PLANS EXAMINER ENGINEER
Pay Range MBD

INTRODUCTION

This classification performs professional level structural engineering plan review in examining construction plans and specifications for compliance to appropriate State codes, Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, city and county ordinances related to safety, health, and welfare of the public. This includes structural engineering review of complex building plans for new construction, alteration, and repairs; determines value of structure; provides technical advice and assistance to architects, engineers, and contractors on code compliance problems and to field inspectors in the interpretation of construction plans and in the resolution of difficult construction code interpretation problems; performs building inspection duties when necessary.

The Plans Examiner Engineer is non-supervisory and is distinguished from the Plans Examiner by dealing with structural engineering problems of greater complexity and more detailed application of structural engineering theory.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Reviews and examines complex plans and specifications to determine if they comply with life safety and public access provisions of County and State of Oregon codes. Provides alternative design criteria and solutions to non-conforming plan.

2. Performs engineering computations to analyze building structural systems, structural members, connections and assemblies for structural integrity and compliance with applicable construction codes.

3. Identifies inadequacies found on structural and architectural documents and specifications and outlines corrective remedies to meet county adopted building codes.

4. Coordinates the multidisciplinary review (review of project construction documents from initial submittal through approval of final plans, and through the construction phase.

5. Investigates the suitability of materials and methods of construction for compliance with construction codes.

6. Responds to questions related to construction codes, department policies and procedures that are submitted by the public.

7. Studies & evaluates site-specific geo-technical investigation reports and recommended construction design values as well as bearing strata suitability. Determines if special inspection is required for special “grading, compaction and fill” of existing undisturbed soil and imported structural fill. Where special inspection is required sets limits & parameters of special inspection in accordance to applicable codes and soils mechanics.

8. Functions as project manager for the construction document from initial plan submittal through approval of the final plans, and through the construction phase.

9. Conducts field and site visits upon request by the Inspection Department to evaluate inquiries, (or conditions, or deficiencies,) identify potential problems and suggest corrective measures.

10. Evaluates building structural systems for both geometric integrity, and internal /external stresses resulting from applied gravity & lateral loads including but not limited to superimposed dead, live, wind, seismic, thermal, centrifugal and earth pressure loads.

11. Holds conferences with developers, owners, architects, and engineers relating to plan design data, code interpretations, and the resolution of design problems affecting life safety.

12. Holds conferences with developers, owners, architects, and engineers relating to plan design data, code interpretations, and the resolution of design problems affecting life safety.

13. Holds conferences with developers, owners, architects, and engineers relating to plan design data, code interpretations, and the resolution of design problems affecting life safety.

14. Recommends changes in codes to resolve design and interpretation problems and to accommodate and control new materials and new design concepts.

15. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless and consistent customer service.

16. Reviews residential and commercial plans for compliance with provisions of adopted codes (International Building Code, International Manufacturing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, International Fire Code), and related Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.

17.  Attend seminars and study to keep up with continuous modifications and changes to Uniform Building Code; American Concrete Institute Building Code Requirements and other literature; American Institute of Steel Construction manual and all related areas in hot rolled steel shape construction; Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures; and National Design Specification for Wood Construction.  Also shall be familiar with Post-Tensioning Institute, Concrete Reinforcing Institute, Steel Joist Institute, Steel Deck Institute, American Welding Society, American Iron and Steel Institute, and American Plywood Association publications and continuously keep updating to latest editions of all adopted building codes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Building construction, standard construction materials and advanced analysis and design concepts including computerized design calculations.  Basic structural engineering in the design of reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, and timber as applied to construction of buildings and structures.  Nationally recognized codes and standards and related city ordinances, such as the Uniform Building code, National Fire Protection Association standards, American Institute of Steel Construction. American Iron and Steel Institute. American Institute of Timber Construction, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, American Concrete Institute, Steel Deck Institute, Steel Joist Institute, Post-Tensioning Institute and National Design Specification.  Skill and Ability to: Operate a variety of standard office equipment, including a personal computer, a variety of computer software and other equipment essential to performing daily activities that requires continuous and repetitive eye and arm or hand movement.  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff, design and construction community as well as citizens.  Listen and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.  Use professional judgment and common sense in the application and enforcement of the intent of code requirements.  Objectively interpret and consistently apply codes requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies.  Read and accurately interpret building construction plans and specifications of any complexity. 

Education, experience and training: 

Bachelor’s degree in structural, architectural or civil engineering or related field plus three years experience in building construction industry relating to structural engineering for building or similar structures OR equivalent combination of related education, training, and progressive related experience.  Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC), ICC Plans Examiner, ICC Fire Plans Examiner, ICC Commercial Structural Inspector required.

It is desirable that, at time of hire, incumbent be registered as a Professional Engineer with proficiency in Structural or Civil Engineering.  In lieu of such registration at time of hire, incumbent must be qualified and obtain Oregon professional registration as a Civil Engineer or Professional Engineer within one year after hire. Possession of plans examiner and inspector certifications must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Plans Examiner Engineer’s work is performed under the direction of the Building Services Supervisor and the general supervision of the Building Official. 

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established department policy and procedures; state statute; Oregon Uniform Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes; city and county ordinances; zoning regulations; engineering reference materials; manufacturer manuals.  Employee uses considerable judgment in determination and enforcement of appropriate codes.  Employee must be self-motivated with ability to update his/her knowledge of structural engineering with evolving engineering technology and continuous changes of construction codes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance and punctuality is required.   Work is primarily performed in an office environment.  While in the office, work is mostly sedentary which requires hearing voice conversation, keyboarding and some standing at the counter.  Field assignments for inspections require bending, climbing, crawling in confined areas, and walking in structures under construction and on uneven ground.  Work is performed in an environment that involves everyday risks and discomforts and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions.  A reasonable amount of driving is required.