Job description
Class Title
Senior Plans Examiner
Class Code
277
Salary
$6,870.00 - $9,668.00 Monthly
Basic Function
Under direction, this position performs a variety of plan review services and assists in organizing and directing division plan review activities; performs plan review of submitted plans and supporting documents for compliance which may include more complex construction development projects; coordinates building permit and plan review service activities with other city departments and customers. May be required to assist inspection staff in performing and approving plans.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is distinguished from the Assistant Plans Examiner in that the latter performs the more routine plan check functions and permit application processes. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Supervising Plans Examiner in that the later assists the Building Official in managing the division, with primary supervisory duties in plan review and permit coordination and secondary lead responsibility of the inspection function.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to the following):
Reviews and examines construction plans and specifications for residential, commercial, industrial, public works projects or other major developments for compliance with adopted building standards code, state legislation and city ordinances.- Develops schedules and recommends methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Coordinates with Green Building Specialist verifying compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program and CAL Green requirements and specifications.
- Assists permit applicants by fully participating and being proactive in the solution process of changes, such as alternate materials and methods and/or modifications; verifies that all submitted plans and documents are in compliance with applicable codes and standards. Provides assistance to all building staff to maintain consistent application of code provisions, policies and procedures, and advises on work assignments and challenges.
- Researches new and revised construction methods and materials.
- Updates and maintains technical manuals and publications.
- Provides technical support to city departments related to construction, energy and green building projects.
- Provides technical information to the public on code and design requirements, and on difficult or unusual code requirements for major structures; answers inquiries from the public relating to regulations for building and housing construction, remodeling and repair, including structural, non-structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other code related questions.
- Provides preliminary reviews of planning projects for initial compliance with building standards, codes and local building ordinances; prepares clear and concise reports, coordinates with other city departments, design professionals and applicants.
- Monitors and coordinates plan review services activities from permit application to issuance.
- Maintains records, prepares a variety of reports, and makes estimates of a specialized nature in connection with various building projects.
- Provides technical support, receives permit application reviews for code compliance and occasionally issues permits at the public counter.
- May occasionally perform field inspections.
- Provides technical support to code enforcement staff when needed.
- Inputs, accesses, and analyzes data in the computer. Proactive in the use and development of the city’s permit tracking system.
- May assist Building Official in division operations as assigned.
- Provides informal training exercises and leads staff.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping and reaching in the performance of daily activities. The position may also work on slippery, uneven surfaces. The position requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires acute near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents and in the performance of daily duties. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The incumbent may perform work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The need to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience
- High School graduation or tested equivalent and,
- Two (2) years of college with a building inspection/construction technology related emphasis and,
- Two (2) years’ experience as a journey level plans examiner with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm.
OR,
- Four (4) years’ journey level experience in the field of construction, design and/or inspection trades and,
- Two (2) years’ experience as a journey level plans examiner with a jurisdiction or private consulting firm.
Knowledge:
- Current plan check methods, practices and procedures.
- Federal, state and locally adopted codes, regulations governing housing, building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy.
- Effective use of the building standards code.
- Building materials, construction methods, fire resistive construction, electrical installation and repair, plumbing and mechanical methods and materials.
- Effective combination building inspection requirements and procedures.
- Blueprint reading and terminology used in determining compliance of building plans and specifications.
- Safe work practices and procedures.
- Legal procedures involved in the administration of codes and ordinances.
- Basic computer applications, including Word, Excel, Acrobat and/or Bluebeam Revu.
- Proficient use of the English language, correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Abilities:
- Being thorough and accurate during the review of plans and construction documents for compliance with applicable building standards code, city ordinances, including the city green building program.
- Read and interpret construction plans, notes, symbols, specifications, legal property descriptions, coordinate plan review requirements and processes with applicants.
- Learn, interpret, apply, and explain established City policies, procedures and codes.
- Become proficient with and effectively administer Title 18 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
- Write clear, cohesive, comprehensive reports and correspondence on administrative and technical issues.
- Proficiently navigate the codes, locating requirements and conducting associated research.
- Interpret, apply, and explain complex governmental regulations.
- Establish and maintain accurate records.
- Become proficient in operating the city permit tracking system.
- Understand complex mathematical formulas.
- Able to determine complete structural load path and apply analysis using recognized methods and standards.
- Set priorities, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions.
- Communicate in a courteous and effective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees and the general public, including property owners, contractors, architects and engineers.
- Assist in training and evaluation of assigned staff.
- Demonstrate an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude.
- Safely drive city vehicles.
Licenses and Certificates
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Class C California driver’s license.
- Possession and continued maintenance of the following certifications –
- International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner or,
- International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO Legacy) Building Plans Examiner
- Must possess one (1) ICC commercial certification from the following within one year from date of hire:
- Electrical Plans Examiner
- Mechanical Plans Examiner
- Plumbing Plans Examiner
- Electrical Inspector
- Mechanical Inspector
- Plumbing Inspector
or - Department of State Architects (DSA) Certified Access Specialist (CASp)
Must possess a second certification, unrelated by trade, from the above list within 18 months from date of hire.
Other equivalent certification combinations may be considered acceptable upon approval by the Chief Building Official.
Career Ladder
- Chief Building Official
- Deputy Building Official
- Supervising Plans Examiner
- Senior Plans Examiner
- Assistant Plans Examiner
Class Detail
Reports to: Chief/Deputy Building Official or
Supervising Plans Examiner as assigned
Supervises: Provides lead direction to Assistant Plans Examiner
Bargaining Unit: Service
Classification No.: 277
Date of Issue: 5/11
Update 8/21
SALARY
- This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit and has a nine-step salary range. All classifications in this bargaining unit add an additional wage Step J on 7/14/18 by MOU agreement. Appointment may be made commensurate with experience. The current salary schedule is posted on the City website. See MOU for salary practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION
- This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT
- Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment
. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation – 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick – 12 days/year
Holidays – up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE – (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical – Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program – City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program – City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life – City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability – City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
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