County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is part of a two-level flexibly staffed series of the Fire Department Plan Checker classifications.  Fire Department Plan Checker I is a non-safety classification located in the Alameda County Fire Department.  Incumbents of this class are in a training capacity and are primarily responsible for the review of plans and designs for non-structural fire safety elements and fire protection systems in new and remodeled buildings. Incumbents report directly to a Fire Department Plan Checker II, Fire Department Plan Checker Supervisor, Fire Code Official, or Division Chief, who is responsible for supervising and assigning tasks. Fire Department Plan Checker I’s are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency which qualifies them to promote to the higher-level class after the equivalent of three (3) year of full-time experience and completion of State Fire Marshall Plans Examiner task book.

When assigned in a training capacity:

1. Reviews non-structural building plans, site plans, and fire protection system plans for compliance with Federal, State, and Local fire safety regulations, laws, standards, and codes.
2. Review systems plans, including fire sprinkler, standpipe, fire alarm, hood and duct, chemical extinguishing agent, and smoke removal systems for compliance with applicable standards.
3. May sit in meetings with supervisor and developers, architects, contractors, water purveyors, building officials, and planners regarding plan modifications. 
4. Conducts limited fieldwork with supervisor to resolve a plan check issue.
5. Responds to telephone, email,  and over-the-counter inquiries regarding fire code requirements.
6. Prepares records regarding plan reviews.
7. Issues correspondence outlining code interpretations and deficiencies found in plan review.

Education: 

Possession of an Associate of Arts Degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in architecture, construction technology, building inspection, fire science, or a closely related field. 

AND 

Knowledge of:

• 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 CAD type software. 

• 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.