Senior Plan Engineer

Job Summary

Reviews complex construction drawings, engineering reports and calculations for conformance to building standards.

Supervision is provided by the Principal Plan Check Engineer who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. Provides technical guidance and may coordinate the work of assigned staff.

Major duties include:

• Reviewing architectural and structural construction drawings, structural calculations and engineering reports for compliance with construction codes, local ordinances and state laws.
• Providing clear and understandable written responses related to review.
• Attending meetings with permit applicants for clarification of review comments and verification of corrections.
• Approving corrected architectural and structural drawings and related reports for permit issuance.
• Advising staff on plan submittal, routing and record requirements, proper fee determination and approval status for permit issuance.
• Providing technical guidance to assigned staff.
• Interpreting building and energy code requirements for architects, contractors, property owners, construction inspectors and City staff.
• Providing preliminary plan review, as required.
• Assisting the Principal Plan Check Engineer in the preparation, review and evaluation of requests for qualifications/proposals for professional services for plan review, inspection and review of specialized reports.
• Assisting the Principal Plan Check Engineer in the review and evaluation of work provided by outside consultants for plan reviews, material tests, geotechnical, energy and sound reports.
• Assisting the Principal Plan Check Engineer in assigning and reviewing work assignments performed by assigned staff.
• Providing information to the public about division policies and procedures related to permit issuance and plan reviews.
• Training and coordinating the work of assigned staff.
• Performing other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Principles, practices and methods of structural engineering and related disciplines.
• State of California Building, Fire, Residential, Energy and Green Building Standards Codes as they relate to moderate and highly complex buildings and structures.
• Seismic Hazards Mapping Act and related regulations.
• Seismic rehabilitation methods, preservation techniques and the State Historical Building Code.
• Federal, state and local regulations pertaining to building construction including but not limited to: disabled access, asbestos removal, energy conservation, air quality, lead hazards, code adoption and the licensing of design professionals and contractors.
• Mobile Home Park Act and related regulations.
• Current construction practices, methods and materials.
• Municipal zoning and land use principles.
• Effective customer service techniques.
• Effective supervisory techniques.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret architectural and structural drawings and specifications and determine applicable building code violations for moderate to highly complex projects.
• Check structural designs for conformance to the building code and acceptable standards of practice for moderate to highly complex projects.
• Review and evaluate material test reports, structural observation reports, soils reports and appeals for alternate methods of construction or equivalency of alternatives.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Provide effective customer service.
• Communicate City policies in a courteous and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, private businesses and the general public. Resolve conflicts and propose solutions for both technical and non-technical issues.
• Train and coordinate the work of staff.

Skill in:

• Using a personal computer and applicable software applications to review and check building design plans.
• Creating written engineering reports and plan review correction sheets.
• Managing multiple concurrent projects.

Minimum qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience:
  
  Four years of recent, paid work experience in civil or structural engineering or plan checking and/or electrical or mechanical plan checking. Municipal plan checking experience is desirable.
• Licenses and Certification:
  Possession of a valid California class C driver license or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Registration as a Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineer in the State of California and Certification by International Code Council (ICC) as Building Plans Examiner. International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official is desirable.