SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
BUILDING COUNTER SUPERVISOR
Job Specifications

Class Code:	TP6
Analyst:	JAD, EM

Date Originated:	6/81
Date Revised:	1/90, 10/15

DEFINITION

Under direction, to supervise, implement and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the building counter, to process and issue building permits; and to provide information and assistance to contractors, design professionals and other members of the public. This position also performs some plan review of minor residential and commercial projects and conducts pre-application plan reviews to ensure compliance with the California Building Codes, County ordinances and administrative orders and performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for supervising and coordinating the intake and issuance of building permits by Building Permit Technicians and providing information and assistance to the public. This position performs some permit plan reviews including pre-application plan reviews, Over the Counter (OTC), minor residential and commercial plan reviews, provides direction to staff to ensure efficient processing of building permit applications and oversees the daily performance and maintenance of computer systems related to the issuance of building counter permits and online application approvals. This class differs from the next lower class of Senior Building Permit Technician by the assignment as a full-time supervisor with the added skills required to perform plan reviews in addition to performing the most complex building permit processing work.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, assigns, schedules, supervises and evaluates the work of subordinate staff engaged in the processing of building permits and providing information and assistance to designers, builders, contractors and the general public regarding building requirements and regulations; supervises the daily work flow and the progression of permits submitted, reviewed and issued through the public counter; designs and conducts on-the-job training; monitors, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate staff; serves as a technical advisor to staff and the public; may review discretionary permits and building permits for accuracy and completeness and to assure that the correct fees were collected and credited appropriately; resolves counter conflicts and issues with staff; meets with the public to resolve difficult and complex problems; assists in maintaining the County’s permit software program assuring correct processing of all permit records; helps resolve system errors, technical problems and resolves mistakes in records; maintains records of residential and commercial building permits ;  prepares statistical and technical reports and other research projects; attends meetings and conferences; and performs plan review for minor residential and light commercial building projects for compliance with the California Building Codes, County ordinances and administrative orders.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Working knowledge of:

• The California Building Codes, standards, County building regulations and ordinances;
• Conventional structural design and construction materials;
• The principles and practices of leadership and supervision;
• The principles and practices of computer records management;
• Permit processing for residential and commercial building permits;
• Construction drawings and blueprint reading;
• Building construction types;
• Permit software system(s), Geographic Information System (GIS) and other computer programs used in the Building Division or office.

Ability to:

• Plan, assign, schedule, supervise and evaluate the work of staff;
• Understand applicable computer programs;
• Read and interpret building plans and specifications and make related recommendations to management, staff and the public;
• Maintain accurate and detailed records;
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with other employees and the general public;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Review residential and commercial building permit plans for completeness and accuracy to the California Building Codes, standards, County building regulations and ordinances;
• Provide effective customer service by resolving conflicts and applying effective solutions to problems and dealing tactfully and fairly with complaints from the public;
• Design and conduct on-the-job training;
• Develop, recommend and implement Counter policies and procedures;
• Understand, explain and consistently and fairly apply provisions of laws, regulations, ordinances and polices;
• Prepare and present clear and concise technical, statistical and other reports;
• Read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints;
• Input, access and analyze data using a computer;
• Assist the Building Official as requested.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

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

Four years of increasingly responsible experience working in a public or private Building Department, Architectural Department, Engineering Department, Construction Management Department, General Construction Department or other office environment which would provide the knowledge and abilities listed above. At least one year of the required experience must include acting in a leadership, supervisory or primary contact person assigned to oversee building details.

OR

Two years of major coursework in architecture, engineering, design review, project management, construction management or a similar field of study and two years of experience working in a public or private Building Department, Architectural Department, Engineering Department, Construction Management Department, General Construction Department or other office environment which would provide the knowledge and abilities listed above. At least one year of experience must include acting in a leadership, supervisory or primary contact person assigned to oversee building details.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

License: Possess and maintain a valid International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Building Plans Examiner, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 18949.28, within 12 months of employment.

Post employment: Must complete a minimum of 45 hours of related continuing education in every three year period.

EEOCCAT : 3
OCCPUNIT : 76
BARG UNIT: 41
WORKER’S COMP CODE: 8810