AMANDA ZULAICA
San Carlos
Summary
Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism with a strong emphasis on organization and the ability to thrive under strict deadlines. Attention to detail ensures adherence to office protocols while delivering quality results. Excellent written and verbal communication skills facilitate effective interactions with staff, superiors, and the public, fostering a collaborative work environment. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while focusing on achieving organizational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plan Examiner/ QC
Bureau Veritas
Sacramento, CA
02.2026 - Current
- Conducted thorough inspections of materials and processes to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Analyzed inspection results to identify areas for quality improvement and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented standardized operating procedures to enhance inspection accuracy.
- Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for reviewing applications and maintaining accuracy.
- Managed high volume caseloads, prioritizing tasks to meet strict deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
- Communicated with customers to resolve common title issues.
- Regularly updated knowledge of California legal and licensing standards to enhance review accuracy and efficiency.
Supervising Plans Examiner
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
05.2025 - 11.2025
- As a Supervising Plans Examiner, I oversee the plan review and public counter functions within the Inspection Services Division, leading a team in performing complex plan review services while assisting the Building Official in directing division activities. My primary focus is on efficient plan review and permit processing, ensuring compliance with current building standards codes and other related construction codes adopted by the City of Santa Cruz.
- In my role, I meticulously check plans of all types, including those for complex construction and development projects. I coordinate closely with applicants to confirm their compliance with the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program, and I take a proactive approach in training, public outreach, and the continued development of this program. When plans do not meet requirements, I assist applicants in navigating the solution process, facilitating the necessary changes and modifications to achieve code compliance.
- I effectively resolve project challenges and customer concerns, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders throughout the review process. Additionally, I regularly review plan review policies and standard operating procedures, making recommendations for improvements that enhance efficiency and the quality of our final work products. A key aspect of my responsibilities includes reviewing third-party plan examiner contracts and conducting quality control on their reviews to ensure adherence to municipal standards and codes.
- Furthermore, I provide vital assistance to inspectors, maintaining consistent application of code provisions and advising on work assignments and challenges they may encounter. I also play a crucial role in training new plan examiners and permit technicians, equipping them with the necessary skills to review and issue permits in accordance with current codes and municipal ordinances.
- My responsibilities extend to updating and maintaining technical manuals, records, and forms to ensure our resources are current and accessible. I provide technical and functional administrative support to other city departments for building and energy projects, offering essential information on code and design requirements. I address public inquiries related to regulations for building and housing construction, remodeling, and repair, including structural, non-structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other code-related questions.
- I also review planning project plan reviews for initial compliance with building standards codes and local building ordinances, preparing clear and concise reports while coordinating with other city departments, design professionals, and applicants. I monitor and coordinate plan review service activities from permit application to issuance, maintaining detailed records and preparing a variety of reports, including specialized estimates for various building projects.
- In my public counter support role, I receive and review permit applications for code compliance and issue permits as needed. I perform field inspections for all types of construction, including complex commercial, industrial, and essential facility projects, ensuring adherence to safety and compliance standards. In addition, I assist in court actions involving building, housing, plumbing, electrical, and related violations, showcasing my commitment to upholding building codes and regulations.
- I am proactive in inputting, accessing, and analyzing data in the city’s permit tracking system, contributing to its development and effectiveness. I assist the Building Official with division operations as assigned and supervise, train, and evaluate staff, fostering a knowledgeable and collaborative team environment.
Plan Examiner
City of Foster City
Foster City
12.2022 - 05.2025
- In my capacity as a principal lead worker within the Building Division, I have effectively operated in an acting Chief Building Official role for nearly four years, demonstrating my capability to oversee and manage all aspects of building regulations and code enforcement. I have developed and implemented efficient schedules and methodologies for providing robust plan checking services, ensuring compliance with all relevant building codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations.
- Throughout my tenure, I have collaborated closely with building and field inspectors, providing expert guidance to address inspection challenges and conducting on-site evaluations to resolve complex issues. My proactive approach in coordinating plan checking activities with various departments has fostered seamless communication and enhanced operational efficiency. I have successfully transmitted plans and specifications to appropriate departments and outside consultants while ensuring that all feedback from different departments is relayed to applicants promptly, thereby facilitating a smooth approval process.
- In my acting role, I have assumed the most technical and complex responsibilities of the Building Division, serving as a critical resource for the public, contractors, and architects. I have interpreted construction codes and ordinances, recommending necessary changes to plans to achieve compliance. My commitment to exceptional customer service is reflected in my responsiveness to citizen inquiries and my active participation in professional group meetings, including the annual CALBO meetings.
- Attending these meetings has been instrumental in keeping me informed about emerging trends in code development and state assembly bills, allowing me to effectively integrate new regulations into our programs.
- I have successfully assisted and guided the Code Enforcement program, directing investigations into complaints regarding violations of California Building Standards. My leadership has involved cross-training Building Division staff in state regulations, ensuring adherence to California Building Standards during plan check reviews. I have also been instrumental in fulfilling state mandates, such as permitting Accessory or Secondary Dwelling Units and overseeing Certified Access Specialists in reviewing and inspecting disability access requirements.
- In addition to my supervisory responsibilities, I have coordinated the Building Division's activities with the Planning Division and other organizational elements within the Community Development Department, supervising major and complex inspections. My role has included updating city addressing records, assigning new addresses, and liaising with agencies such as PG&E, Estero Municipal Water, USPS, and Emergency Services to maintain accurate and current records.
