City of Springfield, Oregon:  PLANS REVIEW ENGINEER

 

 

This is a class specification and not an individualized job description.  A class specification defines the general character and scope of responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list every duty for a given position in a classification.

 

Representation:  OPEU

FLSA:  Exempt

Job Code: 005062

Grade/Range:  128

 

Effective Date: Sept. 2001 (Rev 10/07)

 

 

                                                         General Summary of Duties

Reviews building plans and structural specifications for compliance with various State, Federal and local building codes, provides information to the public in regard to permit applications, and represents City interests in development projects.

 

 

                                                       Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a professional level classification. It differs from the building inspector classifications in that possession of a certificate of registration as a professional engineer is required. This classification also handles larger and more complex projects and checks structural engineering calculations.

 

 

Supervision Received and Exercised: 

Reports to Community Services Manager.  Does not Supervise.

             

 

Essential Job Functions: Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.

·         Reviews and analyzes construction plans, specifications, and calculations for accuracy and compliance with the building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and life safety, and accessibility codes; analyzes structural elements to ascertain structural stability.

·         Develops information for architects, engineers and contractors pertaining to building construction and related activities; responds to public inquiries on building codes and statutes.

·         Provides clear and concise analytical plan check reports for permit applicants, and requires changes when necessary for code compliance.

·         Organizes meetings with architects and engineers regarding proposed construction and the resolution of problems; interacts with the field inspectors to provide an equitable relationship with builders, contractors, and developers.

·         Performs research and analysis as assigned; provides recommendations to the division manager and/or department director as a technical advisor for code interpretations and the formulating of City building policies and procedures.

·         May serve as a liaison between the Community Services Division and other divisions; participates in records research and the retrieval of development related information; represents the division in pre-application meetings and reviews.

·         Provides training for division staff, as required, on specific policies and procedures.

·         Serves as a back-up Building Inspector when there is an operational need.

·         Performs related duties as required

 

 

                                                                    Qualifications

·         Thorough knowledge of methods and practices involved in construction, planning, and designing of structures;

·         Thorough knowledge of engineering principles as they relate to design, and calculations of loads and forces;

·         considerable knowledge of the Structural Specialty Code, Fire and Life Safety Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, and One and Two Family Dwelling Code;

·         Ability to apply technical and professional engineering concepts and principles to plans and specifications;

·         ability to interpret plans, regulations, codes, and policies, explain them to co-workers, customers, officials, and the general public;

·         Ability to use computers sufficiently to perform the duties of the position;

·         Ability to organize data, and produce accurate, understandable, and timely reports;

·         Ability to determine the effect of stress on buildings and structures;

·         Ability to utilize computer database systems sufficiently to perform assigned duties;

·         Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with coworkers, property owners, developers, architects, engineers, elected officials, and other groups;

·         Ability to conduct field inspections safely at sites that are in various stages of construction, that may include walking on uneven terrain, and climbing ladders and scaffolding;

·         Ability to travel as required.

 

Experience and Training:  Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Completion, or equivalent, of a four year degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in structural or civil engineering, or architecture, plus related work experience, typically three years of professional experience in structural or other related engineering, architecture, plans examination, and/or code enforcement. 

 

A Master’s Degree, with major coursework in Architecture, Structural or Civil Engineering, or a related field, may be substituted for one year of the required experience, or any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

 

                                                      Required Special Qualifications

·         Registration as a Professional Structural or Civil Engineer in the State of Oregon, or the ability to obtain the registration within twelve (12) months of appointment.

·         Certification from the State of Oregon as an A-Level Plans Examiner, or the ability to obtain within two (2) months of appointment. 

·         A valid State of Oregon driver’s license at the time of appointment.

 

 

                                                               Working Conditions

Incumbents sit at their work station for extended periods of time. They must frequently bend and stoop to retrieve plans and files from filing cabinets. Incumbents may occasionally stand at the counter with customers for up to an hour at a time. Occasionally they move boxes and rolls of plans weighing up to 30 pounds.

 

Classification History:

2007.10 - Revised to new format.