Plan Check Engineer

City of Orange, CA • City Hall, CA

277d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Plan Check Engineer performs professional engineering work in checking plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with Federal, State, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives and checks plans and designs for complex structures, new and remodeled commercial, industrial and residential buildings to ensure compliance; assists inspectors, contractors, design professionals and the public regarding construction requirements; provides expert technical and professional assistance to the Chief Building Official; and performs related work as required. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil or structural engineering, architecture, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of professional level experience as an engineer or architect in performing plan checking of complex commercial or industrial structures and/or the enforcement of building codes for a public agency.
• Valid California class C driver license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.
• Valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect issued by the State of California.
• Certification as a Building Plans Examiner from the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council.

Nice To Haves

• Sub-trade certifications from the International Code Council for Plumbing, Mechanical, and/or Electrical Plans Examiner is highly desirable.
• Certified as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs difficult structural analysis and reviews plan check submittal documents for permit applications for complex construction, alteration, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with the Orange Municipal Security Code, California State Building Code, disabled access requirements, energy conservation requirements, Uniform Building Code requirements for size, occupancy, exits and construction methods and materials, and National Electrical, Uniform Plumbing, and Uniform Mechanical Code requirements; investigates building violations requiring citations or legal complaints.
• Refers to a variety of manuals, documents and books including California Codes, California Building, California Plumbing, California Mechanical Codes, California Electrical Code, I.C.C Research Reports, and Orange Municipal Code.
• Reviews and evaluates construction documents including plans, drawings, blueprints, specifications, engineering calculations, and energy calculations for compliance; makes judgments as to whether structural designs or plans conform to applicable codes.
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners and others relative to construction or building projects; coordinates plan examining activities with City departments and other agencies; confers and corresponds with other professional personnel in connection with building code interpretation and application; acts as an information source in person or by phone by answering related technical or code questions; discusses complicated issues with engineers and architects in terms of structural engineering items, building codes, etc.; responds to questions and concerns and resolves disputes.
• May visit construction sites and assist building inspectors in the field where engineering problems are encountered; advises on engineering matters and technical judgments.
• Provides training to new staff in terms of city policies, procedures, rules and regulations; ensures uniform application of the appropriate codes, rules and regulations.
• Prepares plan review reports or comment sheets noting plan deficiencies.
• Coordinates project approvals with staff, other departments, and outside agencies.
• Oversees coordination for all building permits and plan reviews by other departments, divisions or agencies.
• Responds to public inquiries over the telephone or at the counter concerning questions regarding permit processing, building, or other construction-related questions; calculates permit fees; assists applicants in achieving compliance with various codes and regulations.
• Attends meetings to review and discuss plans, documents, and code requirements; performs field reviews as necessary.
• Prepares reports and correspondence pertaining to structural engineering problems and building code enforcement; maintains records of plan checking activities.
• May assist with the training and supervision of office personnel and plan checking activities.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Flexible scheduling

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees