Fire Department Plan Checker II

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

THE ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT (ACFD) provides all-risk emergency services to the unincorporated areas of Alameda County (excluding Fairview), the cities of San Leandro, Dublin, Newark, Union City and Emeryville, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. With 28 fire stations and 34 companies serving a population of 394,000, the ACFD serves densely populated urban areas, waterways, industrialized centers, extensive urban interface, agricultural and wildland regions. Over 400 personnel and 100 Reserve Firefighters provide a wide variety of services to an ever expanding, dynamic and diverse community of roughly 508 square miles. These services include:

• Advanced Life Support
• Fire Suppression
• Hazardous Materials Response
• Urban Search & Rescue
• Water Rescue
• Community Outreach & Education
• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Prevention and Code Compliance
• Regional Dispatch

The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) was formed on July 1, 1993 as a dependent special district with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as its governing body. This consolidation brought together into a single jurisdiction the Castro Valley Fire Department, Eden Consolidated Fire Protection District and County Fire Patrol. Subsequently, the following communities have contracted with the ACFD:

• July 1, 1995 City of San Leandro
• July 1, 1997 City of Dublin
• August 1, 2002 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• October 1, 2007 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• May 1, 2010 City of Newark
• July 1, 2010 City of Union City
• July 1, 2012 City of Emeryville

On January 20, 2008, the ACFD became responsible for the administration and operation of the Alameda County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC). The dispatch center provides dispatch and regional communication center services for the ACFD, the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency, Camp Parks Combat Support Training Center, and the cities of Alameda, Fremont, Livermore and Pleasanton. ACRECC is also the Dispatch/System Status Management Center for Falck ambulance service.

For more information about the agency, please visit: Alameda County Fire Department.

THE POSITION

This classification specification describes the journey level of the Fire Department Plan Checker flexibly staffed series. Under general supervision, reviews non-structural building plans, site plans, and fire protection system plans for compliance with Federal, State, and Local fire safety regulations, laws, standards, and codes; and performs related duties as assigned.

For detailed information about the classification, please visit: Fire Department Plan Checker II (#8131).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in the class of Fire Department Plan Checker I with Alameda County Fire Department.

AND

Satisfactorily complete the ACFD Fire Plan Examiner Task Book.

OR II:

Education:

Possession of an Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in architecture, construction technology, building inspection, fire science, or a closely related field.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time fire plan check experience.

AND

Certification:

Possession of certification as a Certified Fire Plan Examiner (“CFPE), International Code Council (“ICC”) Plans Examiner, or California State Plan Examiner.

AND

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, and Local fire safety regulations, laws, standards, and codes.
• Modern fire prevention and life safety principles and practices.
• Methods and materials used in building construction.
• Principles, practices, and procedures used in public contact and community relations.
• Computer applications, specifically in Computer Aided Design (“CAD”) type software.

Ability to:

• Read and understand blueprints and plans.
• Analyze and evaluate statistical data.
• Manage time in an effective manner.
• Handle varying amounts of workload and stress effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Maintain accurate record-keeping and documentation.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate flexibility.
• Work effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.