Fire Plans Examiner

The City of Modesto is seeking a forward-thinking professional to serve as the Fire Exams Planner for the Fire Department. The Fire Plans Examiner is responsible to review construction, commercial, and residential site plans, fire sprinkler, fire alarm, paint spray booths and other fire protection systems for compliance with fire protection codes and ordinances. Apply today!

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the words "see resume". The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations.

Applicants may be screened to the most qualified and invited to continue to the next phase of the testing process which may include a writing exercise.

Tentative Schedule Online Exam Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Human Resources reserves the right to change the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Check routine building plans for compliance and conformance to City codes, California Fire Code and California Building Codes.

Reviews technical engineered reports from laboratories and consulting engineers, for interpretation and field application.

Ensures required engineered fire protection systems (fire sprinklers, fire alarms, hood suppression) when required by the California Fire Code are noted on plans for new and existing buildings or structures.

Recognizes the need for a specialty hazardous materials plan review, work with technical engineers.

Applies knowledge of professional standards, California Fire & Building Code and NFPA to building design.

Reviews site development plans to ensure adequate water supply and fire hydrant availability, place hydrants for new developments and annexations.

Applies Modesto specific building standards to plan submittals.

Works collaboratively with Building Plan examiner

Review and check residential and commercial building plans or related structures for conformance with City zoning requirements. such as CUPs, MDPs, site plans and others for conformity to fire and municipal codes.

Reviews California State submitted plans for conformity to local municipal code and fire department access and water requirements.

Provides technical advice for inspection staff with interpretation of building plans, California building and fire codes.

Coordinate assigned activities with consultants, engineers, developers, contractors, other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies; interpret various codes attending various internal and external meetings.

Provides technical assistance to architects, engineers, developers, contractors and building owners by providing technical interpretations of building and fire codes as they apply to the jurisdiction.

Provide customer support and assistance to the public; provide general information and assistance regarding requirements for obtaining approval of plan and building permits.

Maintain records of plans and related documents.

Calculate and determine a variety of fees for plan checks and permits; determine building valuations based upon established standards.

Make field inspections during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of federal, state, and city agencies.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Construction practices, methods, and terminology.

Principles and practices of modern fire plans examination concepts.

Fire protection and fire inspection standards, codes, ordinances, rules and regulation.

Structural fire protection, fire hazard control, and fire extinguishing detection/alarm systems.

Safety standards in structures where hazardous solids, liquids, or gases are to be manufactured, used, or stored.

National Fire Protection Association Standards.

Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding civil engineering.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

Review assigned construction plans, diagrams, and specifications to ascertain conformance with applicable fire codes; read and interpret blueprints to ensure compliance with approved plans.

Read, understand, interpret, and enforce codes, ordinances, laws and regulations.

Evaluate fire protection and life safety systems.

Work independently and prioritize workload.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, members of the public and other encountered in the course of work.

Handle routine and complex code enforcement matters.

Deal effectively with confrontational situations.

Train employees engaged in fire prevention/inspection related work in relation to plan review.

Properly document code enforcement cases.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Prepare and present information in meetings and court proceedings.

Write clear and comprehensive reports.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two (2) years of work experience in fire safety or building code enforcement with plans examination responsibilities.

Training:

Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college with major course work in civil engineering, building inspection technology, fire protection technology, fire protection engineering, architecture, planning or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Possession of California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector 1 A-D certificates.

Must obtain California State Fire Marshal Plan Examiner 1A-C certificates within 12 months of appointment.

OR

Possession of a valid certificate as a Plans Examiner issued by the International Code Council (ICC).

Must obtain California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector 2 A-D certifications within 24 months of appointment.

Mobility : frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting or standing for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting : frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological : frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasionally working alone. Environmental : frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.