What are the responsibilities and job description for the BUILDING AND FIRE PLANS EXAMINER position at City Of Fairhope?
Description
Under direction the person in this position performs highly professional level work involving the review and examination of building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, state and federal regulation, including land use and flood determination issues. This person reviews permit applications and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness, document deficiencies and conducts conferences with engineers, contractors, developers, architects and private citizens.
It is the responsibility of the Plans Examiner to maintain and document status for all development projects for the purposes of control and systematic processing and to prepare and present project reports to the Building Official. The person in this position also maintains, updates and organizes the archived files and records for the Department and facilitates public requests for records.
The employee may perform plumbing, gas, mechanical and structural inspections. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations, and instructions, and the employee is afforded independent judgment and latitude in the performance of duties. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas.
Work Environment
The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.
The City of Fairhope offers a wide variety of benefits to regular full-time employees.
As a regular full-time employee with the City, you are eligible to enjoy the following benefits:
Under direction the person in this position performs highly professional level work involving the review and examination of building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, state and federal regulation, including land use and flood determination issues. This person reviews permit applications and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness, document deficiencies and conducts conferences with engineers, contractors, developers, architects and private citizens.
It is the responsibility of the Plans Examiner to maintain and document status for all development projects for the purposes of control and systematic processing and to prepare and present project reports to the Building Official. The person in this position also maintains, updates and organizes the archived files and records for the Department and facilitates public requests for records.
The employee may perform plumbing, gas, mechanical and structural inspections. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations, and instructions, and the employee is afforded independent judgment and latitude in the performance of duties. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
- ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Reviews building, fire, plumbing, electrical and mechanical plans for commercial and residential construction within the Building Division Jurisdiction. Reviews site plans for proposed projects and submits reports and comments to the Planning Division for Planning Commission consideration.
- Reviews plans prior to permitting for building, fire, accessibility, zoning, flood zone, land development, FEMA and ADEM compliance, as well as all State and Federal requirements enforced by the department.
- Reviews all fire protection and detection shop drawings to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
- Schedules and conducts review conferences and pre-construction meetings when required.
- Assembles staff review comments for each plan submitted; prepares a summary report for each applicant detailing corrections to be made to the plans or other action necessary prior to issuance of a permit.
- Receives and reviews certifications from architects and engineers for compliance with special inspection requirements. Reviews surveys and elevation certificates for compliance with approved plans.
- Maintains files of plans and specifications for all projects under review.
- Answers questions concerning codes, permits, and flood zones, setbacks, zoning ordinances. Interprets code changes, researches code problems, keeps informed and researches newly approved building materials. Writes informational letters, completes various forms and reports, maintains records of permits, plans, code reviews and inspections.
- Investigates complaints of improper construction and noncompliant sites.
- Conducts field inspections to assist building/zoning inspectors with enforcement of building and zoning regulations.
- Completes permits
- Writes informal letters
- Researches code problems.
- Interprets code.
- Serves as a liaison between the building and fire departments.
- Assists CRS Coordinator with public outreach activities.
- Maintains technical library for the Building Division with copies of all adopted codes, standards, ordinances and technical bulletins.
- Works in conjunction with the sewer and fire departments, and planning division to assure compliance with mutual codes and concerns.
- Serves as the coordinator for Substantial Damage Estimation in the event that flooding occurs within the jurisdiction in accordance with the requirements of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Minimum Qualifications
Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Possess a high school diploma or GED and two (2) years of college or trade equivalent training.
- Any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
- Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
- Possess ICC or NFPA certification as a Building Inspector, Building Plans Examiner, Fire Inspector, and Fire Plans Examiner.
- Certification by International Code Council in sub-trade Inspection or Plans Examiner categories or the ability to obtain these certifications at a minimum of one every 12 months.
- Ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends and overtime.
- Ability to travel.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)
- Considerable knowledge of architectural, engineering, and construction standards governing design, construction and use of buildings.
- Considerable knowledge of design and installation standards for building and fire safety, plumbing, gas, electrical and mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of city zoning ordinance, FEMA regulations, ADEM regulations, flood zones, insurance and construction methods particular to coastal areas, and adopted building and fire codes/standards.
- Extensive knowledge of construction terminology and blueprints.
- Skill to read and interpret plans, quickly and accurately, and compare with code requirements and the construction in progress.
- Ability to establish and maintain pleasant, professional working relationships with coworkers, subordinates, the general public, property owners, public officials, contractors, and enforce the building codes with firmness and tact.
- Skill to maintain records of permits, plan reviews, plans, and violations.
- Computer skills to utilize permitting and inspection software.
- Clear and concise writing and communication skills.
- Reading and cognitive skills for interpreting plans and codes.
- Math skills required for calculations used in code enforcement and plans examination.
- Skill to organize time and work wisely and efficiently, deal with interruptions and changes to work schedule with minimal amount of supervision.
- Excellent customer service skills.
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas.
Work Environment
The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.
The City of Fairhope offers a wide variety of benefits to regular full-time employees.
As a regular full-time employee with the City, you are eligible to enjoy the following benefits:
- Affordable Health Insurance
- Affordable Vision Insurance
- Affordable Dental Insurance
- Employer paid Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Symbol Health Solutions*
- Discounted membership at Fairhope Recreation & Fitness Center
- Discounted Quail Creek Green Fees
- Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Dependent Care Account
- Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)
- Paid Sick Time
- Paid Vacation Time
- City approved paid Holidays
- Symbol Health Solutions is contingent upon enrollment in the City health insurance.