Building Code Specialist III

Overview

Positions at this level perform difficult engineering and design review work on the most complex construction projects with some guidance to ensure compliance with Building Codes and related municipal regulations or ordinances. The role may supervise employees of a lower classification or consultants and involves correspondence, technical report preparation, and record maintenance.

• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain the highest level of ethical standards.
• Explain building codes and ordinance provisions to the general public, City staff, engineers, architects, contractors, builders or owners.
• Assess the structural stability of buildings and structures per the Glendale Building and Safety Code.
• Assess site stability to support proposed construction.
• Assess project buildings and sites for compliance with accessibility standards to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Review architectural and structural plans, specifications and computations submitted for permits for single and multiple dwellings, apartment houses, hotels, commercial, office and manufacturing buildings, signs, and other structures for compliance with the Glendale Building and Safety Code, structural safety, fire safety, exits, and other pertinent City ordinances.
• Assess building plans for compliance with the State of California Energy Code.
• Approve or disapprove applications for building permits.
• Interact with City staff to provide exceptional customer service to permit applicants.
• May accompany inspection staff on site visits.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of new regulations and recommend revision of existing regulations.
• Conduct correspondence, prepare technical reports and maintain records.
• Prepare ordinances for adoption.
• May present reports at public hearings or meetings.
• Prepare plan review policies and procedures for implementation.
• Drive on City business as necessary.
• Ensure duties are performed safely and efficiently.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

• Five years of recent experience as a building inspector, permit technician or plans examiner for a building department, or five years of building design experience for projects submitted to a Building Department for approval.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Fire Protection or a related construction discipline.
• Valid Class C California driver’s license.
• ICC Certification as a Plans Examiner (required prior to completion of probationary employment).
• Cal-EMA Safety Assessment program certification (required prior to completion of probationary employment).
• CASp certification or qualification to sit for the registration exam as a Civil Engineer with the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers, or qualification to sit for the registration exams as an Architect with the California Architects Board.

• Knowledge of California Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy, Green Building, and related codes.
• Citywide policy development requirements and code adoption processes.
• Construction methods and materials for one- and two-story wood-framed structures.
• Laws, ordinances and regulations of City, State, and special agencies regarding buildings and structures.
• Practices and procedures of engineering activities.
• Prescriptive methods of wood construction (Type V Construction).
• Residential and commercial plan review experience.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
• Ability to analyze data, recognize problems and arrive at acceptable recommendations and solutions.
• Effective oral and written communication in English.
• Ability to compare construction in progress for compliance with plans and engineering specifications.
• Capability to conduct technical inspections of occupancies as required.
• Ability to develop accurate and concise reports.
• Skill to develop and maintain policies, procedures and specifications.
• Ability to effectively train and supervise interns and/or volunteers.
• Establish professional working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Read and interpret building plans, calculations, surveys, specifications and blueprints.
• Read, write and comprehend directions in English.
• Review and evaluate job performance of interns and/or volunteers.

• Willingness to assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
• Willingness to work the necessary hours and times to accomplish goals, objectives and required tasks.