Plans Examiner, Senior at CITY OF TURLOCK

The City of Turlock is currently accepting applications for the Plans Examiner, Senior position. To act as Chief Plans Examiner for industrial and commercial structures to determine compliance with structural calculation standards and building and related codes and regulations; to oversee plan checking and permit issuance activities; to provide lead supervision to other plans examiners and office clerical staff. This classification is assigned to the miscellaneous bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.  

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.   

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 

This is the advanced journey level and specialized class in the Plans Examiner series. The incumbent in this class performs the most complex structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plan review work requiring the use of considerable independent judgment and initiative, as well as leads, assigns, and evaluates the work of other Plans Examiners and Division staff. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED: 

General supervision is provided by the Chief Building Official.

Essential Functions:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

A Senior Building Plans Examiner handles the full-range of plan check duties including screening and preliminary review, and is responsible for independent decisions requiring technical judgment and public relations skills.  Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Building Official.

Specifically the Senior Building Plans Examiner reviews and properly interprets multi-family, complex commercial and industrial buildings for compliance with building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing, codes and ordinances, state statutes, federal and state regulations, applicable to building construction.  Performs mathematical calculations to determine appropriate fees.   Properly interprets building codes, plans, specifications, and engineering calculations.  Prioritizes work within specified time frames with results clearly recorded for both the applicant and the record.  Research code questions for proper interpretation and interrelationships. Communicates verbally, in writing, by e-mail, and by telephone with the general public, other City employees, management, contractors, and public officials in order to explain and administer the various Building Codes.  Instructs and/or trains other staff members regarding various aspects of the Building Code.  Prepares staff recommendations and plan review reports with clearly organized thoughts in order to advise permit applicants of plan and design corrections.   Explains technical problems in everyday terms, communicates with applicants regarding proper construction methods, and recommends (using negotiating skills) solutions for complying with adopted codes and ordinances.  Attends and represents the Building Safety Unit at Pre-Development and other meetings.

• In addition to the above, other duties may include:
• Confer with homeowners, builders, engineers and architects to give and obtain information and interpret building codes and regulations; recommend necessary changes to obtain compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Make on-site inspections as required as follow-up or in coordination with plan check activities.
• May perform routine building inspection assignments in support of inspection staff.
• Prioritize, lead, assign, and evaluate the work of other plans examiners and division staff.
• Coordinates the services of the outside contract plan check companies.
• Coordinate with the Building Official and other lead personnel in the preparation of the budget, administrative policies and directives, and personnel actions relating to division and department activities.
• Perform evaluations of subordinate staff members.
• Evaluate the written qualifications of Special Inspection firms and for inclusion into the City’s list of pre-qualified special inspection firms.
• Determine acceptability of borderline designs, and alternative construction methods and or products.
• Review and maintain forms, files, and other necessary records.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Intimate knowledge of the principles and practices of building construction, building engineering accessibility regulations and related state or federal regulations
• Residential, commercial and industrial construction materials, methods and equipment.
• Federal, state and municipal codes and regulations governing housing and building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy.
• Appropriate safety and fire prevention construction and building methods.

 Ability to:

• Review permit applications for commercial and residential projects for compliance with state and local codes and ordinances, including written comments and responses.
• Answer questions and assist design professionals, architects, engineers and the general public by phone or by meeting with regard to code requirements and solutions to specific problems. 
• Assist and direct department personnel in the resolution of   problems or questions concerning code related issues and permit applications.
• Coordinate and conduct preliminary review of new commercial and residential projects with other agencies (Fire Marshal, Engineering, Planning, Zoning, Health Department, etc.) in order to eliminate confusion and expedite review requirements. 
• Troubleshoot problems in the field and assist the inspector with technical assignments as needed.
• Participate in department meetings and committees on an as needed basis.
• Aide in the creation and maintenance of professional looking department handouts, guides and checklists to help applicants and contractors better understand building code requirements.
• Attend continuing education classes on a regular basis, such as, building code and new product seminars.
• Performs related work as required. Perform detailed analysis and examination of building and construction designs, specifications and plans.
• Apply engineering and architectural principles and techniques
• To provide Exceptional customer service with skills, and the ability to prioritize customer needs timely and professionally.
• To read and evaluate plans and specifications. 
• To communicate building and site regulations to architects, engineers, and developers.
• To communicate effectively, both oral and written.
• Able to switch from one project or task to another with little or no difficulty.   
• Ability to supervise others
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

Experience and Education:

Any combination of experience and training that would be likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Experience:

• Five years years of experience in building construction involving knowledge of building plans and codes and the preparation of plans.

