Fire Protection Systems Plans Examiner

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (FPS) Plans Examiner (I, II, III or IV)
An Overview

The City of Alexandria's Code Administration team is looking to hire a Fire Protection Systems (FPS) Plans Examiner I, II, III or IV. The level that the selected candidate will be classified as will be commensurate with the candidate’s level of experience and education. The Fire Protection Systems (FPS) Plans Examiner reviews residential, commercial, and industrial fire protection plans to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and referenced standards.

The FPS Plans Examiner requires demonstrated technical proficiency in the application of code and industry knowledge to include, but not limited to, new and altered fire suppression, detection, alarm, access control and smoke control systems. The Plans Examiner must have excellent customer service skills and be able to work either independently and/or within a team. In addition, the Plans Examiner must be organized, responsible, fair, exercise good judgment, have the ability to make technical decisions and have good written and oral communication skills.

The Fire Protection Systems Plans Examiner position responsibilities can increase as it is part of the plan review career ladder. This work is performed under the general supervision of a Plan Review Services Division Chief.

• Examines construction documents submitted for Fire Protection System permits for compliance with building and fire codes, applicable standards, and local regulations;
• Interprets and enforces Virginia Construction and Fire Prevention Code regulations; prepares reports and written correspondence documenting the findings of plan review and describes needed corrections;
• Assist inspectors regarding code interpretations and functional intent of USBC requirements, construction methods and performance of materials;
• Coordinates fire-protection systems layouts with structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems to minimize potential construction or performance conflicts between systems;
• Conducts research, as needed, and evaluates equipment, materials, and construction assemblies for compliance with USBC requirements and industry standards;
• Reviews and approves shop drawings and third-party quality control inspection reports submitted pursuant to the USBC and the City of Alexandria Inspections Program;
• Utilizes available electronic tools to assist in reviewing and processing permit and construction;
• Works with other plans examiners, inspectors, permit center staff and administrative staff;
• Attends training to maintain continuous education and certification requirements;
• Maintains a current knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines.

The City of Alexandria's Department of Code Administration's focus is to assist customers to achieve compliance with the Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building and Maintenance Codes (USBC), and the City Code nuisance and development provisions. The department contains five divisions:
The Permit Center, Property Maintenance Inspections, New Construction Inspections, Plan Review Services, and Administrative Services.

To qualify for the Plans Examiner I, you must have an associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

To qualify for the Plans Examiner II, you must have an associate degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; three years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's primary discipline – architectural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing energy or structural; or one year of satisfactory performance employed as a Plans Examiner I; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

To qualify for the Plans Examiner III, you must have an Associate’s degree in engineering, architecture, building construction or related sciences; or five years of experience performing professional engineering work in the Plans Examiner's…