County of Alameda

Fire Department Plan Checker (#8131)

Bargaining Unit: Unrep - Fire Paraprofessional (073)
$61.40-$75.48 Hourly / $4,911.69-$6,038.31 BiWeekly /
$10,642.00-$13,083.00 Monthly / $127,704.00-$156,996.00 Yearly

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, reviews non-structural building plans, site plans, fire protection system plans for compliance with Federal, State and local fire safety regulations, laws, standards and codes; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Fire Department Plan Checker is a non-safety classification located in the Alameda County Fire Department.  Incumbents of this class 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 the Fire Marshal who is responsible for supervising, planning, organizing, and directing all Fire Prevention Division activities.


EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE:   The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.


1.  Reviews 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.  Reviews systems plans including fire sprinkler, standpipe, fire alarm, hood and duct, chemical extinguishing agent and smoke removal systems for compliance with applicable standards.

3.  Meets 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 with Deputy Fire Marshals and/or contractors to advise regarding differences between approved plans and actual work.

5.  Responds to telephone and over-the-counter inquiries regarding code requirements 

6.  Prepares records regarding inspections and plan reviews. 

7.  Issues correspondence outlining code interpretations and deficiencies found in plan review.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of five years full-time fire prevention experience including fire plan check, and code compliance. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

AND

Certification:

Possession of NFPA Fire Plan Examiner 1 certificate, a State of California Plans Examiner Certification, or an equivalent certificate from another state within nine months of hire date.

AND

License:

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 AND SKILLS

NOTE:   The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.


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. 
  • Basic computer skills.

Ability to:
  • 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. 


CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:po
Newspec:  8131 
CSC Date    4/25/2007 
GH:cs  Revised 5/21/15 
CSC Date:  6/10/15 
IC:jf Revision 2/28/18 
CSC Date: 4/11/18 
LD:ah Revision 8/9/18 
CSC Date:9/12/18


BENEFITS
*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.