County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to plan, organize, and direct the activities of the plans checking and permit issuing divisions of the Building Inspection Department; to perform the more complex plans checking; and to perform other related duties.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES 

The incumbent of this position is responsible for supervising the Engineers, Plans Checkers, and Building Inspection Technicians in order to establish and maintain plans checking and permit issuing requirements and operational procedures. This position direct reports to the County Building Official (BO) and assists BO to streamline the permit issuance process, recommends and assists in writing policies and procedures for the building division together with BO and staff using new technology to improve productivity and public services.

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. Assigns, supervises and reviews activities of subordinates engaged in the checking of plans for compliance with federal and state laws and local ordinances.
2. Assigns, supervises and reviews activities of subordinates engaged in the issuance of building permits for compliance with federal and state laws and local ordinances.
3. Performs difficult structural analysis and personally reviews plans of the most complex structures for compliance with the County Building Code.
4. Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners and others relative to complicated construction or building projects.
5. Establishes plans checking and permit issuing procedures, forms and checklists.
6. Reviews and interprets building code, plans checking, and permit issuing requirements for subordinates, the general public, engineers and contractors.
7. Receives and resolves complaints regarding plans checking and permit issuing matters.
8. Prepares cases for the District Attorney; prepares evidence and testifies in court on plans checking or permit issuing matters.
9. Prepares and conducts training classes related to plans checking and permit issuing.
10. Directs the preparation and maintenance of detailed records and reports.
11. Prepares, analyzes, and reviews recommendations for modifications to the County Building Codes.
12. Makes periodic field inspections to assist the Supervising Building Inspector in reviewing complex structural issues.
13. May act for the Building Official during his absence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil or structural engineering or architecture,

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of five years full-time experience in civil or structural engineering in reviewing life safety requirements and enforcing building code compliance including or supplemented by one year of full-time supervisory or administrative experience.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Certificate:

• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers, or a Certificate as an Architect issued by the California State Board of Architectural Examiners is desirable.
• Possession of a current ICBO/ICC Plans Examiner Certificate.

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:

• Methods, materials, techniques and practices used in building design, construction and inspection.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision personnel management and training.
• Laws and regulations affecting the building inspection program and the philosophy and functions of such a program in a public agency.
• Modern methods of building construction and engineering as they pertain to building construction.
• Applicable administrative, mechanical, electrical, building, plumbing and related codes and regulations.
• Applicable County, State and Federal laws, codes and ordinances.
• Forms, permits, plans and specifications used in a building inspection and code enforcement program.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret plans, specifications, building codes and laws.
• Analyze complex building construction problems and make recommendations and decisions to resolve such problems.
• Plan and organize.
• Communicate effectively orally.
• Communicate effectively and clearly in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with staff, professional engineers, .architects, contractors and the general public.
• Remain flexible to change.
• Adapt to stressful situations.
• Demonstrate effective leadership

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TAT:pb 4/30/87
Old doc: 1072h
New doc: Jobspecs/8309.doc
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 6/3/87
RC:pf Rev. 5/27/03
CSC Date: 7/9/03

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)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• 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
• Management Paid Leave**
• 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.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.