Chief Structural Engineer

Nature of Work

This position requires structural engineering analysis / review of buildings as mandated by the Miami-Dade County Code. This represents highly skilled inspections, enforcement and supervisory work in the examination, review, analysis, approval and / or disapproval of plans to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and other applicable codes and regulations as it relates to building and / or structural plans examining.

An employee in this classification performs evaluation work involving the application of skilled technical knowledge and judgment in examining plans, blueprints, calculations, workmanship, and other specifications for conformity to legally established requirements as a structural plans examiner. The incumbent works in an office reviewing a variety of blueprints, calculations, construction drawings, specifications, plans and permit applications, interacting directly with the public, and having responsibility for conducting field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans.

Illustrative Examples of Essential Duties

Performs detailed structural and building plan reviews including loads analysis, computation of structural capacities, layout, material, construction methods, general design and specifications

Reviews roofing permits, analyzing and reviewing the engineering, and evaluating the required documentation

Approves or rejects plans, blueprints, specifications, and materials lists based on compliance with applicable building regulations and good building construction practices

Recommends methods, materials, equipment, and alterations to assist in compliance with accepted standards

Administers the City's Board Up program which includes coordination with contractors and the inspection of failed or suspected soon-to-fail or fire damaged buildings

Requests vacation and / or demolition of any building or structure declared unsafe

Interprets and explains regulations and standards and disseminates technical advice to interested parties including subordinates, other sections and agencies, and the public

Conducts or assigns emergency technical field inspections as needed and enforces FEMA regulations, as they relate to the structural discipline

Investigates and resolves complaints

Testifies in court and before related boards, obtains documentation, and prepares testimony

Prepares and maintains reports, records, and correspondence concerning building enforcement and inspection activities

Assigns tasks to personnel and conducts staff meetings

Participates in the administration of collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Rules and departmental policies and procedures

Performs related work as required

Minimum Requirements

The requirements for certification as a Structural Plans Examiner are contained in Chapter 8 Article II of the Code of Miami-Dade County :

o To be eligible for appointment as a Structural Plans Examiner, an individual must be certified by the Board of Rules and Appeals and must be a Florida licensed Professional Engineer who has obtained such a license by examination under the structural discipline and has practiced as a Structural Engineer within the jurisdiction of the Miami-Dade Code for a period of five (5) years

o Applicants who were licensed as a Professional Engineer under the civil engineering discipline on or before March 1, 1993 are also eligible for appointment

o License must be in good standing with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation with no pending complaints

o Applicants qualifying for employment will be subject to extensive background screening

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is typically performed in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites or during field supervision where necessary

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact

Physical capability, involving hand-eye coordination, to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine

Some standing, walking, moving, climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, and reaching

Must have the physical ability to bend, crawl and climb over construction sites and within buildings

Must be able to drive an automobile and perform on-site inspections at locations which may not be accessible to the physically handicapped

For all positions :

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, coworkers, the press the general public and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of all city ethics and conflicts of interest policies. Strong understanding of ethical behavior is required.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Performs related work as required.
• Reports to work as directed during an emergency as an essential employee of the City of Miami Beach.

For all technical, professional, supervisory and managerial positions :