Plan Review Engineer (Structural Plan Engineer)

Department: Office of the University Building Official

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax

Telework Friendly: Yes

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of the University Building Official is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and for establishing accessibility standards as they relate to buildings and structures on University property. The Office acts as the Authority Having Jurisdiction "AHJ" with code enforcement, reviews and approves plans and specifications, grants modifications, provides inspections and issues Certificate of Occupancy permits. The Office may delegate inspection and enforcement duties to the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) and other state agencies having needed expertise.

About the Position:

This Licensed Professional Structural Engineer performs interdisciplinary reviews of plans and documents for large multifaceted structures at nationally recognized research university. Performs complex engineering and constructability analysis related to work covered by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and its referenced standards, ASCE 7 and other related structural design standards, other referenced standards, Virginia Statewide Fire Code, and GMU Design Standards for new construction, renovations, and repairs of educational, commercial, industrial, one and two family dwellings, and other structures to assure compliance with the code and related regulations prior to permit issuance. Conducts interdisciplinary inspections throughout all phases of construction to verify compliance with codes and related regulations during construction. Evaluates proposed alternative designs to determine whether equivalent measures are provided. Level and nature of analyses and decisions require engineering and constructability expertise, as they affect life safety. The work is performed in a complex and fast-paced setting requiring professional expertise, attention to details, and client assistance. Other related duties as required may be performed under the supervision of the University Building Official.

Responsibilities:

• Review plans of new construction, renovation, and repairs of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings and other structures at the various design stages beginning no later than the preliminary design phase and provide code analysis of compliance. The review shall include written comments provided to Project Managers and others for resolution or response. Evaluate alternative designs using accepted engineering practices. The review shall verify compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and its referenced standards, ASCE 7 and other structural standards related to seismic design, live loads, and other structural related referenced standards, the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and the GMU Design Standards;
• Perform interdisciplinary inspections of new construction, renovation, and repairs of buildings and other structures to verify materials, footings, foundations, framing, insulation, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, accessibility and final inspections. Ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Codes. Ensure construction is in compliance with the approved construction documents and drawings. Inspections include a report to Project Managers and responsible parties for information or action as necessary;
• Perform review of special inspection reports and alternative construction product submissions for acceptance and record;
• Assist in training for new staff and other University personnel in code related issues;
• Coordinate with other staff and agencies to ensure reviews and inspections are done efficiency, correctly, and timely to maintain costs and schedules;
• Process Building Permits: Provide oversight on assigned projects to ensure permits are properly issued, reviews are completed, and inspections are conducted to result in a certificate of occupancy;
• Provide updates for the university Design Information Manual and develops technical requirements for structural systems design;
• Serve on University committees for developing university design and construction standards, process improvements, etc.;
• Assist in the training and development of other staff members in code related matters;
• Assist in the development and training of inspection standards and methods to help ensure top quality inspection services;
• Assist with other related duties and services as may be requested or assigned;
• Participate in substantial and final completion inspections. Provides recommendations to resolve deficiencies and help identify solutions arising from conflicting code interpretations; and
• Coordinate and direct inspections program using software and scheduling tools.

Required Qualifications:

• ABET accredited Bachelor of Engineering Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Significant experience in complex calculations and evaluations of structural systems, engineering/architectural principles and practices of design, construction, and inspection processes for large and small projects;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Inspections program development and administration;
• Knowledge of the means and methods of commercial and industrial construction;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Special Inspections requirements;
• Knowledge of life safety codes; building codes affecting building inspection;
• Working knowledge of seismic and energy considerations in design and construction of buildings and structures;
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to zoning, building construction, and structural/foundation works;
• Substantial knowledge and experience with all Structural standards referenced by the VUSBC;
• Skill in the use of computer-based applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and Bluebeam Revu;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills when interacting with a myriad of personalities;
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables;
• Ability to resolve issues in an amicable manner and promote a team approach to problem solving;
• Balance the ability to listen and solicit input with the capacity to make analytical and objective decisions in conformance with adopted codes and regulations;
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including those requiring expedited review and action;
• Ability to work independently and prioritize project work appropriately;
• Progressive, resourceful and flexible; able to effectively navigate in a setting that involves numerous parties, internal and external stakeholders with differing perspectives, interests and goals;
• Ability to exhibit leadership and fortitude to uphold findings that may not always be popular; and
• Ability to navigate construction sites and commercial/residential properties in a safe and effective manner in small spaces and perform work tasks on uneven surfaces to perform inspections.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review;
• Virginia-Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required. Professional Engineers licensed in another State must have the ability to become licensed in Virginia within one year; and
• Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development certification as commercial and residential building inspector and building plans examiner required or must become certified within one year of employment.

*Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor or Master of Engineering Degree with an emphasis on building systems or structural engineering; and
• CAD and GIS experience.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Plan Review Engineer (Structural Plan Engineer) at ; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Posting Open Date: December 1, 2023

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 8, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes