County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is part of a two-level, flexibly staffed Fire Department Plan Checker classification series.  Fire Department Plan Checker is a non-safety classification located in the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD).  Incumbents of this classification 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 Department Plan Checker Supervisor, Fire Marshal, or Division Chief, who is responsible for supervising and assigning tasks.

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 their supervisor and/or contractors to resolve a plan check issue.
5. Responds to telephone and over-the-counter inquiries regarding code requirements.
6. Prepares records regarding plan reviews.
7. Issues correspondence outlining code interpretations and deficiencies found in plan review.

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in the class of Fire Department Plan Checker I with Alameda County Fire Department.

AND

Satisfactorily complete ACFD Fire Plan Examiner Task Book. 

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 a closely related field. 

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time fire prevention experience, including fire plan check and code compliance.  

Substitution:

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis in pattern II.

AND

Certification:

Possession of certification as a  Certified Fire Plan Examiner (“CFPE), International Code Council (“ICC”) Plans Examiner, or California State Plan Examiner.

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 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 Computer Aided Design (“CAD”) type software. 

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.