Civil Engineer; Building & Safety

CIVIL ENGINEER (Building Plan Check Engineer)

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

This recruitment is open to the public to fill current and future Civil Engineer vacancies within OC Public Works, Development Services, and other County of Orange agencies. It may also be used to fill positions in similar or lower classifications.

Final date to receive applications:
Sunday, July 12 at 11:59 PM (PT)

Civil Engineers perform a variety of complex building plan review work (including structural, life safety, disabled access, Cal Green, and energy). The incumbent will be an experienced professional engineer, licensed by the state of California as a Civil Engineer, and will be responsible for independent plan review of residential and non-residential projects and specialized assignments. The incumbent will provide staff training, project leadership to lower-level staff, and perform other related duties as assigned.

• Review grading and construction drawings and examine complex design engineering calculations on proposed construction.
• Review for disabled access and ADA compliance.
• Review alteration or repair of buildings and associated structures.
• Perform field and office professional civil engineering work in the Building & Safety unit, under the general direction of the Senior Civil Engineer.

Technical Experience & Knowledge

• Ability to review and approve building plans (structural, life safety, energy) according to California Building Codes and County Ordinances.
• Perform reviews of buildings and site plans for compliance with ADA accessibility requirements, approve plumbing, electrical, and mechanical plans, and design according to California codes and regulations.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (project management, utilities, real estate, survey, regulatory permits).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, Bluebeam.
• Coordinate and manage the reviews of private developers and builders' project submittals, including street improvements, grading plans, and drainage plans with other County departments.

Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

• Identify and solve problems, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Isolate causes from symptoms and compile information and alternatives to evaluate problems or issues.
• Involve others as appropriate and gather information from a variety of sources.
• Balance studying the problem with solving it.
• Provide the highest quality service to all customers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Listen carefully and communicate concern through tone of voice and action to solve problems in a timely manner.

Leadership Skills

• Provide guidance, training, and direction to subordinate staff such as Civil Engineering Assistants.
• Foster a team atmosphere and reward collaboration.
• Coordinate with field inspection team implementing approved plans and attend job site meetings if required.
• Coordinate with County project managers for the plan review process and project compliance with County and State codes.
• Coordinate with OCFA for implementing construction requirements within the state/the County adopted Fire Map.

Communication Skills

• Communicate orally and in writing with engineers, architects, contractors, developers, and consultants.
• Communicate technical and complex information clearly and concisely to a wide variety of audiences.
• Recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings.
• Seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways.
• Ensure stakeholders have current and accurate information.
• Write clearly and concisely, compose informative and convincing memos, emails, letters, reports, etc.
• Use modern technologies such as social media platforms and virtual public meetings.

• Three years of continuous building plan checking and willingness to take on new and challenging assignments.
• Possession of ICC Certification as a Plan Examiner and Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is highly desirable.

Possession of a valid California Driver License (Class C or higher) may be required for some assignments.

Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board for Civil and Professional Engineers.

Orange County is an equal employment opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.