Senior Plan Check Engineer

Full Job Description

DEFINTION

Reviews complex construction drawings, engineering reports and calculations for conformance to building standards. 

SUPERVISION

Works under the general supervision of the Principal Plan Check Engineer who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. Provides technical guidance and may coordinate the work of assigned staff.

Requirements

MAJOR DUTIES:

Reviews architectural and structural construction drawings, structural calculations and engineering reports for compliance with construction codes, local ordinances and state laws.

Provides clear and understandable written responses related to review. Attends meetings with permit applicants for clarification of review comments and verification of corrections.

Approves corrected architectural and structural drawings and related reports for permit issuance.

Advises staff on plan submittal, routing and record requirements, proper fee determination and approval status for permit issuance. Provides technical guidance to assigned staff.

Interprets building and energy code requirements for architects, contractors, property owners, construction inspectors and City staff. Provides preliminary plan review, as required.

Assists the Principal Plan Check Engineer in the preparation, review and evaluation of requests for qualifications/proposals for professional services for plan review, inspection and review of specialized reports.

Assists the Principal Plan Check Engineer in the review and evaluation of work provided by outside consultants for plan reviews, material tests, geotechnical, energy and sound reports.

Assists the Principal Plan Check Engineer in assigning and reviewing work assignments performed by assigned staff.

Provides information to the public about division policies and procedures related to permit issuance and plan reviews.

Trains and coordinates the work of assigned staff.

Performs other related duties, as assigned. 

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and methods of structural engineering and related disciplines

State of California Building, Fire, Residential, Energy and Green Building Standards Codes 

as they relate to moderate and highly complex buildings and structures

Seismic Hazards Mapping Act and related regulations

Seismic rehabilitation methods, preservation techniques and the State Historical Building 

Code

Federal, state and local regulations pertaining to building construction including but not 

limited to: disabled access, asbestos removal, energy conservation, air quality, lead 

hazards, code adoption and 

the licensing of design professionals and contractors

Mobile Home Park Act and related regulations

Current construction practices, methods and materials

Municipal zoning and land use principles

Effective customer service techniques

Effective supervisory techniques

Ability to:

Read and interpret architectural and structural drawings and specifications and determine 

applicable building code violations for moderate to highly complex projects

Checks structural designs for conformance to the building code and acceptable standards of practice for moderate to highly complex projects

Review and evaluate material test reports, structural observation reports, soils reports and appeals for alternate methods of construction or equivalency of alternatives

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Provide effective customer service 

Communicate City policies in a courteous and effective manner

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City 

employees, private businesses and the general public 
 Resolve conflicts and propose solutions for both technical and non-technical issues

Train and coordinate the work of staff

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications to review and check 

building design plans

Creating written engineering reports and plan review correction sheets 

Managing multiple concurrent projects

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.

Experience: 

Four years of recent, paid work experience in civil or structural engineering or plan checking and/or electrical or mechanical plan checking. Municipal plan checking experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certification:

Possession of a valid California class C driver license or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Registration as a Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineer in the State of California and Certification by International Code Council (ICC) as Building Plans Examiner. International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official is desirable.