Plans Examiner - Fire Department

Analyzes and interprets complex construction documents, including review of structural and hydraulic calculations and building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire and life safety code compliance for the Plans Examining Division of the Building Safety Department and Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department.

1. Reviews and interprets building and structural construction documents and reports for commercial, industrial, and Residential projects to ensure compliance with construction city codes, ordinances, standards, and amendments.
2. Advises architects, engineers, contractors, the general public, and staff on code changes, interpretations, new methods and materials; negotiates solutions to code conformance problems and fire and life safety issues.
3. Performs structural engineering calculations to analyze structural members and assemblies for vertical and lateral loads, seismic and stress analysis, and integrity for residential analysis.
4. Identifies inadequacies found on construction plans, reports and calculations, and requires corrections.
5. Negotiates and develops mutually acceptable solutions to code conformance problems and life safety issues with architects, engineers, contractors, and the public.
6. Provides coordination with city Fire Department regarding fire and life safety issues.
7. Deals with and resolves potentially hostile situations with customers.
8. Provides quality customer service while functioning in a regulatory capacity.
9. Maintains plan review data status on computer; updates status as necessary.
10. Maintains plan review records and files.
11. Participates as a committee member in various local, state, and other professional organizations to discuss code related issues and attend meetings relating to plan review, building safety, fire and life safety, and construction.
12. Assists building inspectors and fire inspectors with field reviews of structures to determine structural soundness, proper installation, materials or equipment.
13. Assists Plan Review Manager and Fire Marshal by recommending changes in codes to resolve interpretation problems and to accommodate and control new methods and materials.
14. Researches alternate products, materials and methods of construction for compliance, and make recommendations to the Fire Marshal and Plans Review Manager.
15. Provides management with Fire Department information relating to projects going through city development services center.
16. May instruct Fire Department personnel relating to city water system and related hydraulics.
17. Operates city vehicles.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in building construction, engineering, architecture, fire science, or related field; and three years experience in plans review, building inspection, fire inspections or construction contracting management.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

Knowledge of:

• All major types of building construction, materials, and methods
• Building, fire and related codes, regulations, and ordinances of local and other governmental agencies
• Fire protection engineering relating to hydraulics and fire detection systems
• Hydraulics as applied to sprinkler systems and fire prevention
• Engineering mathematics and structural engineering principles in the design of reinforced concrete, steel, and timber, as applied to construction of buildings and other structures
• Electrical and mechanical engineering principles as applied to the design and installation of mechanical equipment and systems in buildings
• Field inspection procedures and techniques
• Computers and their applications in plan review
• Other government agencies' regulations, such as the State Registrar of contractors and the State Board of Technical Registration

Ability to:

• Apply engineering knowledge and follow proper plan check techniques to examine workmanship and materials; and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, city staff, and the general public
• Read, interpret, and explain codes, engineering calculations, building plans, plot surveys, specifications, and blueprints
• Perform and analyze structural engineering and mathematical calculations to analyze structural members and assemblies for structural integrity and use various engineering devices and reference materials
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Explain code requirements and plan review procedures to persons with various backgrounds
• Successfully resolve problems with a diverse group of people
• Work independently and perform tasks involving numerous details
• Concentrate and be absolutely accurate in the complete analysis and interpretation of a set of highly technical construction documents
• Operate city vehicles

Special Requirements

• A valid Arizona driver's license.
• ICC certification as a Plans Examiner within one year of appointment for general Plans Examiner.
• International Fire Code Certification within one year of hire for Fire Plans Examiner.
• This position is classified as safety-sensitive which requires candidates to successfully undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment. They will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy. A post-offer physical assessment is required. The City of Glendale will incur the cost of all required testing.

Success Factor Classification Level - Foundational
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This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change. Ability to lift and move plans up to 50 pounds. Office setting with occasional field inspections. Enters, exits, and operates city vehicles.