County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Plan Checker Supervisor classification is located in the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) and is part of a three-level Fire Department Plan Checker classification series.  Fire Department Plan Checker Supervisor is a non-safety exempt management classification that will report to the Fire Code Official, Division Chief, or Fire Code Administration.  Incumbents of this classification are primarily responsible for the supervision of Fire Plan Checker I and Fire Plan Checker II staff.  This class will also be responsible for reviewing plans for non-structural fire safety elements and fire protection systems in new and remodeled buildings as needed.  Additionally, incumbents will provide support to the fire code official with code development, creation of plan check processes, and conduct plan check training.  

1. Oversees the review of non-structural building plans, site plans, fire protection system plans for compliance with Federal, State, and Local fire safety regulations, laws, standards, and codes.
2. Oversees the review of systems plans, including fire sprinkler, standpipe, fire alarm, hood and duct, chemical extinguishing agent, and smoke removal systems for compliance with applicable standards.
3. Oversees meetings with developers, architects, contractors, water purveyors, building officials, and planners to advise regarding plan modifications.
4. Conducts limited field work for such purposes as meeting developers, contractors, and others to resolve a plan check issue.
5. Responds to telephone, email, and over-the-counter inquiries regarding code requirements.
6. Ensures the correct preparation and retention of records regarding plan reviews.
7. Prepares and issues correspondence outlining code interpretations and deficiencies found in plan review.
8. Supervises and reviews the work of Fire Department Plan Checkers I and II and performs plan check tasks as required; will be involved in the selection of subordinate staff and participate in any discipline procedures.
9. Oversees the planning and administering of code development and training.
10. Attends development meetings and provides support to the fire code official with code development, creation of plan check processes, and conducts plan check training.
11. May perform other duties as assigned.

Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in architecture, construction technology, building inspection, fire science, engineering, or a closely related field. 

Substitution:

Possession of an Engineering License will be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

AND 

Experience:

The equivalent of five (5) years of full-time experience as a Fire Plan Checker. Two (2) years of supervising must be included.

AND

Certification:

Possession of certification as a NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner (“CFPE), International Code Council Plans Examiner, or California State Plan Examiner. Completion of State of California Plan Examiner Task Book if not already a California State Certified Plans Examiner.

AND

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

Knowledge of:

• Supervising principles and practices over subordinate employees.
• Federal, State, and local fire safety regulations, laws, standards, and codes.
• Modern fire prevention and life safety principles and practices.
• Methods and materials used in building construction.
• Principles, practices, and procedures used in public contact and community relations.
• Computer applications, specifically in Computer Aided Design (“CAD”) type software. 

• Manage difficult and challenging employees. 
• Read and understand blueprints and plans.
• Analyze and evaluate statistical data.
• Manage time in an effective manner.
• Handle varying amounts of workload and stress effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and documentation.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate flexibility.
• Work effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Plan and organize the workflow of a work unit.