Fire Plans Reviewer, Operations Officer Iii - Fire Department Ncs

SALARY RANGE: $74,943.00 - $119,750.00 ANNUALLY

Overview
The Baltimore City Fire Department is seeking an Operations Officer III, who will serve as a Fire/Life Safety Plans Reviewer in the Office of the Fire Marshal. The position will be responsible for reviewing plans in relations to Fire and Building codes. This position will also be responsible for meeting with contractors, owners and architects to provide support throughout the plan development and approval process.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of the provisions of the Baltimore City Fire Prevention Code and applicable Federal and State Laws.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques in all types of fire protections systems, design and installation, building construction, repair and alterations.
• Knowledge of the possible defects and flaws in the fire protection system installations, building constructions, and effective correction measures
• Knowledge of fire and life safety codes, and workmanship and material standards required.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering as applied to the construction field. Knowledge of Engineering Calculations in determining design adequacy such Means of Egress Capacity, Occupant Load, Allowable Building Height/Area, Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculation, Fire Alarm System Battery and Voltage Drop, etc.
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in keeping strict account of permit applications, permits, and permit status.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Knowledge of standard analytical principles and techniques.
• Ability to drive in non-emergency conditions.

Required Abilities and Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret all types of blue prints, working diagrams and specifications encountered, quickly and accurately, and to compare them with constructions in progress
• Ability to work with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, crafts people and the general public.
• Ability to concise and accurate explanations with various ordinances, regulations and rulings.
• Ability to gather information and prepare clear and concise reports based on an analysis of data, identifying and correcting faulty or hazardous plans or conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and present reports.
• Ability to explain the agency’s purpose and programs and operations.
• Ability to collect, compile, edit, classify and tabulate statistical and analytical data.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities:

• Review assigned plans within guidelines established by the Supervisor. Reviews, analyzes, evaluates and approves and/or disapproves fire protection systems plans and construction plans for compliance with building, mechanical, electrical and fire code standards and ordinances.
• Provides information to applicant’s and general public regarding various permit processes and the specific requirement for fire protection systems and fore code regulations.
• Recommends revisions for fire codes and policies
• Prepares reports, records and correspondence.
• Attends preliminary design meeting with contractors, architects, engineer, designers, and owners or occupants.
• Assists with design changes required for code compliance.
• Work collaboratively with customers to solve complex technical issues Provides assistance to inspectors for correct interpretation of plans and codes of a difficult and complex nature.
• Participates in the training of Office of the Fire Marshal personnel. As needed, conducts on-site reviews during construction to ensure projects are in compliance with approved plans
• Represent the Fire Department and service as liaison with other agencies for development projects and on committees related to fire investigation, prevention, education or code issues.
• Work with other city agencies and staff to ensure Fire Department concerns are identified in the plan review or inspection process and incorporated into any statements of correction.

Education, Licensure & Experience Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: The successful candidate must have graduated from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate. Three years’ experience reviewing plans or conducting inspections for compliance with Fire/Life Safety Codes and appropriate building codes; and conducting moderately complex inspections related to construction projects is required.
• Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: A valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver’s license or an equivalent driver’s license and eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit is required. One of the following certifications is required:
• International Codes Council (ICC) Certified Fire Plans Examiner
• National Fire Protection (NFPA) Certified Fire Plans Examiner
• Maryland Fire Rescue Institute (MFRI) Plans Examiner II
• Maryland Fire Rescue Institute (MFRI) Fire Inspector III or an equivalent accreditation

NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of the provisions of the Baltimore City Fire Prevention Code and applicable Federal and State Laws.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques in all types of fire protections systems, design and installation, building construction, repair and alterations.
• Knowledge of the possible defects and flaws in the fire protection system installations, building constructions, and effective correction measures
• Knowledge of fire and life safety codes, and workmanship and material standards required.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering as applied to the construction field. Knowledge of Engineering Calculations in determining design adequacy such Means of Egress Capacity, Occupant Load, Allowable Building Height/Area, Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculation, Fire Alarm System Battery and Voltage Drop, etc.
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in keeping strict account of permit applications, permits, and permit status.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Knowledge of standard analytical principles and techniques.
• Ability to drive in non-emergency conditions

Responsibilities:

• Review assigned plans within guidelines established by the Supervisor. Reviews, analyzes, evaluates and approves and/or disapproves fire protection systems plans and construction plans for compliance with building, mechanical, electrical and fire code standards and ordinances.
• Provides information to applicant’s and general public regarding various permit processes and the specific requirement for fire protection systems and fore code regulations.
• Recommends revisions for fire codes and policies
• Prepares reports, records and correspondence.
• Attends preliminary design meeting with contractors, architects, engineer, designers, and owners or occupants.
• Assists with design changes required for code compliance.
• Work collaboratively with customers to solve complex technical issues Provides assistance to inspectors for correct interpretation of plans and codes of a difficult and complex nature.
• Participates in the training of Office of the Fire Marshal personnel. As needed, conducts on-site reviews during construction to ensure projects are in compliance with approved plans
• Represent the Fire Department and service as liaison with other agencies for development projects and on committees related to fire investigation, prevention, education or code issues.
• Work with other city agencies and staff to ensure Fire Department concerns are identified in the plan review or inspection process and incorporated into any statements of correction