Building Plans Reviewer - Life Safety
Frederick County Government, Maryland
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Frederick County Government seeks a Fire Code Compliance Specialist to enforce county and state fire codes by reviewing construction documents, plans submittals, and ensuring NFPA-compliant life-safety measures. The role offers partial telework in accordance with division policies and full benefits as a full-time employee.
The position requires an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, Construction Technology or related field, plus 5 years of experience reviewing plans for life-safety compliance
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Construction Technology or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience reviewing plans for compliance with life safety codes, building or fire codes.
- Possession of a valid driver license.
Responsibilities
- Enforce County and State Fire Code and the fire laws of Maryland by reviewing and evaluating construction documents and plans submittals.
- Review drawings, submittals and specifications of buildings, fire protection systems and equipment in accordance with local and State fire codes and in accordance with NFPA standards and requirements.
- Develop skills in reviewing construction documents for compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC). Assist with plan reviews and conduct site inspections at construction sites, as workload demands, to verify compliance with life-safety and building-code requirements.
- Electronically document code compliance correspondence and decisions for County records using the County’s software
- Participate in training sessions on life safety and building-related issues to stay current on best practices and industry standards
- Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
- Research, interpret and utilize codes and respond to applicants, designers, builders, and general public
- Assist and meet with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, tenants , the general public and others to clarify code compliance requirements
- Perform other related duties as required
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
JOB INFORMATION
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include annual work boot allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. full-benefits; partial telework may be available in accordance with Division policies
This technical position will apply and implement fire, life safety and other applicable codes and standards. Supervised is received from the Manager of the Office of Life Safety and Plan Review Services.
NOTE: An employee of the Department of Permits and Inspections may not (1) hold an active Appraisers, Appraisal Management, Home Inspector, Electrical, Elevator Safety, HVACR, Home Improvement, Plumbing, or other contractor related license issued by the Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing’s office; (2) hold an active Home Builder license issued by the Maryland Home Builder Registration Unit, Maryland Attorney General’s Office; (3) have any interest, directly or indirectly, with a business corporation that does business in Frederick County.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan
NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
- Enforce County and State Fire Code and the fire laws of Maryland by reviewing and evaluating construction documents and plans submittals
- Review drawings, submittals and specifications of buildings, fire protection systems and equipment in accordance with local and State fire codes and in accordance with NFPA standards and requirements
- Develop skills in reviewing construction documents for compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC). Assist with plan reviews and conduct site inspections at construction sites, as workload demands, to verify compliance with life-safety and building-code requirements.
- Electronically document code compliance correspondence and decisions for County records using the County’s software
- Participate in training sessions on life safety and building-related issues to stay current on best practices and industry standards
- Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
- Research, interpret and utilize codes and respond to applicants, designers, builders, and general public
- Assist and meet with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, tenants , the general public and others to clarify code compliance requirements
- Perform other related duties as required
To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.
- Associate’s Degree Fire Science, Construction Technology or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience reviewing plans for compliance with life safety codes, building or fire codes
- Possession of a valid driver license
Substitutions for the above-listed required education are a High School Diploma or equivalent with 7 years of work experience as described above; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Construction Technology or a related field with 3 years of work experience as described above.
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
- Knowledge of life safety codes and ordinances including NFPA 1, NFPA 13, NFPA 72 and NFPA 101
- Knowledge of building construction materials and methods
- Knowledge of technical inspection policies and processes
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, investigative findings, correspondence, etc.
- Skill in reading and interpreting site and construction plans
- Skill in interpreting and enforcing safety codes and ordinances
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
- Ability to effectively read and interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications and site plans quickly and accurately, compare them to construction in process and perform building plan reviews
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships demonstrating tact and diplomacy in all situations with co-workers, contractors, other business professionals and the general public
- Ability to obtain the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1030 consolidated Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner Certification (or equivalent International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I (FI) and Fire Inspector II (FII), Pro Board Certification) within 12 months after hire.
- Work experience enforcing or applying building codes
- AutoCAD, BIM, ProjectDox, Blue Beam or similar software experience
- Related training and certifications
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and walk; and frequently perform repetitive motions
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors
- Available for varied working hours as needed
- Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
- An evaluation of training and experience
- One or more interviews
Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If an employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
- 0 – 2 years 11 days
- 2 – 10 years 17 days
- 10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
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