CHIEF OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT REVIEW

Definition

Under direction of the Assistant Director, Construction Codes and Standards or other supervisory officer in the Division of Codes and Standards, Department of Community Affairs, plans and directs the activities and staff involved in the highly technical analysis of construction plans for conformance with the Uniform Construction Code; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Directs and coordinates the project review responsibilities for construction projects including those for casinos, large and complex residential, commercial, and industrial projects, and those projects which exceed the technical capability of local government.
• Directs the establishment of procedures and standards for the application, timely review, and approval/disapproval of variations and exceptions.
• Maintains a continuing review of variations pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.9 to ensure that the variations and exceptions do not jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants or the general public.
• Develops and supervises the implementation of administrative and operational procedures to promote efficiency in the workflow and ensure conformity in review, examination, and release of plans.
• Establishes and monitors technical project review practices and procedures for all aspects of submitted projects including complex architectural and engineering analysis.
• Monitors the highly technical analysis involved in the evaluation of approval of building configurations and construction methods which do not meet the literal requirements of the state's codes.
• Directs the establishment of and monitors the procedures governing submittal of project applications required to receive a permit pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15 including procedures to ensure that all state, county, and local prior approvals have been received for the proposed structure.
• Establishes procedures to determine the need for special technical reports and information analysis such as site investigations and building systems.
• Renders the final decision on acceptability of laboratories performing tests and issuing technical test reports on fixtures, accessories, materials, and methods of a type not conforming with the requirements of the construction code regulations.
• Monitors the analysis and approval of projects which incorporate advanced energy conservation, advanced or unusually complex structural systems, or construction methods.
• Directs and monitors the conduct of complex technical research into innovative structural, mechanical, or electrical construction methods to ensure that they will adequately protect public health and safety.
• Evaluates all administrative and operational policies and procedures to identify deficiencies and/or initiate improved methods of operation.
• Establishes methods of determining if plan review fee calculations meet the computation requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.8.
• Meets with engineers, architects, builders, owners, and state, county, and local officials and others to resolve critical construction problems related to specific buildings designed under the Uniform Construction Code.
• Develops methods to address highly technical advances in energy conservation and reviews computerized calculations to determine appropriate compliance with the energy subcode application relating to project review.
• Establishes productivity and performance standards for section staff, monitors project review activity, and assigns and/or reassigns staff.
• Provides for the training of staff.
• Maintains liaison with national code groups to share and exchange current information on standards and trends relating to subcodes adopted by New Jersey.
• Maintains liaison with and coordinates project review activities with local enforcement agencies where state plan review at higher advanced technical levels is required.
• Serves as liaison with the Division of Building and Construction in the Department of the Treasury to resolve issues regarding construction of state buildings
• Assigns and supervises the compilation of statistical and other reports identifying the location and volume of new construction in New Jersey.
• Supervises the timely and adequate response to complaints received concerning plan reviews.
• Speaks before public groups and professional associations on matters relating to the Uniform Construction Code.
• Prepares the annual budget and directs the administration of that budget throughout the year.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusion, and recommendations.
• Prepares extensive correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Engineering Technology.

Experience

Six (6) years of professional experience in code enforcement project review, architecture, or engineering involving high-rise and/or hazardous structures OR construction project management with responsibility for the technical/skilled work of construction projects subject to the Uniform Construction Code, three (3) of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

<b>LICENSES:</b>

Possession of a license as a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer's License valid in the State of New Jersey.

Possession of a Highrise Hazardous Specialist (HHS) code enforcement license in building, plumbing, electrical, or fire protection issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Appointees must possess a valid Sub-code Official License issued by the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

Possession of a Construction Official's license issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Appointees must continue to complete the continuing education requirements to maintain their HHS and Construction Official licenses.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the regulations of the Uniform Construction Code
• Knowledge of the form, content, and interpretation of plans, blueprints, and specifications for new construction and for the alteration of existing structures
• Knowledge of the building, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical subcodes adopted under the Uniform Construction Code Act.
• Knowledge of the various code compliance requirements of all use groups of Class I category buildings and construction projects as expressed in preliminary detailed plans and specifications
• Knowledge of the qualities, limitations, and proper use of modern construction materials and methods, especially for Class I structures
• Knowledge of modern methods for determination of conformity to standards established by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Regulations after a period of training
• Knowledge of specific types of structural, electrical, mechanical, energy, and fire protection systems and systems components common to the complexity to Class I and III structures
• Knowledge of construction certificate and permit fee schedule provisions of the Uniform Construction Code Regulations as they relate to construction volume and costs (actual and/or estimated) including additions and renovations after a period of training
• Knowledge of structural, electrical, mechanical, energy, and fire protection analysis techniques
• Knowledge of all phases of modern construction installation
• Knowledge of all phases of construction design calculations
• Knowledge of testing methods, agencies, and test verification procedures utilized in all phases of construction design
• Knowledge of the special technical tests and reports required to determine if a plan for a structure meets the Uniform Construction Code Act and Regulations
• Knowledge of penalties that can be assessed for noncompliance with the code and methods of assessment after a period of training
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and management techniques
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures used in operational analysis.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures and their applicability to code enforcement after a period of training.
• Knowledge of modern building and construction methods and materials.
• Knowledge of state and local fire codes.
• Knowledge of procedures for conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of the procedures for conducting inspections
• Knowledge of New Jersey electrical codes and their application to construction
• Knowledge of New Jersey plumbing codes and their application to construction
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and approved materials and equipment for building construction
• Knowledge of modern governmental budgetary practices
• Knowledge of modern management concepts and practice
• Knowledge of the appropriate methods and procedures for investigating complaints and of the laws relating to such investigations
• Knowledge of the provisions of New Jersey Housing Legislation
• Knowledge of code enforcement standards and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively with other technically based persons in the construction industry including architects, engineers, and contractors
• Ability to identify imminent hazard situations and take appropriate action
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) standards
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing county and municipal residential dwelling maintenance codes
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing land use and construction for compliance with zoning
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing cease and desist orders, orders to vacate, or other types of court orders
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the New Home Warranty and Builder's Registration Act
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing the Planned Real Estate Development Act
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, maps, or specifications
• Ability to organize assigned supervisory and technical work, analyze the problems arising thereon, and develop appropriate work methods
• Ability to develop and revise filing systems, forms, and procedures
• Ability to prepare and administer budgets
• Ability to assign, instructs, coordinate, and monitor supervisory staff in the functions of their duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with state and local agencies involved in construction project review
• Ability to draft correspondence in the performance of official duties
• Ability to supervise the preparation of clear, accurate, statistical information, financial information, and periodic reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.