Chief Structural Engineer

Nature of Work

This position requires structural engineering analysis / review of buildings as mandated by the Miami‑Dade County Code. This represents highly skilled inspections, enforcement and supervisory work in the examination, review, analysis, approval and / or disapproval of plans to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and other applicable codes and regulations as it relates to building and / or structural plans examining.

An employee in this classification performs evaluation work involving the application of skilled technical knowledge and judgment in examining plans, blueprints, calculations, workmanship, and other specifications for conformity to legally established requirements as a structural plans examiner. The incumbent works in an office reviewing a variety of blueprints, calculations, construction drawings, specifications, plans and permit applications, interacting directly with the public, and having responsibility for conducting field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans.

• Performs detailed structural and building plan reviews including loads analysis, computation of structural capacities, layout, material, construction methods, general design and specifications
• Reviews roofing permits, analyzing and reviewing the engineering, and evaluating the required documentation
• Approves or rejects plans, blueprints, specifications, and materials lists based on compliance with applicable building regulations and good building construction practices
• Recommends methods, materials, equipment, and alterations to assist in compliance with accepted standards
• Administers the City's Board Up program which includes coordination with contractors and the inspection of failed or suspected soon‑to‑fail or fire damaged buildings
• Requests vacation and / or demolition of any building or structure declared unsafe
• Interprets and explains regulations and standards and disseminates technical advice to interested parties including subordinates, other sections and agencies, and the public
• Conducts or assigns emergency technical field inspections as needed and enforces FEMA regulations, as they relate to the structural discipline

• Testifies in court and before related boards, obtains documentation, and prepares testimony
• Prepares and maintains reports, records, and correspondence concerning building enforcement and inspection activities

• Participates in the administration of collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Rules and departmental policies and procedures
• Performs related work as required

The requirements for certification as a Structural Plans Examiner are contained in Chapter 8 Article II of the Code of Miami‑Dade County:

• To be eligible for appointment as a Structural Plans Examiner, an individual must be certified by the Board of Rules and Appeals and must be a Florida licensed Professional Engineer who has obtained such a license by examination under the structural discipline and has practiced as a Structural Engineer within the jurisdiction of the Miami‑Dade Code for a period of five (5) years
• Applicants who were licensed as a Professional Engineer under the civil engineering discipline on or before March 1, 1993 are also eligible for appointment
• License must be in good standing with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation with no pending complaints
• Applicants qualifying for employment will be subject to extensive background screening

Work is typically performed in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites or during field supervision where necessary.

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.

Physical capability, involving hand‑eye coordination, to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, computer, calculator, copier, and fax…