Fire Protection Plans Reviewer (Part Time)

City of Suffolk; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Suffolk is seeking a knowledgeable Fire Plans Reviewer to evaluate site plans, permit applications, and related documents for compliance with local and state codes. You will consult with architects, engineers, and city staff to resolve fire code issues and ensure safe, compliant development.

The role involves coordinating plan reviews, assisting with Certificate of Occupancy, and supporting fire protection system testing and inspections.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience reviewing commercial and residential building plans for fire code compliance.
• Certifications: NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II and Advanced Code Official.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Review site plans and permit applications for compliance with local/state/federal laws.
• Prepare written correspondence concerning plan review requirements and authorize release of permits.
• Communicate with City departments, developers, architects, engineers, contractors to analyze fire code requirements.
• Coordinate site plan review.
• Assist Building Official with Certificate of Occupancy activities and coordination with other departments.
• Assist in acceptance tests of fire protection systems and conduct Fire Code inspections.
• Maintain and update files and logs of plan review and construction activities.
• Assist in design and maintenance of computer systems to track plans, permits, and construction projects.

Skills

Plan review

Fire code compliance

Communication

Project coordination

CAD

GIS

Education

Associate's degree in Fire Science or related field

NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II certification

Advanced Code Official certification

Virginia DHCD Core Class (preferred)

Tools

GIS software

CAD software

Job description

This position reviews plans, specifications, and permit applications (including but not limited to site plans, aboveground/underground storage tanks, water supply lines, etc.) to ensure compliance with City ordinances, the Fire Prevention Code of the City, and applicable local/state/federal laws and regulations; consults with architects, builders, engineers, etc. about site plan development; recommends changes in the design, construction, or installation of equipment based on an analysis of present or potential fire and fire-related hazards; prepares correspondence and written reports. This is not a sworn position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

• Review site plans and permit applications (i.e. commercial and residential buildings and development, underground storage tank and line installations, LP-gas installations, water main/hydrant engineering drawings, etc.) for compliance with applicable local, state, and/or federal laws, codes, regulations, etc.
• Prepare written correspondence concerning plan review requirements, analyze responses for code compliance, and authorize the release of permits.
• Communicate effectively with other City departments, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, etc. to analyze fire code requirements, address questions, and resolve differences.
• Coordinate site plan review.
• Assist Building Official, when requested, with Certificate of Occupancy activities and resources, as well as coordinating with other City departments on acceptance testing activities.
• Assist the Building Official with acceptance tests of fire protection systems, and conduct Fire Code compliance inspections.
• Maintain and update files, records, and logs of plan review and construction activities on computerized and manual record-keeping systems.
• Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of a computer system to track plans, permits, and construction projects.

Associate's degree in Fire Science or related field; three (3) years’ experience reviewing commercial and residential building plans, plats, and development for fire code compliance. Certifications: NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II and Advanced Code Official. Requires a valid driver's license.

• Knowledge and understanding of and comliance with City ordinances, Internatinal Fire Code, NFPA Standards, and other State and nationally recognized standards.
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Core Class preferred.
• Appropriate education may be substituted for previous work experience.
• Previous work experience may be substituted for appropriate education requirements.
• Must have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including those requiring expedited review and action.
• Ability to use small office equipment, computers, and highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD, to electronically review plans with appropriate software.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to move about construction sites and commercial/residential properties in a safe and effective manner.
• Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, and speaking are necessary for this position.