- As I pursue the required certification for the Chief Building Official position, I bring a wealth of experience, a proven track record of leadership, and a deep understanding of building regulations. My ability to perform site inspections in various construction conditions, coupled with my strategic implementation of electronic processes like the Express Plan Review Program, positions me as a highly qualified candidate ready to enhance the effectiveness of the Building Division.
Plans Examiner
City of New Braunfels
New Braunfels
11.2021 - 12.2022
- As a Plans Examiner for the City of New Braunfels, I utilized software programs, including City Works and Microsoft Outlook, to conduct thorough reviews of design drawings and maps. I was responsible for developing and generating technical reports, correspondence, and official documents related to the approval of construction permits.
- My role involved researching and responding to inquiries from various stakeholders, including city departments and external agencies. I examined a diverse range of construction plans, focusing on complex nonstructural code issues to ensure compliance with building codes and policies. I verified the adequacy of designs, prepared written correction comments, and met with applicants to discuss necessary changes, ultimately approving complex plans for permit issuance.
- I assisted Development Services Department (DSD) inspectors during construction to monitor compliance with approved designs and provided support for project revisions and code interpretations. Additionally, I handled public inquiries regarding building code compliance and ensured that all city departments completed their reviews and approvals of submitted plans.
- Throughout my tenure, I took on increasingly complex assignments, demonstrating my ability to manage responsibilities effectively and independently as my skills grew.
Commercial Building Inspector
City of San Antonio
San Antonio
09.2019 - 11.2021
- Conducts inspections to ensure proposed construction conforms to the International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Energy Conservation Code and the Unified Development Code. Discuss repairs, alterations, and new construction with owners and contractors; explains and interprets building codes and regulations. Issues verbal or written orders for correction of defects in materials, workmanship, and other violations of codes and ordinances. Documents inspection results and using land development software. Responds to questions by phone pertaining to building related codes, zoning, and the Unified Development Code. Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required. Use of Accela Permitting System, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel.
Code Enforcement Officer
City of San Antonio
San Antonio
08.2018 - 09.2019
- Responds to citizen complaints and provides follow-up regarding building and code violations. Reads plans and inspects all types of construction work for compliance with building codes, regulations for fire safety, and zoning requirements; ensures compliance with the Certificate of Appropriateness. Coordinates investigative and enforcement work with the Historic Preservation Officer, the Vacant Building Program manager, Development Service, Code Enforcement, and the City Attorney's Office. Prepares written reports and affidavits to support the filing of Municipal Court cases. Documents inspection results and investigations. Completes inspections free of errors and documents observations in writing. Makes public education and neighborhood association presentations in the program areas. Use of Accela Permitting System, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel.
Sr. Permit Specialist / Acting Principal Permit Specialist
City of San Jose
San Jose
08.2011 - 11.2018
- Use of AMANDA Permitting System, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel. Plan review. Permit Issuance, Fee Assessment, Permit portal training and testing. Liaison between Building, Code Enforcement, Planning and Public Works. Supervision of Permit Center staff. Coordinator for tax exemption expedited review program.
Office Specialist II / Permit Specialist
City of San Jose
San Jose
08.1998 - 08.2009
- Use of Mainframe/AMANDA Permitting System, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel. Intake of inspection Request for Building Division.
Education
High School Diploma -
Piedmont Hills
San Jose, CA05.1993
Skills
- Empathy and Sensitivity
- Risk and Damage Assessment Skills
- Ethical judgment
- Policy Interpretation (local municipal and state laws)
- Supervision
- Confidentiality
- Accuracy and precision
- File, Database Management
- Documentation and Plan Review
- Office Administration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving abilities
- Schedule management
- Staff scheduling
- Researching Skills
- Database Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Critical thinking and Problem-solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking Abilities and Organizational skills
- Reliability
- Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
Affiliations
- ASSE Sanitary Engineering, 2022
- ICC Member, 2018
Certification
- ICC B3, P3, M3 Plans Examiner Certified
- CALBO State Laws Enforced by Building Departments 2023-2024
- Solar Photovoltaic & Energy Storage System Inspection Fundamentals- Student
- ICC B5, B1 Certified Residential / B2 Commercial Building Inspector 2020
- Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation – Registered Code Enforcement Officer Lic # 6706 01/10/2019
- City of San Jose Anti- Harassment Supervisor Training 04/04/2016
- CBO Training Institute-Accessibility and Public Works 09/16/2015
- CBO Training Institute-Residential Care Facilities 09/15/2015
- CBO Training Institute- Plan Check I 06/25/2013
- CBO Training Institute- Plan Check II 06/25/2013
Timeline
Plan Examiner/ QC
Bureau Veritas
02.2026 - Current
Supervising Plans Examiner
City of Santa Cruz
05.2025 - 11.2025
Plan Examiner
City of Foster City
12.2022 - 05.2025
Plans Examiner
City of New Braunfels
11.2021 - 12.2022
Commercial Building Inspector
City of San Antonio
09.2019 - 11.2021
Code Enforcement Officer
City of San Antonio
08.2018 - 09.2019
Sr. Permit Specialist / Acting Principal Permit Specialist
City of San Jose
08.2011 - 11.2018
Office Specialist II / Permit Specialist
City of San Jose
08.1998 - 08.2009
High School Diploma -
Piedmont Hills