PLAN CHECKER 1/2

Description

PLAN CHECKER 1/2

Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity

The position opens Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and the final filing date is Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

The City of Sunnyvale is recruiting for a Plan Checker 1 or 2, to review construction plans for code compliance. This position works closely with the public to issue permits/plans that protect life and property. The ideal candidate will possess technical expertise in the building codes, have strong organizational and administrative skills, and be solutions driven with strong customer service skills.

The Building Safety team works as one solution-driven, cohesive team, and encourages leadership from the ground up. Are you the next Plan Checker to join the team?

City of Sunnyvale offers:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving 3% for the employee to contribute
• Retiree medical benefits available

Under general supervision of the Senior Plan Check Engineer, performs professional and technical duties related to the review of building plans and issuance of permits; coordinates building plan review with other City departments; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Plan Checker I is the entry-level classification for this job series. Initially, incumbents perform assigned duties under general supervision, while learning related policies and procedures. Plan Checker I is distinguished from the Plan Checker II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Plan Checker II. As experience is gained, there is a greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternately staffed with Plan Checker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level classification. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

Plan Checker II is the experienced journey-level classification in the series. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of duties associated with the review of plans and issuance of permits under direction. Plan Checker II is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Plan Check Engineer in that the Plan Check Engineer has a higher level of responsibility for plan review and is a registered engineer. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level once the incumbent meets the qualification standards of the II level, demonstrates an ability to perform the full scope of work, and meets performance expectations. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Conducts review and express review of drawings for architectural, electrical and plumbing drawings; reviews specifications for commercial, industrial and residential buildings for compliance with State and local codes; issues construction permits.
• Provides preliminary review of significant projects prior to full submittal; provides comments to applicant and assistance with understanding plan review process.
• Conducts pre-submittal meetings with architects, engineers, and clients.
• Performs periodic field inspections as necessary or assigned.
• Coordinates plan review process with staff from other divisions/departments; serves as main point of contact for customer.
• Works closely with and provides information to architects, designers, contractors, and the public regarding building code and other general requirements concerning buildings and structures.
• Monitors and tracks progress of projects related to activities within the One Stop Permit Center.
• Advises building inspectors on miscellaneous problems arising in the field during construction of a building project.
• Creates professional business correspondence, procedures, forms, memoranda, reports and other documentation associated with the work; prepares reports as required.
• Maintains professional knowledge consistent with the job requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as field inspections, in reading written reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, when performing field inspections, the incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and work in a variety of working conditions, including mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and steep slopes, and walk around construction worksites.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Plan Checker I

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent and two years of building plan review, design, or combination building inspection experience; OR

An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, architecture, or a related field; AND one year of experience of building plan review, design, or combination building inspection experience.

Plan Checker II

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent and four years of building plan review, design, or combination building inspection experience; OR

An Associate's degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, architecture, or a related field; AND two years of experience of building plan review, design, or combination building inspection experience.

Plan Checker I

Knowledge of:

• Procedures and techniques of plan review.
• Types of building construction materials and methods.
• Codes and zoning ordinances.
• Principles of site plan and architectural design review to determine compliance with appropriate State and local codes and ordinances.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
• Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
• Principles of customer service.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations; apply City codes and policies regarding building and zoning.
• Learn to determine if construction conforms to City code regulations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, and project specifications.
• Organize and keep records of work performed.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other equipment.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Learn the operation, policy and procedures of the Community Development Department.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Plan Checker II
Knowledge of:

The above, plus:

• Commercial application of State and local building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes.
• Principles of structural design and mathematics.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
• The intent of the building codes

Plan Checker II

Ability to:

The above, plus:

• Independently review plans, ensuring compliance with local and State codes.
• Effectively perform field inspections, on an as-needed basis.
• Detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Possession and continued maintenance of one of the following certifications or licenses:

Plan Checker I:

ICC Residential Plans Examiner OR
ICC Building Plans Examiner OR
Certification as a licensed architect, licensed structural or civil engineer, or licensed general contractor with the State of California at the time of application and ICC Residential Plans Examiner or ICC Building Plans Examiner within the first six months of hire date.

Plan Checker II: ICC Building Plans Examiner certification at the time of application, and ICC Residential Plans Examiner within 6 months from hire date OR
Certification as a licensed architect, licensed structural or civil engineer, or licensed general contractor with the State of California at the time of application and ICC Residential Plans Examiner and ICC Building Plans Examiner within 6 months from the hire date.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources no later than Tuesday, April 8 , 2025, at 5:00 pm.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position; resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 and/or Wednesday, April 30, 2025 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of May 5, 2025.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA) .

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association SEA

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 4/8/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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