Fire Plans Examiner

Graduation from high school, supplemented by course work in fire prevention, plus five (5) years of experience in fire/structural reviews or related work required. Special training in fire safety preferred. Associates Degree in Fire Science, Fire Prevention or Building Construction preferred. Must possess a valid Florida’s Driver’s License and have and maintain an acceptable driving record.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Code 2: Non-essential employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency but may be required to work during an undeclared emergency or in the aftermath of an event associated with a declared emergency. On an incident by incident basis, the employee's Department Head will make the determination when the employee will be required to work.

Under general supervision, performs technical and clerical work associated with the review and approval of plans for construction to ensure compliance with established local, state and national fire codes, ordinances and regulations including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Work involves reviewing permit application packages for building construction, alteration and repairs in the areas of fire, life safety, fire suppression, alarms and other areas to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local codes, ordinances and laws. Work also involves reviewing new construction or modifications to existing buildings for fire and safety hazards: interpretation, application and enforcement of city and state fire codes pertaining to commercial and multi-family buildings. Employee is also responsible for responding to inquiries pertaining to fire code regulations and requirements from property owners, architects, developers, etc. The employee is also required to perform fire inspections for construction of permitted systems as needed. Coordinates with the Senior Plans Examiner and Fire Department as needed. Reports to the Chief Building Official.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Receives and reviews plans and/or blueprints for building construction, modification or repair projects in the City, interpreting plans and advising permit applicants to ensure adherence to local, regional, state and national fire codes, as applicable; determines applicable fees; contacts permit applicants to resolve discrepancies in plans.

Conducts technical review of new building construction or building modification for conformance with applicable city and state fire codes; giving final approval to work that meets applicable codes.

Meets with architects, engineers, contractors, property owners, etc., prior to construction to advise of code provisions and restrictions, and of necessary steps to achieve compliance.

Receives walk-in, email, or telephone inquiries concerning fire reviews and inspections on new construction and/or permit procedures, and provides information based on detailed knowledge of such processes; may refer inquiries to other personnel, as appropriate.

Reviews and studies fire code regulations to stay informed of changes in fire codes and ordinances; completes necessary classes to maintain required Certificate of Compliance as a Fire Safety Inspector from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards.

Perform fire inspections for construction of permitted systems as needed.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Work may involve responding to artificial or natural disasters to assist in recovery efforts.

Performs other related work as required.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.