03/28/2008 12040

UCC BUILDING PLANS EXAMINER TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is work of a training nature in the examination and approval of architectural plans and specifications for public and private buildings and facilities for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and other applicable state laws and regulations.

An employee in this job receives classroom and on-the-job training designed to develop competency and skill in examining architectural plans and specifications pertaining to the construction, alteration and use of industrial, commercial, assembly, educational, health care, institutional and other public and private buildings and facilities in order to determine compliance with building, accessibility, fire safety, energy conservation, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other codes required under the UCC. Work involves assisting UCC Building Plans Examiners in a variety of assignments designed to acquaint the trainee with the full scope of plans examination activities and responsibilities, to include explaining and interpreting laws and regulations, preparing correspondence, and calculating plan approval fees. Work is performed under close supervision by a UCC Building Plans Examiner Supervisor, who assigns work, gives detailed instructions, and reviews work in progress and upon completion for adherence to established technical and procedural standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in classroom and on-the-job training.

Assists in the examination and approval of architectural plans and specifications to determine compliance with building, accessibility, fire safety, energy conservation, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other codes required under the UCC.

Reviews architectural plans and specifications for minor construction or reconstruction projects.

Prepares draft reports of findings for review by a higher-level examiner.

Provides assistance in recommending modifications to applicant plans to achieve compliance with building and safety standards.

Assists in explaining building and safety laws and regulations, including appeal procedures for variances, to architects, contractors, property owners and other parties.

Assists in the preparation of correspondence to answer inquiries regarding plan reviews.

Assists in calculating plan approval fees to assure that the proper fee is paid for services rendered.

Assists in performing file research.

Updates computer records and other tracking systems.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing design and construction practices pertaining to industrial, commercial, assembly, educational, health care, institutional and other public and private buildings and facilities.

Knowledge of standard desktop software.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Ability to perform geometric calculations to determine areas and volumes of various shaped structures and site elements.

Ability to convert percentages to ratios and degrees.

Ability to perform basic algebraic equations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience in commercial, industrial or other public use building construction, design or inspection work which involved the application of state building code laws and regulations.

POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIRMENT: Valid certification issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as an Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner within the probationary period.

All positions in this job also require one of the following valid certifications issued by the Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, within the probationary period: Building Plans Examiner, Electrical Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, or Energy Plans Examiner.