City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision of a division manager, checks and inspects plans and specifications for private and public construction, alterations or street and sidewalk improvement and repair to determine compliance with various codes; supervises work of subordinate personnel responsible for plan checking or permit issuing; explains and interprets construction codes and ordinances and performs related duties as required.

The positions assigned to the Bureau of Construction Management and Department of Building Inspection supervise subordinates engaged in the review of construction plans and specifications. The position assigned to the Bureau of Subdivisions, Surveys and Mapping supervises employees responsible for the review of plans and issuance of permits related to street and sidewalk improvement and repair

Supervises and directs subordinate personnel.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code (class) and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Supervises and directs subordinate personnel involved in the plan checking and permit issuing process related to the review and inspection of construction plans and specifications for code compliance and permit issuance.

2. Checks construction plans and specifications for compliance with various codes for complex and detailed major structures; makes corrections and revisions to plans where necessary.

3. Checks plans and specifications for single and multiple dwellings, small apartments, and small industrial and commercial structures, and public right of way improvements; makes corrections and revisions where necessary.

4. Checks plans and specifications for street and sidewalk improvement and repair; makes corrections and revisions where necessary.

5. Communicates with architects, engineers, building contractors, utility companies, other city agencies and the general public to explain code requirements and discuss compliance of particular construction projects; indicates required corrections to plans and specifications.

6. Examines new materials to determine compliance with code provisions; investigates all proposed revisions to various building and construction codes; prepares reports and recommendations regarding plan checking and permit issuing operations and construction activities.

7. Makes presentations to boards, commissions and various community groups.

8. May drive to meetings or job sites in order to inspect work.

9. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: applicable codes, laws and ordinances which may include the Building, Public Works, Subdivision and Traffic Codes; modern construction methods and materials; and construction project design.

Ability to: read, understand, interpret and explain plans and specifications; deal courteously and communicate effectively with professional engineers, architects, construction contractors, boards, commissions and the general public; apply knowledge of the various codes applicable to effective plan checking, and may drive to meetings or job sites in order to inspect work.

Experience: Eight years of experience in architectural and /or engineering design, drafting, inspection, or plan checking; must have involved code requirements; AND Possession of a valid California Driver's License. (a copy is required at the time of appointment.) 

Education may be substituted for a portion of the experience requirement on the following basis: a. A Master's degree in Civil Engineering or Architectural Design may be substituted for three of the required eight years of experience. b. A Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or Architectural Design may be substituted for two years of the required eight years of experience. c. An Associate of Arts degree in Drafting, Civil Engineering, Architectural or Construction Technology or building design and related areas may be substituted for one of the required eight years of experience.

Training: Positions within certain departments may require plans examiners to become ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials) certified after one year of verifiable experience and before the completion of two years of employment. Plans examiners will be required to maintain this certification throughout their employment. Failure to obtain this certification may result in dismissal from employment with the City and County of San Francisco.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License. (a copy is required at the time of appointment.)

All City and County of San Francisco 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.