Senior Plans Examiner

**THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**

The City of Hemet is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Plans Examiner to join our team and play a vital role in shaping the future of our community! This is an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable building and construction professional to apply their technical expertise in reviewing building plans, evaluating code compliance, and helping ensure that development throughout Hemet meets applicable building and safety standards. Your work will help support quality construction, promote public safety, and contribute to the responsible growth and development of our city.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under general direction, performs advanced and highly complex professional and technical work in reviewing building plans, specifications, engineering calculations, technical reports, and other construction documents for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and adopted standards; coordinates complex plan review activities; provides technical and functional direction, training, and guidance to plans examiners, building technicians, and related staff; assists applicants, architects, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and the public with building and construction requirements; and provides technical assistance and recommendations to the Chief Building Official and other City staff.

CLASSIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Plans Examiner performs the most complex and technically demanding plan reviews, exercising independent judgment in interpreting and applying applicable building, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, accessibility, energy, and related codes and regulations. The position provides technical and functional direction to plans examination and related staff, serves as a technical resource to the Chief Building Official, City staff, design professionals, contractors, developers, and the public, and may coordinate plan review activities, review outside consultants’ work, participate in development review, assist with complex field inspections, and provide staff training and guidance. The classification is distinguished from the Plans Examiner by the complexity and independence of assignments and responsibility for providing technical direction on difficult or unusual projects and code issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND TASKS

The following list of functions, duties and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates building plans, construction documents, specifications, engineering and structural calculations, technical reports, energy calculations, and other development-related submittals for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and adopted standards.
• Performs advanced plan examinations for complex residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-unit residential, mixed-use, subdivision, tenant improvement, and other construction projects; identifies deficiencies, required corrections, potential code conflicts, and compliance issues; prepares detailed and technically accurate plan review comments, correction notices, correspondence, and reports; and reviews revised plans and supporting documentation to verify corrections and facilitate projects through the permitting process.
• Reviews structural designs, calculations, materials, construction methods, and other engineering information, as well as civil engineering documents, grading and drainage plans, hydrology and hydraulic studies, utility plans, accessibility features, and related technical documents for compliance with applicable codes, standards, and City requirements.
• Reviews plans and documents for compliance with applicable building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, energy, zoning, fire and life-safety, grading, drainage, and other related requirements as assigned.
• Provides technical and functional direction, guidance, training, and assistance to plans examiners, building technicians, building inspectors, and other staff regarding plan review procedures, code requirements, permit processing, and unusual or complex construction issues.
• Coordinates and monitors complex plan review activities involving multiple City departments, divisions, outside agencies, consultants, and regulatory organizations; identifies conflicts or delays and works with involved parties to resolve issues and maintain project timelines.
• Reviews the work of outside plan review consultants and engineers for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with City requirements; communicates technical comments and coordinates revisions as necessary.
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, homeowners, and members of the public regarding proposed construction projects, plan review comments, code requirements, permit processes, and alternative methods or solutions for achieving compliance.
• Responds to complex questions and complaints regarding building codes, construction requirements, plan review decisions, permit processing, and City policies and procedures; researches issues and provides accurate technical explanations and recommendations.
• Assists applicants and the public at the customer service counter by reviewing plans and documents, explaining code requirements, identifying deficiencies, and providing technical guidance concerning the permit process.
• Participates in preliminary design review and development review activities, including serving as a Building and Safety representative on interdepartmental review committees; reviews development plans and exhibits for compliance and provides technical comments and recommendations.
• Coordinates plan review and development projects with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, and other City departments, as well as outside agencies and consultants. Assists building inspectors with complex or unusual construction conditions, structural questions, alternate materials or methods, and interpretation of approved construction documents; conducts or participates in field reviews and inspections as necessary.
• Researches and interprets changes in federal, state, and local laws, regulations, building codes, standards, and industry practices; evaluates their impact on City plan review and permitting activities and recommends changes to policies, procedures, forms, standards, and work practices.
• Participates in the development, review, and implementation of plan review policies, procedures, work standards, checklists, and quality control processes to improve consistency, efficiency, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors plan review workloads, project status, processing times, and other operational information; prepares reports and recommends improvements to plan review procedures, staffing, technology, and service delivery.
• Participates in the development and delivery of training for plans examiners, building inspectors, building technicians, and other staff regarding new codes, regulations, policies, procedures, construction practices, and technical issues.
• Maintains accurate records, logs, files, permit information, plan review comments, project status information, and other documentation using electronic permitting and related computer systems.
• Assists with the evaluation and implementation of electronic plan review, permitting, and other technology systems; identifies opportunities to improve workflow, information management, and customer service.
• Assists with the review and calculation of development, plan review, permit, and other applicable fees; prepares or verifies project cost estimates and other supporting information as assigned.
• Represents the Building and Safety function at meetings with applicants, developers, design professionals, contractors, other City departments, outside agencies, and community or professional organizations.
• Provides technical assistance to the Chief Building Official and management staff on complex code interpretations, development projects, construction issues, plan review procedures, and proposed changes to laws, regulations, and standards.
• Prepares technical reports, staff memoranda, correspondence, presentations, procedures, code interpretations, and other materials related to building plan review and code compliance.
• Participates in code development activities and recommends changes to ordinances, policies, procedures, standards, and plan review practices based on changes in law, building technology, construction practices, and operational needs.
• May participate in the recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluation, and development of assigned staff, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of building and structural plan review. Federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards governing the construction, alteration, repair, occupancy, and use of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and other structures.
• California Building Standards Code, including applicable provisions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Green Building Standards Code, and related regulations.
• Accessibility requirements, including applicable federal and state accessibility laws, regulations, and standards.
• Principles and practices of structural and civil engineering as they relate to building construction and plan review.
• Structural design principles, engineering calculations, construction materials, construction methods, and building systems used in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional construction.
• Building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, accessibility, fire and life-safety, grading, drainage, and related construction requirements.
• Plan review procedures, permitting processes, development review practices, and construction inspection procedures.
• Methods and techniques for identifying code deficiencies, evaluating corrective measures, and documenting plan review comments.
• Principles and practices of interpreting and applying building codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and technical standards.
• Principles and practices of providing technical and functional direction, training, coaching, and guidance to staff.
• Principles and practices of customer service, conflict resolution, problem solving, and communicating technical information to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Principles and practices of project coordination, workload management, quality control, and continuous process improvement.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building codes, construction standards, engineering practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Computer applications, electronic plan review systems, permitting software, databases, spreadsheets, document management systems, and other technology used in building and development services.
• Principles and practices of technical report preparation, recordkeeping, and documentation.