Education: 

Minimum 30 college units with major coursework in Engineering, Building Technology or related field.  

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE: 

Possession of a Code Certification issued by the International Code Conference (ICC) and California Building Officials (CALBO) as a Plans Examiner and each one of the following: Electrical, Plumbing and/or Mechanical Inspector Certification. Or registration as an Architect or Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (For an Architect or Engineer, certification by the ICC and CALBO as noted above is required within 12 months of employment).   Possession of a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment and must be maintained thereafter as a condition of continued employment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write, make observations, view computer screen, read gauges and other instrumentation as well as operate a motor vehicle; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone, and in person; use hands and fingers well enough to use computer keyboard, write, file and answer telephones; bodily mobility to walk on uneven surfaces or slopped surface such as construction sites and roofs, bend, stand, climb on scaffolding and ladders, and be able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperatures while performing inspections or other duties.

SELECTION PROCESS:  

1. All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation: 

• Verification of my 30 college units (submit a copy of transcripts or copy of degree)
• Possession of a Code Certification issued by the International Code Conference (ICC) and California Building Officials (CALBO) as a Plans Examiner and each one of the following: Electrical, Plumbing and/or Mechanical Inspector Certification. Or registration as an Architect or Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (For an Architect or Engineer, certification by the ICC and CALBO as noted above is required within 12 months of employment).   

2.  You may submit your required certifications using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the "Add Attachment" option (of the NeoGov online application) or
• Fax a copy to
  (209) 668-5529
  or
• Email a copy to
  agodinez@turlock.ca.us
  or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA on or before the final filing date.

Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached.

3. Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience will be invited to compete in the testing process. 

4. Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination, which will be based on a pass/fail basis. If a written examination is conducted and a large number of candidates receive a passing score, the City reserves the right to invite a percentage of the top scoring candidates to compete in the next phase of the testing process, the oral examination.  Oral exams are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 3, 2025.

5.  Candidates who are invited to participate in the oral examination and receive a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list will be based solely on the results from the oral exam. 

6. Completion of a practical exercise may be conducted in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions. 

7. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Development Services Director for final appointment consideration. 

8. Final appointment will be contingent upon passing the following: reference review, medical examination which includes a drug/alcohol screening, hearing exam and vision exam.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE SYSTEM:

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING:

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY:

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

BENEFITS 

Holidays: Eleven (11) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays.

Vacation: Paid vacation that increases with years of service.

Sick Leave: Accrual of one day (eight (8) hours) for each month worked.

Retirement: Qualified candidates who are currently a CalPERS member or have been a CalPERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan.  Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. CalPERS "final compensation" may be based on the highest twelve (12) continuous months of qualifying employment. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan and CalPERS "final compensation" will be based on the highest thirty-six (36) continuous months of qualifying employment.

Deferred Compensation: The City will match employee's contribution up to one half of one percent (0.5%) of the employee's base salary for each pay period in which employee contributes to the program.

Retiree Health Savings (RHS) Vantage Care: Two (2) percent of the employee's base payroll will be deposited in each individual's RHS Vantage Care account.

Health: Generous employer contribution to health plan for employee and family. 

Continuous Service Pay: Beginning with the tenth (10th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. Beginning with the fifteenth (15th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. Beginning with the twentieth (20th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.

Additional Benefits:  Associate/Bachelor/Master's Degree Incentive Pay (If not listed as a minimum qualification) * Educational Reimbursement Program* Computer Loan Program* *Upon completion of probation.

PLEASE NOTE: 

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change. 

WHERE TO APPLY
 City of Turlock

 Human Relations Department

 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235

 Turlock, CA 95380-5454

or

Visit our website at www.cityofturlock.org to apply.

All applications must be returned to the Human Relations Department no later than Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.  

POSTMARKED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at