County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to receive and process applications for permits for dwellings and commercial buildings under construction or alteration; to ensure that such construction work conforms to the Alameda County Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes; to provide information and service to the public; to assist with the routine office and field work of moderate complexity; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This position is considered to be a journey-level technician. Incumbents are usually assigned to the office to serve the public at the counter and provide information regarding permits and code requirements; also to assist with the preparation of applications and to check plans for dwellings, dwelling additions or alternations and minor commercial buildings or structures.

The Building Inspection Technician works independently with established procedures as guides, and their work is generally reviewed only upon completion; on more difficult assignments, their work is reviewed by the Plans Checker or the Building Inspector.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Receives, prepares and processes applications for permits at the public counter for conformity with the Alameda County Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, and Zoning Ordinances.
2. Submits completed applications for permits for final approval and signature.
3. Reviews plans for dwellings, dwelling additions or alterations and minor commercial buildings or structure for accuracy and conformity.
4. Advises the public on building practices and interprets codes, ordinances and regulations for laymen, contractors and the general public.
5. Provides information and answers inquiries over the telephone relating to the fee structure; directs complex issues or problems to the Plans Checker, Building Inspector or appropriate personnel.
6. Assists with the gathering of data for inspection reports or investigations regarding inspections, or estimated plan review process and completion date.
7. Maintains complex office records, applications, permits, legal documents and similar materials related to building inspection.
8. As assigned, reviews proposed construction plans and drawings for accuracy, forwards plans requiring detailed technical engineering review to appropriate personnel.
9. May assist with routine field inspection projects as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full time experience as a Specialist Clerk in the Alameda County Building Inspection Department with completion of at least one seminar or class in a recognized curriculum of construction technology, building inspection, building code interpretation, plans examination or a closely related subject.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of recent, full-time office experience processing applications for permits in construction or building inspection departments for a public jurisdiction.

Or III

The equivalent of one year of full-time journey-level experience in the building or construction trades, performing related duties which required a working knowledge of Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and Housing Codes with completion of at least one semester of a class in a recognized curriculum of construction technology, or building inspection, or building code interpretation, or blue print plans reading, or closely related subject.

License:

Possess and maintain a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• General provisions of the Uniform Building Code, Plumbing, Mechanical and Housing Codes, also the National Electrical Code and the State Electrical Safety Codes and Orders.
• Modern building materials, tools, practices and nomenclature.
• Office methods and procedures, including filing and record-keeping practices.
• Common methods and practices used in routine public works construction.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret building plans and specifications.
• Detect deviations from approved plans and codes.
• Review plans and legal documents for compliance with legal provisions and established guidelines.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the public and persons contacted in the course of the work.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old doc: 0769H
BL:lh 9/78
Retyped 5/85
DF:sw Updated 12/10/93
New doc: 8303.doc
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 12/4/78
RC:pf Revised 11/9/05
CSC Date: 1/4/2006

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.