Building Plan Checker I

Why join the Contra Costa Department of Conservation and Development?
The Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development has an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in an entry-level Building Plan Checker position.

The Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) is responsible for facilitating land use and development consistent with the County General Plan, administering, and enforcing the Building and Zoning Codes, and coordinating various programs for the County. In addition, DCD staff administers a variety of programs and initiatives that improve our communities, serve some of our most vulnerable residents, and pride themselves on providing excellent public services.

The Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) is seeking to fill two (2) vacancies in the Building Plan Checker I classification. Under close supervision, the Building Plan Checker I is responsible for performing various duties, including processing permit and plan check applications, updating, and using the automated permit processing system to issue permits, and performing other related duties as required.

All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Adaptable. You are flexible and willing to work on different tasks as needed
• Personable. You must possess a positive attitude and provide excellent customer service
• Responsive. You can work in a fast-paced environment and provide timely responses
• Organized. You pay close attention to detail and can prioritize assignments
• A problem solver. You ask questions and can adapt to new situations and challenges as they arise
• Team player. You will work with a team of professionals and interact with others regularly

• Issuing building permits
• Addressing questions from applicants in person or over the telephone
• Conducting video, in-person, and phone appointments with applicants
• Vetting permit applications for completeness
• Processing minor permit applications including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and minor residential alterations such as bathroom and kitchen remodels
• Processing power permit applications including solar, generators, and energy storage systems
• Invoicing and collecting permit fees

• You may be able to request a 9/80 work schedule (a schedule where the employee works 80 hours over 9 workdays within a two-week period and takes the 10th workday off)
• You may be able to work from home two days a week
• You will work with a group of outstanding and caring professionals
• You will work in an inclusive environment conducive to learning
• You will have opportunities for career growth
• You will work in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere

• You will be working in a fast-paced environment
• You will be expected to process permits 100% electronically
• You will be expected to work on a wide range of tasks
• You will need to navigate the regulatory environment in California

• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency, or high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience in the processing and issuance of building permits or experience in construction which provided knowledge of construction plans and the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and/or California Fire Code.

Substitution for Experience: Nine (9) semester or twelve (12) quarter units from an accredited college in construction technology or closely related field may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Customer service experience
• Familiar with California Building Codes
• Construction background
• Ability to read and interpret building plans
• Educational background in architecture or a related field

• Online Skills Assessment: The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the assessment, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies and an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include, but are not limited to: Attention to Detail, Self-Management, Informing, Customer Focus, and Teamwork. (Weighted 100%) Tentative Dates: 8/28/23-9/03/23
• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Departmental Hiring Interview: Tentatively scheduled for 9/28/23