Building & Fire Plans Examiner

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government is seeking a qualified professional to perform plan review and code analysis for building projects within the Fire Rescue Department. The role requires reviewing complex construction documents for compliance with structural, accessibility, and life-safety codes.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Structural Engineering or Fire Science/Technology with at least five years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Structural Engineering or Fire Science/Technology or related field.
• Five years of experience in building design, construction document preparation, plan review, code analysis, building inspections, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Works with builders, owners, architects, engineers and Development Services staff to ensure code compliance.
• Reviews and interprets construction documents and reports for plans review of townhouses, multi-family, mixed-use, commercial projects.
• Ensures compliance with structural, accessibility, fire, life safety and related codes.
• Advises architects, engineers, contractors, and the public on code changes and interpretations; resolves conformance issues.
• Identifies plan inadequacies and creates plan review comments and citations as needed.
• Researches products and methods and negotiates solutions for code conformance and life safety; coordinates with various departments.

Skills

Plan review

Code analysis

Building regulations knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Structural Engineering

Fire Science/Technology or related field

Job description

Job Description

Salary Range: $70,000+ Pay Grade: 18 Job Code: 51075 FLSA Status: Exempt

This position has openings within the Fire Rescue Department.

Essential Functions

Works with builders, owners, architects, engineers and the staff of the Development Services Department in obtaining compliance with all applicable codes. Reviews and interprets building and structural construction documents and reports related to plans review for townhouses, condominiums, multi-family and mixed use projects, commercial construction to include new construction, additions and alterations of simple to complex commercial business, mercantile, assembly, educational industrial, storage, factory, and institutional projects, among others. Ensures compliance with structural and non-structural requirements accessibility, fire, fire site and systems reviews for compliance with applicable codes;

Receives and responds to requests for information, complaints, interpretation of code requirements, 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.

Identifies inadequacies found on construction plans, reports and calculations, and requires corrections. Documents aspects of compliance or non-compliance with citations from applicable codes; creates plan review comment letter.

Researches alternate products, materials and methods of construction for compliance. Negotiates and develops mutually acceptable solutions to code conformance problems and life safety issues with architects, engineers, contractors, and the public. Assists Plans Review Manager to research codes to resolve interpretation problems and to accommodate and control new methods and materials.

Provides quality customer service while functioning in a regulatory capacity. Provides coordination with Permit Manager, Fire Marshal Office, Watershed Department, Business License, Planning, and other concerned parties. Assists building inspectors and fire inspectors with field review questions to determine structural soundness, proper installation, materials or equipment.

Attend training to improve technical expertise, acquires additional certifications and maintains them; and trains in software to perform electronic plan review.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Structural Engineering, Fire Science/Technology or a related field required; five years of experience in building design, construction document preparation, plan review, code analysis, building inspections, construction, systems review, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must obtain within one year of employment one of the following: ICC Building Plans Examiner, ICC Fire Plans Examiner, NFPA Certified Plan Examiner or ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification.

Supplemental Information

The most competitive candidates for Fire Rescue Department will have expertise and experience with:

• Conducting Life Safety Reviews according to applicable codes
• Conducting Fire Site Reviews according to applicable codes
• Conducting Fire Structural Reviews according to applicable codes
• Conducting Fire Suppression (Hood Systems/Sprinklers) Reviews according to applicable codes
• Conducting Fire Alarm Reviews according to applicable codes
• Familiarity with and ability to navigate through the following codes at a minimum: 2018 IFC, NFPA 101, NFPA 13, NFPA 72, Georgia Amendments

About Us

At DeKalb County Government, we enable career success by providing opportunities to thrive! Our culture is rooted in principles of collaboration, teamwork, and achievements. We foster a diversified and inclusive workforce, embracing a shared set of core values based on character, competitive spirit, relationships, and giving back to the communities where we live and work. This foundation is how we help turn jobs into careers.