Job Details

Senior Plans Examiner

The Pasadena Planning & Community Development department is seeking a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced Senior Plans Examiner in the Building & Safety Division. Reporting to the Principal Plans Examiner, the Senior Plans Examiner reviews building plans, structural calculations, and specifications for compliance with established building codes and other applicable laws and ordinances. In addition, prepares comprehensive plan review reports and assists at the permit counter. Candidates registered as a Professional Civil or Structural Engineer in the State of California will be deemed most qualified. The Building & Safety Division provides plan review and construction inspection services to enforce minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures.

The successful candidate will be a fundamental part of the Building and Safety team must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Additionally, they are results-focused with the ability to make difficult decisions and maintain a depending workload. Please note: this recruitment is open continuous and may close at any time. Apply today!

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities for this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Reviews complex building plans for residential and non-residential buildings primarily for architectural, accessibility, structural, energy, CALGreen, grading and drainage, excavation and shoring; and generally, for electrical, mechanical, plumbing;
• Reviews engineering calculations and specifications for compliance with established building codes and other related county, state, and federal laws and applicable ordinances;
• Prepares comprehensive plan review reports;
• Consults with engineers, architects, contractors, or the public to discuss compliance with plans and required changes;
• Performs field inspections in assistance to other work unit inspectors or upon request of the Building Official;
• Interprets and explains requirements and restrictions relative to building codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Creates and maintains data relating to current work assignments using permitting software;
• Use of computers in review of electronic plans and provide comments using plan check software programs;
• Assists in researching and developing code changes or procedures to enhance customer service;
• Makes corrections of deficiencies where required and develops alternative methods to comply with those requirements and restrictions;
• Performs first response emergency safety assessments during and after disaster events;
• Participates in external professional organizations, commissions, or focus groups upon approval or request of the Building Official and performs related work as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

The following list presents some of the core competencies for this position:

• Action & Results Focus - Takes initiative and responsibility and focuses on accomplishment.
• Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job, being a continued learner.
• Decision Making - Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
• Handling Conflict - Has conflict resolution skills/chooses the best resolution to solve problems.
• Self-Management - Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue and writing.
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering or architecture is required.
• Two years of experience in structural design, architecture, or plan checking is required.
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required. Desirable Qualifications:
• Public agency experience is desired.
• California Civil Engineer and/or Architect license is highly desired.

The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, an interview panel, and a department-level interview. There is currently one vacancy in the Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Community Development Department. The resulting eligibility from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future. Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record; possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required. Possession of a California Engineer or Architect license desired.