Plans Examiner

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Plans Examiner position is a full-time position in the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department. Working under the direction of the Building Official, this position is primarily office work with occasional field work as needed.

The Building and Safety Division is responsible for implementing and enforcing local, State, and Federal building and environmental codes, and other related code requirements. The Division enforces the City of Monterey's local building, fire, accessibility, and energy codes by providing plan checking, permit issuance, and inspection services. These services include processing applications, records management, and compliance inspections. The Division has a high customer service orientation.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:

Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its own conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES:

The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check.Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and afederal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

SUMMARY: Under direction, to review both residential and commercial plans and applications for conformance to all applicable State and City building codes; including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, State of California Energy Regulations and the physically disabled access laws. As additional support to the inspection staff, performs the inspection of buildings and structures to see that construction or alteration work is being done according to approved plans and in accordance with all applicable State and City buildings codes, and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This is a journey level class where incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties with minimal supervision. The Plans Examiner independently reviews and examines plans for all types and sizes of building projects; routinely acts as a code and ordinance consultant; may perform building inspections in areas of expertise; has substantial expertise in two or more of the following areas: plumbing, building, grading, electrical, mechanical, building inspection, structural engineering, or accessibility regulations; assists in training, coordinating and directing the work of subordinate clerical, technical and professional staff.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews, checks, and approves building construction plans to verify compliance with all applicable State and City building codes.

• Calculates building valuations and permit fees. Issues building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits.

• Coordinates with and routes plans to various City and outside agency departments. Answers the telephone and other public inquiries regarding building and plan check questions.

• Performs regular public counter functions and meets with interested individuals to discuss and review plans and related questions.

• Conducts inspections of existing buildings to determine hazardous conditions.

• Prepares written reports and miscellaneous correspondence.

• Inspects the construction or alteration of buildings and structures for compliance with applicable State building codes and City ordinances, primarily as a backup to the full-time inspectors.

• Inspect construction sites for compliance with State and City storm water protection regulations.

• May act for the Building Official in their absence, as assigned.

• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.

• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Completion from high school or GED equivalent. A Bachelor of Science degree in a related field is desirable.

Experience: Four (4) years of responsible experience in plans examining, architecture, engineering and/or building inspection fields.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City's standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority.

• Must possess a valid certification from the International Code Council (ICC) in one or more of the plans examiner categories. Commercial certification is highly desirable.

• Within one year of employment, certification as a residential or commercial building inspector must be obtained.

• A CASP or QSP/QSD certification is desired but not required.

Supplemental Info

Knowledge of:

• Building codes, plan checking principles and building inspection.

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting building plans and specifications and enforcing their application in building construction.

• Working at a centralized public counter and work with a diverse group of people.

• Using computer hardware, software, and tablets for an automated permitting and inspection system.

• Preparing clear written reports and correspondence.

• Dealing effectively with and secure the cooperation of persons within the building trades.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking

• Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.

• Climbing

• Ability to climb ladders, walk on roofs, and walk carefully around construction sites, while wearing appropriate protective gear.

• Lifting

• Ability to safely lift up to 10 pounds overhead and 30 pounds to waist level; both these requirements include bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.

• Manual Dexterity

• Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying and scanning machines; and writing.

• Visual

• Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.

• Hearing and Speech

• Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

• Mobility

• Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements

Employees work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.