SKILL TO:

• Review and analyze complex building plans, specifications, calculations, reports, and other construction documents accurately and efficiently.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform advanced structural and technical plan reviews and identify deficiencies or potential code compliance issues.
• Analyze complex construction, engineering, and code issues and develop or recommend practical solutions.
• Read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, grading, and other construction drawings and specifications.
• Prepare clear, concise, technically accurate, and well-supported plan review comments, reports, correspondence, and recommendations.
• Provide effective technical direction, training, coaching, and assistance to Plans Examiners, permit staff, inspectors, and other personnel.
• Coordinate complex plan review projects involving multiple departments, agencies, consultants, applicants, and design professionals.
• Research technical and regulatory issues and communicate findings and recommendations effectively.
• Use electronic plan review, permitting, database, spreadsheet, and other computer applications necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Resolve difficult customer service issues and explain complex technical requirements in a clear, professional, and understandable manner.
• Manage multiple projects, assignments, deadlines, and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, management, elected officials, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, regulatory agencies, consultants, and the public.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform the most complex and technically demanding plan review assignments with considerable independence and sound professional judgment.
• Interpret, explain, and consistently apply applicable building codes, laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technical standards.
• Analyze complex plans, engineering calculations, construction documents, and technical reports and determine compliance with applicable requirements.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policies, procedures, laws, codes, and professional standards.
• Provide technical and functional leadership to assigned staff and promote consistent application of codes, procedures, and standards.
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple plan reviews, projects, meetings, and deadlines.
• Establish effective working relationships with applicants, design professionals, contractors, developers, City staff, regulatory agencies, consultants, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Explain complex technical and regulatory requirements clearly and professionally and respond appropriately to disagreements or disputes.
• Prepare and present technical information, recommendations, reports, and presentations to management, committees, applicants, and other groups.
• Research and evaluate new laws, codes, regulations, construction methods or technologies and recommend appropriate changes to City practices.
• Identify process improvements and assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, work standards, and quality control measures.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and documentation.
• Exercise tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties. Work independently with general direction and exercise accountability for assigned projects and responsibilities.
• Adapt to changing priorities, workloads, codes, regulations, technology, and organizational needs.
• Represent the City professionally in meetings, public contacts, technical discussions, and interactions with outside agencies and organizations.
• Safely perform field reviews and inspections at active construction sites and work in environments that may include uneven surfaces, noise, dust, construction equipment, traffic, weather conditions, and other potential hazards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college-level coursework or specialized training in architecture, civil or structural engineering, construction technology, building inspection, or a related field. An associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, building construction technology, or a closely related field is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience performing building plan review, plan checking, building code enforcement, or a closely related function, including experience reviewing complex residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional construction projects. Experience providing technical direction, training, or lead responsibilities to other plans examination, building inspection, permit, or related staff is desirable. Experience with municipal building and safety operations is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.**
  • The City reasonably expects driving to be one of the job functions for the position, and the City reasonably believes that using an alternative form of transportation would not be comparable in travel time or cost to the City.
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner Certification.**
• Certification in additional ICC examination categories, including Building, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing, is desirable.
• A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Certification issued by the Division of the State Architect. is highly desirable.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENT MATERIALS

• Class "C" Driver's License
• International Code Council Building Plans Examiner Certification**

*All required documents MUST be submitted with application to be considered.

**PLEASE NOTE: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP ALL CERTIFICATES CURRENT THROUGH THE ENTIRE SELECTION PROCESS. IF AT ANY TIME DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS YOUR CERTIFICATES EXPIRE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.**

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT

The employee primarily performs work indoors within an office environment that is generally clean and climate controlled, with moderate noise levels and frequent interaction with staff, applicants, contractors, design professionals, and the public. The position may require periodic travel to construction sites and other City facilities. Field conditions may include uneven or slippery surfaces, stairs, ladders, construction equipment, dust, fumes, noise, traffic, inclement weather, and other construction-related hazards. The employee may occasionally encounter individuals who are upset or dissatisfied with City requirements or decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting and frequent use of computer equipment, including keyboarding and reviewing detailed plans and documents. The employee must be able to perform tasks involving walking, standing, reaching