reviewing/examining building construction plans and documents to ensure compliance with applicable building, health, safety and energy conservation codes, regulations and requirements.

• Perform work under direct supervision of an experienced professional and follow established procedures and clearly defined processes.
• Coordinate with other departments on project requirements.
• Examine construction documents for completeness and conformity with all codes and ordinances including structural, mechanical, electrical and energy calculations.
• Identify safety and health features, use of materials, placements in the property, and setbacks.
• Correct detected defects or inadequacies by requiring that corrections be made to meet the requirements of pertinent City codes.
• Assist building permit applicants in completing applications; assist other departments and the public with researching and finding requested construction documents; research and answer questions at the front counter and via phone and email.
• Determine plan examination, permit and other fees and valuation on plans submitted.
• Explain disapprovals or modification to applicants for permits.
• Confer with architects, engineers, contractors, owners and general public on proposed projects to resolve problems.
• Enter and retrieve data from electronic data processing system; establish and update information, generate documents and correspondence, communicate with others; update computer system files; prepare, review, and maintain forms, files, and other necessary records.
• Make field investigations of structural problems, covering failures, instability, proper installation of unusual designs, materials or equipment, and other unsafe conditions; prepare reports and make recommendations on solutions.
• Develop information handouts/checklists related to plan check requirements for public distribution.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection and examination techniques.
• Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, regulations, and building codes.
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.
• Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Maintain cooperative working relations with builders, contractors and the general public.
• Provide technical assistance to other building department staff in assigned area of specialization.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact with an emphasis on customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple time‑sensitive tasks.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, architecture, or related field; or licensed contractor in concrete, framing, roofing, mechanical, electrical or plumbing trade.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience as a building inspector, plans examiner, sub‑professional engineering architectural technician, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of engineering and architecture as applied to building construction and structural design.
• Knowledge of safety standards, methods, materials, and techniques used in building construction.
• Knowledge of state‑specific codes and regulations:
  • Residential Code, Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, City Codes, Cal Green…