Job Descriptions

To perform a wide variety of technical and clerical duties involved in the initial review for permit acceptance; processing of building plans & specifications for routine structures and building systems; review of minor permit applications, for alterations, replacement or repair while at the public counter; This classification is assigned to the miscellaneous bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, evening and weekend assignments.

This is considered the entry level in the professional Plans Examiner series. Positions assigned to this class perform the more routine and standardized tasks. It is expected that the knowledge and skills of the incumbent will be enhanced through a comprehensive orientation program, which leads to performing increasingly responsible work with minimal direct supervision. This class is distinguished from the office support classes by the performance of technical and/or specialized duties that require application of a larger base of technical knowledge and skill in addition to standard office support skills.

General supervision is provided by the Chief Building Official, or Senior Plans Examiner. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level Plans Examiner personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Accept, review and process completed building permit applications; ensure information is accurate, complete, and in compliance with the California Building Code and other regulations; advise public on necessary corrections for completeness and acceptance of plan submittals
• Provide limited information at the public counter regarding the City Building Codes and Ordinances including regulations on occupancies, structures, fire life safety issues, accessibility, energy conservation and other construction related issues.
• Perform over-the-counter plan check of minor plans such as fences, walls, small room additions, patios, decks, garages, and other small construction projects.
• Assists Building Plan Checkers in the review of simple residential projects and plans to insure Code compliance with applicable California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes, and pertinent provisions of State, County & local ordinances to insure completeness and conformance with the department's requirements.
• Calculate and collect fees required for building permits and issue receipts for fees collected.
• Route plans to other affected departments, while coordinating plan review activities with other city departments and public agencies as needed while maintaining permit records and plan review reports; distribute plan check submittals to builders/contractors for corrections.
• Perform a variety of clerical and technical tasks in support of assigned office functions, including assisting the public, record keeping, and report preparation; answer a variety of phone calls.
• Assist the public at the front counter; receive permit applications; issue building permits; answer questions on policies and procedures, provide information on the permit process.
• Verify licensing and insurances on contractors; document information on file.
• Maintain, retrieve and research electronic files and databases.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of:

• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, specifically, the California Building Code.
• Principles and practices of all building construction.
• Principles and techniques of plans examination work.
• Mathematical principles and practices.
• Front counter operations and activities.
• Basic methods and techniques of technical research.
• Modern computer programs, including file systems and databases.

Ability To:

• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper plan review techniques, and detect deviations from model codes, regulations and standard construction practices.
• Explain City policies and procedures related to the building permit process.
• Learn to perform apprentice level plan review in a variety of trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work as a plans examiner.
• Learn technical terms related to building construction.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted during the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use a variety of computer programs, including maintenance of electronic files and databases, retrieve and research information from electronic files and databases.
• Maintain records and prepare computer-generated reports.
• Use tact, initiative, and prudence within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Under supervision, perform inspections of minor projects

Any combination of experience and training that would be likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

2 years of residential drafting experience

OR

5 years of licensed residential contracting experience

OR

30 college units with major course work in Building Technology, Construction Management or a related field

AND

Two years of customer service experience involving working with the general public.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Possession of a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment and must be maintained thereafter as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write, make observations, view computer screen as well as operate a motor vehicle; hear well enough to converse on the telephone, and in person; use hands and fingers well enough to use computer keyboard, write, file and answer telephones; capable of clear speech; able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds; climb stairs and ladders; bodily mobility to walk on uneven surfaces such as construction sites and roofs, bend, stand, climb on scaffolding and ladders, while performing r other duties.

May2015

Reviewed and Approved:

_______________________________ ____________

Personnel Director Date