Plans Examiner (Senior Permit Technician)

County of Orange • Orange County, CA

2d

About The Position

OC Public Works (OCPW), through OC Development Services/Building & Safety, is hiring a Plans Examiner (Senior Permit Technician). The position participates in permitting activities and may serve as a lead to Permit Technicians or Permit Technician Trainees by organizing and prioritizing work, assisting with training, monitoring activities, and ensuring work is completed efficiently and on time. The role requires understanding state laws, municipal and County ordinances, and zoning principles and practices governing construction and land use, and independently interpreting rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the public and County employees.

The Plans Examiner performs technical reviews of residential, commercial, and industrial building plans for overall code compliance; responds to technical code inquiries; advises applicants when submitted plans do not meet applicable requirements; coordinates plan-check activities with County departments and outside agencies; and evaluates construction plans for permit issuance and fee collection. The recruitment will establish an eligible list for current and future Senior Permit Technician positions and may be used for similar or lower classifications throughout Orange County.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License.
• Understanding of state laws, municipal and County ordinances, and zoning principles and practices governing construction and land use.
• Ability to independently interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the public and County employees.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs and office equipment.
• Ability to interpret maps, building plans, design plans, specifications, and working plans related to planning and land use, applications, and permits.
• Ability to understand and apply building codes, zoning and land-use rules and regulations, and other State and County ordinances.
• Knowledge of regulatory practices, rules, and ordinances governing building construction, use, occupancy, safety, and sanitation.
• Strong customer service skills with internal and external customers, including the ability to interact with customers for extended periods at a permitting counter, by phone, or through an online portal.
• Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and patience when assisting the public and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to exchange information accurately and concisely, orally and in writing; comprehend and interpret technical material and tailor information to the audience; listen, respond to customers, ask questions, and enter data and notes into an automated permitting system.

Nice To Haves

• Permit Technician Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC).
• Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council (ICC).
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the listed technical, customer service, and communication competencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical plan checking of residential, commercial, and industrial building plans and designs for overall code compliance, including applicable fire and life safety, structural, electrical, energy, accessibility, plumbing, and mechanical requirements.
• Respond to engineers, architects, designers, and members of the public regarding technical code requirements and County building standards.
• Advise permit applicants and design professionals when plans do not conform to required codes, and identify where designs fail to comply with codes and regulations.
• Coordinate plan-check activities with other County departments and outside agencies.
• Evaluate construction plans for permit issuance and collection of applicable fees.
• May lead Permit Technicians or Permit Technician Trainees by organizing and prioritizing work, assisting with training, monitoring activities, and ensuring timely and efficient completion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed