Principal Plan Check Engineer

Salary : $123,364.80 - $149,468.80 Annually

Location : Buena Park, CA

Job Type: Full-Time (Benefited)

Job Number: 24-00060

Department: Engineering

Division: Building

Opening Date: 10/09/2024

Closing Date: 11/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

JOB BULLETIN ***New 4/10 Work Schedule*** Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. City Hall is Closed every Friday

The City of Buena Park is looking for a professional Principal Plan Check Engineer with experience working on municipal plan check engineering building projects to join the Community Development Building Team.


The Principal Plan Check Engineer is a working manager who provides leadership and expertise to a cohesive and solution-driven Building team.
In compliance with the City's Building Codes and ordinances, the Community Development Building team provides building plan checks, issues permits, and conducts inspections on a variety of existing, newly constructed, and remodeled building projects.


The ideal Principal Plan Check Engineer candidate possesses exceptional technical expertise to advise on complete structural engineering plans, to provide specification and structural calculations on a range of industrial, commercial, residential, and high-rise buildings, and to ensure safe construction of buildings based on structural adequacy and compliance.
The ideal candidate must also demonstrate exceptional communication skills to confidently, articulately, and professionally represent the City at public and commission meetings as well as to advise professional engineers, architects, and other City consultants on code requirements, code interpretation, and the preliminary designs of buildings.


Prior experience supervising and managing staff and consultants as well as prior experience working on amusement park projects are highly desirable qualifications for this position.


GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general direction, performs professional engineering, and project and construction management work; supervises and participates in plan checking activities; performs a variety of complex and difficult professional plan check duties; reviews complex architectural and structural plans and designs, engineering calculations for commercial, residential, and industrial construction and equipment installation; reviews engineering reports for compliance with construction building codes, local ordinances, and state laws; provides written responses to permit applicants, meets with applicants for clarification of plan review comments and verification of corrections; approves corrected architectural and structural drawings and related reports for permit issuance; prepares a variety of reports; supervises, plans and coordinates the work activities of assigned staff; manages plan check consultants; and performs related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Principal Plan Check Engineer manages the building plan check functions for the Building division within the Community and Economic Development Department.
This position exercises supervision over plan check staff, performs complex engineering tasks requiring a high degree of related knowledge, and oversees day-to-day activities and operations.
This position is distinguished from the Associate Plan Check Engineer by its management/supervisory responsibilities, years of experience, and duties providing professional-level support to the Associate Plan Check Engineer.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.


Reviews and approves building permit applications and final construction documents.
Provides expert technical advice to Associate Plan Check Engineers and other staff members regarding complex structural engineering problems.
Provides advice and information to engineers, architects, contractors, developers, owners and the general public regarding federal, state, and municipal building code laws and regulations.
Reviews and approves building permit applications and final construction documents.
Checks and performs complex engineering calculations; prepares construction agreements with developers, and participates in the review and approval of plans submitted by consultants.
Reviews complex plan checking duties related to structural design and drawings for commercial and industrial construction including earthquake and wind load stress determination, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical requirements.
Tests and prepares plan correction lists and reevaluates plans which require correction.
Conducts research and investigations to stay abreast of the new architectural and structural design innovations and their impact on the soundness of the structures.
Responds to inquiries from architects, builders, contractors, engineers, realtors, and the public regarding the interpretation of technical code requirements and City building standards.
Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff.
Provides assistance to the public, at the public counter, by phone, and e-mail as needed.
Utilizes software and database applications to make calculations and prepares a variety of specialized engineering reports.
Conducts field inspections to ensure conformance with project and material specifications.
Represents the City and the Department in meetings with other agencies, bodies, and public and private representatives Performs other projects/tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES Knowledge of:

Modern and complex services, activities, procedures, methods, practices, operations, maintenance, technology, and techniques of civil engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering and development engineering services; effective principles and practices of employee supervision, training, and performance evaluation techniques; principles and practices of project management; principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; financial planning and monitoring principles; procedures of record keeping; principles of professional oral and written communication; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; effective customer service techniques.


Ability to:

Oversee, coordinate, and direct the day-to-day operations of Plan Check Review Section programs and activities; understand, interpret, apply and administer, and enforce Citywide and departmental codes, policies, and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations, including building codes and related regulations; recommend, implement, and evaluate goals, objectives, programs, projects, policies, and procedures; read and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications; advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations; suggest alternate forms of compliance regarding codes and City ordinances, and explain required approvals to the public; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; collect and analyze complex data and files; communicate tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing; conduct complex research projects and make sound recommendations; perform complex mathematical and statistical calculations accurately; analyze complex issues and effectively solve problems; make sound decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; prepare clear and concise technical staff reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; prepare and present oral presentations; plan, organize, and prioritize a variety of work, projects, and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner to meet deadlines; work independently and as part of a team; maintain appropriate, accurate, and effective recordkeeping in compliance with retention policies and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, contractors, consultants, government officials, public and private representatives, and others in the course of work.


PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are frequently required to sit, stand and walk; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level.
Employees occasionally lift and move records and documents weighing up to 20 pounds.


Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.


Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work; work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work with frequent interruptions; work under intensive deadlines; and interact with staff, management, vendors, contractors, the public, and others encountered in the course of work.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees typically work in office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet, at or below 85 decibels levels.
The employee occasionally attends meetings, conventions, city events, and other functions on behalf of the city, including evening and weekend hours.
The employee frequently drives to various city sites to inspect work and projects and encounters variable weather conditions, traffic, dust, moisture, debris and occasional loud construction noise.


EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Civil Engineering, Architecture or a closely related field is required.
Five years of experience performing professional level engineering involving analyzing, interpreting and checking a variety of complex technical plans for structural engineering design, disabled accessibility, life and safety issues, specifications, mathematical computations or studies of a specialized nature for compliance with state and local building, and safety codes and ordinances is required.


Experience working in a public agency is highly desirable.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.


Registration in the State of California by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists as a Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer, or a California licensed architect is required.


Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner is required.


Ability to work extended hours in order to complete projects, attend meetings, and accommodate city needs.


APPLICANT INFORMATION/EXAM WEIGHT ORAL INTERVIEW TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024 (date subject to change)

Applicants must submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page at Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application.


All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process.
The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams and oral presentations.
Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made.
An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.


The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.


Americans with Disabilities:

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources.
If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (714) 562-3515 no later than 5 business days before the test date.


Fingerprinting:
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period.
All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.


Physical Examination:

Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening.
Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.


Below is a list of key benefits offered to employees of the City of Buena Park and is only a summary of benefits.
They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department.


SALARY RANGE: Composed of six (6) steps - Entry step through E step (Except management positions).
Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent.


RETIREMENT: Provided through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
Employee pays member contribution.


VACATION: Earned at the rate of ten (10) working days per year for the first five (5) years of service.
Public safety employees receive a different but equivalent benefit.
Additional vacation may be earned by employees after five (5) years of service.


SICK LEAVE: Accumulated on the basis of eight (8) hours per month with no maximum accumulation.


HOLIDAYS: An average of eleven (11) holidays per year.


MEDICAL INSURANCE: Several plans (indemnity and HMO's) are available.
The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium according to the bargaining unit agreement.


DENTAL INSURANCE: Three (3) plans are available.
The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium.
The Employee may pay a portion of the insurance premium according at bargaining unit agreement and this benefit is voluntary.


VISION INSURANCE: One plan is available.
The Employee pays the insurance premium and this benefit is voluntary.


LIFE INSURANCE: Amount of coverage is based on the employee bargaining unit.
Premiums are fully paid by the City.


LONG TERM DISABILITY: Fully paid by the City.
Police sworn personnel are not eligible.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to all City employees and their immediate families.


DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: The City offers one (1) plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
This is a voluntary benefit with no City contribution.


WORK SCHEDULE: 4/10 or 3/12 alternative work schedule depending upon the work location.


OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families.


CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: $100 per month, per child, is available to all Full-Time City employees with eligible dependents 0 - 5 years of age.


01

To better evaluate your qualifications for this position, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required.
The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process.
An incomplete and inaccurate application may lead to disqualification.
It is your responsibility to fill out the application thoroughly and accurately.
Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing these questions.
Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering the questions.
If you do not have experience, please write "NONE".
NOTE: 'See resume', 'See above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be considered when evaluating your qualifications.
I acknowledge receipt of this information and understand the instructions.

02

What is your highest level of education completed?
No Diploma High School or G.E.D. Some College - 59 units or less Some College - more than 60 units Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree

03

Do you have a four-year degree from an accredited university or college with major coursework in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field?
Yes No

04

Are you registered as a Professional Engineer (P.E.)
from the State of California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists?
Yes No

05

If yes, please enter your license number in the space below (OR ATTACH A COPY).
If you are not registered as a professional civil or structural engineer in the State of California, please enter N/A in the space below.


06

Do you possess an International Code Council (ICC) Certification as a Plans Examiner?
Yes No

07

Do you have experience working for a public agency?
Yes No

08

How many years of professional engineering experience involving checking plans do you possess?
No Experience Less than 3 years experience 3 to less than 4 years experience 4 to less than 5 years experience More than 5 years experience

09

Please describe your professional engineering experience involving checking a variety of complex technical plans for architectural and structural plans and designs for commercial, residential, and industrial construction.
Your response should be detailed and include the approximate size, use, and type of building, and your role in the review process.
Please include the agency your work for, the number of years you worked for that agency or employer, and your specific duties.
If none, please enter N/A in the space below.


10

How many years of lead or supervisory experience do you have?
No experience Less than 1 year experience 1 year to less than 2 years experience 2 years or more experience

11

Please describe your specific experience monitoring, managing, mentoring, and improving engineering staff performance.


12

Indicate your experience with Office Productivity/Planning Engineering related software (check all that apply): Word Processing Programs (i.e.
Microsoft Word) Spreadsheet Programs (i.e.
Excel) Presentation Programs (i.e.
Power Point, Prezi, etc.
) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Permit Tracking Sofware (e.g.
Accella, PermitPlus, Viewpoint or other) Design Software (i.e.
AutoCAD, Sketchup) File Sharing Software (i.e.
Dropbox, Onedrive, etc.
) Email Programs Use of mobile technology (Ipad or Tablet) Plan Review Software Graphic Design Software (i.e.
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.
)

13

Please describe your experience preparing and presenting reports to City Council, Executive Board, Commission or other elected or appointed body.


14

Do you have the ability to work extended hours in order to meet the needs of the department, complete assigned work, and attend meetings or events as needed?
Yes No

Required Question