Plan Reviewer - Commercial Building Construction (Permitting Services Specialist)

Montgomery County (MD); Wheaton (MD); On-site; USD 68,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Senior Permitting Services Specialist to ensure public safety through effective application of codes and standards in commercial building construction. In this pivotal role, you will review complex architectural plans, enforce building codes, and collaborate with clients and professionals to ensure compliance. This position offers the opportunity to work within a dedicated team committed to safety and sustainability, making a significant impact on the community's development. If you have a passion for building safety and a strong technical background, this is the perfect opportunity for you to advance your career.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an engineering/technical field related to building construction.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, fire protection, or architecture.

Responsibilities

• Review construction documents for compliance with codes and standards.
• Explain technical requirements to clients and stakeholders.
• Enforce ICC International Building Code and NFPA Fire Codes.

Skills

Building Code Compliance

Fire Safety Standards

Architectural Review

Technical Specifications Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technical Field

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Safety, sustainability, and economic development are the hallmarks of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS). The department issues approximately 40,000 building permits a year and conducts thousands of inspections by local code officials. With a staff of about 240 employees, DPS’ five divisions include: Commercial Building Construction; Customer Support and Outreach; Land Development; Residential Construction and Fire Code Compliance; and Zoning and Code Compliance. From its award-winning programs to providing excellent customer service in the office and in the field, DPS’s commitment to its customers is summed up by its tagline: “Your Project Partner.”

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Department is seeking a Senior Permitting Services Specialist (Plan Reviewer – Architectural, Life Safety & Fire Protection) to join the Commercial Building Construction Division. An individual with the technical knowledge, experience, and professional skillset to ensure public safety through the effective application of adopted codes, guidelines, and standards as they relate to commercial building, fire, life safety, and accessibility requirements.

This position may be underfilled as a Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24, or Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21. Once the employee meets the minimum requirements of the proficiency advancement process, they are eligible for the non-competitive promotion through the series to the Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26.

The expected salary ranges for this role on hire are:

Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21: $68,501 - $101,217.

Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24: $77,738 - $118,276.

Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26: $84,694 - $134,623.

This position performs detailed, complex architectural, accessibility, fire, and life safety work that encompasses reviewing construction documents and specifications and ensuring compliance with codes and standards regulating the construction of commercial buildings and structures.

Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed complex architectural and life safety work that encompass reviewing construction documents, specifications for compliance with adopted codes and standards regulating the construction of commercial buildings and structures.
• Determine complex designs to ensure they meet requirements of established codes and standards.
• Explain technical and procedural requirements to clients, developers, engineers, architects, contractors, the public and other agencies through meetings and discussions conducted in the office or field.
• Enforce the requirements of ICC International Building Code, NFPA Fire and Life Safety Codes, and other State, County and Federal Laws, codes and regulations relating to commercial buildings and structures.
• Recommend new/changes in standards, codes, regulations, and procedures; prepare analyses, reports, and correspondence on architectural/life safety/technical matters as well as explain departmental positions on a variety of issues.
• Meet with architects, engineers, developers, clients, surveyors, attorneys, contractors, peers, other government agency staff, public, and property owners as a subject matter expert to discuss/resolve code/policy compliance issues and maintain effective working relationships.
• Apply analysis of a variety of unusual conditions in review of development projects from planning through implementation and will affect the proper and safe construction of structures and facilities County-wide.
• Work effectively as a team member and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced atmosphere.
• Other duties as related to the position.

If Filled at the Senior Permitting Services Specialist, Grade 26:

Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.

If filled at the Permitting Services Specialist II, Grade 24:

Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.

If filled at the Permitting Services Specialist I, Grade 21:

Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in an engineering/technical field appropriate to building construction.

All Levels:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering or technical field, such as construction management, fire protection, architectural engineering, and architecture.

Substitution: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Medical: The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Medical History Review prior to appointment.

All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Referred List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

• Experience reviewing and interpreting commercial building plans and technical specifications for regulatory compliance.
• Experience in applying building and fire codes and standards or regulations at the local, state, or federal level.
• Experience in electronic plan reviews.