What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Protection Systems Plans Examiner position at City of Alexandria, VA?
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (FPS) Plans Examiner (I, II, III or IV)
An Overview
The City of Alexandria's Code Administration team is looking to hire a Fire Protection Systems (FPS) Plans Examiner I, II, III or IV. The level that the selected candidate will be classified as will be commensurate with the candidate’s level of experience and education. The Fire Protection Systems (FPS) Plans Examiner reviews residential, commercial, and industrial fire protection plans to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and referenced standards. The FPS Plans Examiner requires demonstrated technical proficiency in the application of code and industry knowledge to include, but not limited to, new and altered fire suppression, detection, alarm, access control and smoke control systems. The Plans Examiner must have excellent customer service skills and be able to work either independently and/or within a team. In addition, the Plans Examiner must be organized, responsible, fair, exercise good judgment, have the ability to make technical decisions and have good written and oral communication skills. The Fire Protection Systems Plans Examiner position responsibilities can increase as it is part of the plan review career ladder. This work is performed under the general supervision of a Plan Review Services Division Chief.
The Opportunity
- Examines construction documents submitted for Fire Protection System permits for compliance with building and fire codes, applicable standards, and local regulations;
- Interprets and enforces Virginia Construction and Fire Prevention Code regulations; prepares reports and written correspondence documenting the findings of plan review and describes needed corrections;
- Assist inspectors regarding code interpretations and functional intent of USBC requirements, construction methods and performance of materials;
- Coordinates fire-protection systems layouts with structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems to minimize potential construction or performance conflicts between systems;
- Conducts research, as needed, and evaluates equipment, materials, and construction assemblies for compliance with USBC requirements and industry standards;
- Reviews and approves shop drawings and third-party quality control inspection reports submitted pursuant to the USBC and the City of Alexandria Inspections Program;
- Utilizes available electronic tools to assist in reviewing and processing permit and construction;
- Works with other plans examiners, inspectors, permit center staff and administrative staff;
- Attends training to maintain continuous education and certification requirements;
- Maintains a current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines.
About the Department
The City of Alexandria's Department of Code Administration's focus is to assist customers to achieve compliance with the Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building and Maintenance Codes (USBC), and the City Code nuisance and development provisions. The department contains five divisions: The Permit Center, Property Maintenance Inspections, New Construction Inspections, Plan Review Services, and Administrative Services. If you are curious for a broader view of our City government click here, or for a broader view of the City of Alexandria click here.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Plans Examiner I
To qualify for the Plans Examiner I, you must have an associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Plans Examiner II
To qualify for the Plans Examiner II, you must have an associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; three years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing energy or structural; or one year of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner I; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Plans Examiner III
To qualify for the Plans Examiner III, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; or five years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, energy or structural; or one year of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner II with the City of Alexandria; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Plans Examiner IV
To qualify for the Plans Examiner IV, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; seven years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, energy or structural; or two years of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner III with the City of Alexandria; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:
A valid driver's license may be required for some positions.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Successful completion of the following within the employee's probationary period of twelve (12) months after their original appointment:
- Virginia Building Code Academy (VBCA) Core Module;
- NIMS ICS-100 & IS-700 Certifications
-
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) certification in one plan review discipline (residential or commercial)
- Building - DHCD Residential Building Plans Examiner Certification
- Electrical - DHCD Electrical Plans Examiner Certification
- Fire Protection - DHCD Fire Protection Plans Examiner Certification
-
Mechanical/Plumbing - DHCD Mechanical Plans Examiner Certification and DHCD Plumbing Plans Examiner Certification
(1st Certification within Probationary Period, 2nd Certification within 3 years of employment) - Site Plan - DHCD Commercial Building Plans Examiner Certification
Preferred Qualifications
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate must be a professional and have the energy, vision, desire, and passion needed to service the residents and owners of Alexandria. The ideal candidate will assist customers with understanding city processes and requirements, work with other departments and agencies to facilitate stream-lined reviews and performs combination plans examination work reviewing residential and commercial construction documents for compliance with Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). In addition, the candidate will have extensive knowledge of Fire Protection Systems, applicable standards, and current construction procedures/technology. A certified and practicing combination commercial plans examiner.
Notes
SALARY RANGE
Plans Examiner I $60,336.90 - $106,179.32 Annually
Plans Examiner II $69,836.00 - $117,043.68 Annually
Plans Examiner III $73,323.38 - $129,033.32 Annually
Plans Examiner IV $76,991.98 - $135,488.86 Annually
All candidates must have a valid driver's license, and selected candidate must meet active City of Alexandria Plans Examiners Career Ladder requirements, per the positional level that the selected candidate will be classified, within the probationary period of twelve (12) months after their original appointment.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
Salary : $60,337 - $106,179