Description

THE POSITION
Under direction, performs technical engineering and life safety review of construction plans, calculations and related documents for structural integrity and code compliance; consults with architects, engineers, builders, technical societies and the public concerning codes, building plans, and other matters related to building construction; and performs other related work as assigned.
 
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture with their elective course work being in Structures or Structural Engineering, be a registered Professional Engineer or Architect in the state of California and will have experience using the current California Building Code and referenced standards to design or plan check various types of structures.  The candidate will have a basic knowledge of building construction methods and materials and will understand the principles of structural engineering and soil mechanics.  In turn, the candidate will be able to apply those principles and basic knowledge in the plan checking of the architectural and structural plans of various types of buildings.  The ideal candidate will also be able to communicate effectively with the public and co-workers, be a strong team player, will be able to multi-task, and work in an environment with tasks that may have varying priorities and deadlines while having excellent customer service skills.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 
 
Plan Check Engineer I is the entry level classification into the series and is distinguished from Plan Check Engineer II in that I level incumbents are expected to have specific engineering and code knowledge to perform assignments requiring less technical plan reviews and engineering competence.
 
Plan Check Engineer II incumbents are typically responsible for more significant technical plan check engineering duties, or for assisting in completing technical plan check engineering assignments.
 
Plan Check Engineer III is the journey level in the job series.  It requires specific engineering and code knowledge to perform technical plan check duties with minimum direction or supervision.
 
PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES: 
 Plan Check Engineer I:  $3,673.31 - $5,242.15 biweekly
 Plan Check Engineer II:  $4,010.12 - $5,407.07 biweekly
 Plan Check Engineer III:  $4,565.33 - 5,707.83 biweekly

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Reviews construction plans, calculations and related documents for structural integrity and code compliance.
• Consults with architects, engineers, contractors and the general public in matters related to this function.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• Reviews test reports from laboratories and soil analysis reports from consulting engineers.
• Assists in training of plan check and inspection staff.
• Researches technical problems as required.
• Makes field inspections, as necessary, to resolve engineering questions and code interpretations.
• Develops plan check procedures.
• Performs other related duties as necessary.

Requirements

Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
 
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE 
 
Plan Check Engineer I: The required knowledge and abilities can be obtained by the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Civil OR Structural Engineering OR Architecture; OR CA certification in Fundamentals of Engineering (formerly known as Engineer-in-Training); AND two (2) years of professional civil or structural engineering experience. 
  
Plan Check Engineer II: The required knowledge and abilities can be obtained by the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Civil OR Structural Engineering OR Architecture; OR CA certification in Fundamentals of Engineering (formerly known as Engineer-in-Training); AND three (3) years of professional civil or structural engineering experience. 

Plan Check Engineer III: The required knowledge and abilities can be obtained by the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Civil OR Structural Engineering OR Architecture; AND four (4) years of professional civil or structural engineering experience. The Plan Check Engineer III will require registration as an engineer or architect in the State of California and the additional certification as a Plan Check Engineer by the International Code Council (ICC) at the time of hire. 
  
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid certification as a Builiding Plans Examiner or Building Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC) is required per Health and Safety Code below within one year of employment. All employees in this classification are subject to the provisions of Health & Safety Code 18965 et seq. which mandates certification and continuing education.  Those employees hired after October 4, 1993 are required to “complete one year of verifiable experience in the appropriate field and shall, within one year thereafter, obtain certification from a recognized state, national, or international association as determined by the local agency,” (which is the County of Ventura, Resource Management Agency) [Section 19868, Health & Safety Code.]  All employees in this classification “shall complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education for every three-year period. Providers of continuing education may include any organization affiliated with the code enforcement profession, community colleges, or other providers of similar quality, as determined by the local agency,” [Section 18969, Health & Safety Code.] 
• Must also possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture with the elective course work in Structures or Structural Engineering or a CA certification in Fundamentals of Engineering and a minimum of two years of experience in designing or plan checking of wook, seal , masonry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or concrete structures, and including related structural calculations. 

DESIRED

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• State of California registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Experience with the current edition of the California Building Code and referenced standards.
• Experience working with software, Accela, Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, AutoCAD, Revit, ENERCALC, Bentley RAM Steel, RISA, Sap 2000, or Etabs.
• State of California registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Excellent customer service skills. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES 
Some to thorough working knowledge of: principles, methods and techniques of civil and structural engineering and soils mechanics; construction methods, materials and practices; basic legal requirements governing the practice of architecture and engineering; the California Building Code and applicable State laws and local ordinances.
  
Some to thorough working ability to: make comprehensive studies and prepare reports and recommendations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; administer and enforce building codes and other requirements objectively and equitably; establish and maintain effective working relationships to deal effectively with the public and co-workers, including handling difficult situations; and to utilize various related computer programs for this position.