Building Plans Examiner 1 (12-2013)

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Alaska Department of Public Safety is seeking a Plan Review Engineer/Fire Inspector to assess complex plans for compliance with International Building, Fire, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes as adopted by Alaska. You will review projects from schools to hospitals and multi-story facilities and advise on code interpretations.

Candidates must have knowledge of state codes and the ability to communicate findings clearly; position based in Anchorage with potential site visits.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail in plan reviews and code compliance.
• Use of logical reasoning during plan reviews to identify fire and life safety requirements.
• Clear written and oral communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply multiple codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Examine and review complex plans for compliance with International Building, Fire, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes as adopted by the State of Alaska.
• Approve maximum occupancy sizes, fire-resistant materials, exit requirements, and fire protection systems.
• Review proposed regulations and assist in drafting procedures and codes affecting plan reviews and inspections; advise the State Fire Marshal on technical interpretations.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Writing

Job description

Job Description

This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants must meet

Alaska Residency Requirements in order to be considered for employment at this time.

What You Will Be Doing

Examine and review the most complex plans and specifications involving new construction, alterations and remodeling for compliance with International Building, Fire, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes, and referenced code standards as adopted by the State of Alaska Administrative Code. Major developments include new schools, hospitals, correctional centers, large shopping centers and processing complexes, representing industrial, commercial, and multi-story residential structures.

Establish and approve maximum occupancy sizes, fire resistant materials, exit requirements, and fire alarm and extinguishing systems, while examining and reviewing plans involving nonstructural items such as sprinklers, fire pumps, standpipes, water supply requirements and calculations.

Review and comment on proposed regulations, legislation and building codes; assist in drafting regulations, procedures and codes which affect plan reviews and building inspections; recommend changes in procedures to increase efficiency in plan reviews. Function as an advisor to the State Fire Marshal on technical code interpretations and fire safety matters for building construction.

Our Organization, Mission, And Culture

Our mission is to prevent the loss of life and property from fire and explosion. Fire safety is improved through three means; Enforcement, Engineering, and Education. The Plan Review Bureau meets the Engineering means of our mission.

The Benefits Of Joining Our Team

This position enables you to become a valuable member of the plan review team and allowing you the option to move into the division level, possibly becoming the Alaska State Fire Marshal. Learning the design and construction industry across the State of Alaska while making a difference in public buildings ensuring Fire and Life Safety. Provided an excellent opportunity for on-the-job training and formal training classes.

THE WORKING CONDITIONS YOU CAN EXPECT:

The location of the position is 3000 C Street, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503. Primarily an office environment that has potential to conduct site visits.

What We Are Looking For

• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing building plan reviews and conscientious about attention to details.
• Critical Thinking: Uses logic and reasoning during plan reviews to identify fire and life safety building requirements and offer alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

The Department of Public Safety strives to preserve the peace, enforce the law, prevent and detect crime, and protect life and property. All positions support or carry out the Department's mission. If our mission interests you and this position embodies your strengths, please consider joining our team.

More information about the Department of Public Safety can be found on our website: http://dps.alaska.gov/

Minimum Qualifications

• Principles of engineering as applied to fire prevention and life safety.
• Appropriate safety and fire protection methods as related to building construction or alterations.
• Principles, practices, materials and equipment used in industrial, residential and commercial construction.
• Interpretation of federal, state, and municipal codes governing housing and building construction, including the Uniform Building Code and Standards, Uniform Fire Code and Standards, Uniform Mechanical Code, International Building, Fire and Mechanical code and associated referenced standards.

equivalent to those typically gained by:

Three years of experience either reviewing construction plans and specifications or performing building construction inspections for compliance with regulations regarding design and construction codes.

Special Note

Continued employment is contingent upon obtaining certification as either an ICC Building Plans Examiner or Fire Inspector 1 within six months of hire.

Continued employment is contingent up on obtaining certification as an ICC Building Plans Examiner, Fire Inspector 1, and Mechanical Inspector within 18 months of hire.