Logo

Plan Check Engineer I (#RE1100)
$35.54-$43.19 Hourly / $6,159.54-$7,486.96 Monthly / $73,914.50-$89,843.53 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, reviews building construction plans and specifications for compliance with grading standards, building codes, and ordinances; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the Plan Check Engineer series. An incumbent in this class is responsible for assuring that construction plans requiring County permits comply with applicable statutes, ordinances and codes. As experience is gained, more varied plan check work may be assigned.

This class differs from the class of Plans Check Engineer II because the latter class is the journey-level class where incumbents perform the full range of work that includes examining the more complex building construction plans and specifications. Positions in this class are typically multi-allocated with Plans Examiner II and incumbents may be eligible to promote to Plans Examiner II when they meet the established requirements.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Reviews plans on a variety of building projects to ensure conformance with applicable codes and ordinances. 
  • Performs field inspections to verify elevations, final contours and drainage facilities. 
  • Examines residential, agricultural and commercial construction plans to ensure compliance with building codes, ordinances, and standard engineering practices. 
  • Confers with applicants for permits; interprets code provisions and explains required plan corrections. 
  • May assist building inspectors on unusual code requirements. 
  • May advise architects, designers, contractors, and developers regarding code provisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER PATTERN I
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil or structural engineering or architecture.

OR PATTERN II
Education: Completion of 60 semester units at an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, architecture, construction technology or closely related field. Substitution: Possession of a Building Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council may be substituted for the above-required education. 

Experience: Two years of progressively responsible experience performing building construction inspection work at a level comparable to or higher than Building Inspector I in San Joaquin County. 

OR PATTERN III
Education: Completion of 60 semester units at an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, architecture, construction technology or closely related field. 

Substitution: Possession of a Building Plans Examiner Certificate from the International code Counsel may be substituted for the above-required education. 

Experience: Three years assisting the public by examining building or land use plans OR reviewing, processing and tracking building or land use permits in a public sector planning, building or related agency at a level comparable to or higher than Development Services Technician in San Joaquin County. 

AND FOR ALL PATTERNS 
Certificate: Incumbents in this class must obtain a Building Plans Examiner Certificate from the International Code Council within two years of appointment (California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28). Failure to obtain this required certificate within two years of appointment or to maintain it thereafter may result in termination in accordance with the rules and regulations governing County employment. 

Note: Under the California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28, any San Joaquin County employee who is and has continuously been employed as a construction inspector, plans examiner, or building official since October 4, 1993, shall be exempt from the certification provisions in the Special Requirement above, until that person obtains employment with a different employer. 

Substitution: Registration as a civil or structural engineer or architect in the State of California may substitute for the above Certificate Requirement. 

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

Construction methods and materials; basic building code provisions and related regulations; general engineering principles, particularly as they relate to grading standards and regulations; basic engineering mathematics; basic computer and modern office automation technology and relevant computer software programs.

ABILITY

Read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications; operate a computer and related software; clearly and effectively interpret and explain building codes, policies, and other regulations to a wide variety of people; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and public officials and the general public.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility-Operation of a data entry device; sitting and standing for long periods of time; pushing and pulling; walking; bending and squatting; driving; climbing stairs; crawl; lift up to 70 pounds; Visual-Overall vision sufficient to read close-up; color perception; Dexterity-Reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing; Hearing/Talking-Hear and talk on the telephone; hear faint sounds; Emotional/ Psychological Factors-Public contact; decision making; heights; hazardous materials; working alone; Special Requirements-May occasionally work weekends/nights/overtime; may be required to travel; Environmental Conditions-Exposure to noise, dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation; indoor and outdoor temperature conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

CLASS: RE1100; EST: 9/13/1989; REV: 8/14/2013;