Fire Plan Reviewer III

City of Bellevue; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bellevue is seeking a skilled Fire Plan Reviewer III to review and approve complex fire and life safety systems for development projects throughout Bellevue and partner jurisdictions. In this role, you’ll apply advanced fire protection engineering principles to interpret codes, evaluate innovative designs, conduct technical research, and ensure buildings meet critical safety standards.

Working under limited supervision, you’ll provide expert guidance to staff, collaborate with city

Qualifications

• Knowledge of building and fire codes, local/state/federal regs.
• Ability to read technical building plans and specs.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials.
• Strong written and oral communication of technical requirements.
• Ability to write clear narrative reports and recommendations.
• Ability to solve complex technical/political problems.
• Team-oriented and collaborative work style.
• Ability to perform standard mathematical calculations.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve the most complex, large construction projects for fire/life safety compliance.
• Conduct code/technical research on new technologies.
• Perform calculations to verify design adequacy.
• Evaluate complex alternative designs when appropriate.
• Serve as technical advisor on Fire/Building Code requirements.
• Represent the department at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Code knowledge

Plan reading

Construction methods

Communication

Report writing

Problem solving

Teamwork

Math skills

Education

Washington Professional Engineer's License in Fire Protection Engineering

Bachelors in fire protection engineering/related field

2+ years of experience in review of fire protection features

Experience in permit processing

Experience with computer software applications

Customer service experience

Washington state driver's license

Job description

The City of Bellevue is seeking a skilled Fire Plan Reviewer III to review and approve complex fire and life safety systems for development projects throughout Bellevue and partner jurisdictions. In this role, you’ll apply advanced fire protection engineering principles to interpret codes, evaluate innovative designs, conduct technical research, and ensure buildings meet critical safety standards. Working under limited supervision, you’ll provide expert guidance to staff, collaborate with city departments and customers, and help shape safe, resilient development in a growing community.

• Review and approve the most complex, difficult, unusual, and larger construction projects and structures submitted for plan review for compliance with fire and life safety requirements.
• Conducts code and technical research to evaluate new technologies.
• Performs calculations as required to verify the adequacy of designs.
• Evaluates complex alternative fire protection and performance based designs when appropriate.
• Serves as the technical advisor to the supervisor on Fire and Building Code requirements.
• Represents the department at meetings and conferences.
• May train and assist less experienced staff.
• May accompany inspectors in the field.
• Answer questions from customers regarding development issues and adherence to applicable codes.
• Work with other city departments and staff to ensure fire department concerns are identified in the plan review process.
• Respond to inquiries regarding proposed development projects.
• Mange multi-project workload to ensure timely and effective project reviews.
• Educate customers on various permit processes and the specific requirements for fire protection systems and fire code regulations.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Works under the limited supervision of the assistant fire marshal.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Knowledge of building codes, fire codes, city development standards, local, state, and federal regulations governing construction and hazardous materials.
• Ability to accurately read technical building plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials.
• Oral, written and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical requirements clearly and accurately.
• Ability to write clear narrative reports and recommendations.
• Ability to creatively solve complex technical and/or political problems and issues.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to perform standard mathematical calculations.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Washington Professional Engineer’s License in Fire Protection Engineering required.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in fire protection engineering / technology or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in the review of building fire protection features.
• Experience in permit processing.
• Experience with computer software applications.
• Customer service experience, with ability to handle difficult individuals tactfully and diplomatically.
• Maintain current, valid Washington state driver’s license.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office and moderately loud when in the field.
• Work may routinely require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• The employee may be required to work in outside weather conditions, in wet and/or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, or near fumes, airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals.

Flexible/Hybrid Working

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.