Fire Plan Reviewer III

The City of Bellevue is seeking a skilled Fire Plan Reviewer III to review and approve complex fire and life safety systems for development projects throughout Bellevue and partner jurisdictions. In this role, you’ll apply advanced fire protection engineering principles to interpret codes, evaluate innovative designs, conduct technical research, and ensure buildings meet critical safety standards. Working under limited supervision, you’ll provide expert guidance to staff, collaborate with city departments and customers, and help shape safe, resilient development in a growing community.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Review and approve the most complex, difficult, unusual, and larger construction projects and structures submitted for plan review for compliance with fire and life safety requirements.
• Conducts code and technical research to evaluate new technologies.
• Performs calculations as required to verify the adequacy of designs.
• Evaluates complex alternative fire protection and performance based designs when appropriate.
• Serves as the technical advisor to the supervisor on Fire and Building Code requirements.
• Represents the department at meetings and conferences.
• May train and assist less experienced staff.
• May accompany inspectors in the field.
• Answer questions from customers regarding development issues and adherence to applicable codes.
• Work with other city departments and staff to ensure fire department concerns are identified in the plan review process.
• Respond to inquiries regarding proposed development projects.
• Mange multi-project workload to ensure timely and effective project reviews.
• Educate customers on various permit processes and the specific requirements for fire protection systems and fire code regulations.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

• Works under the limited supervision of the assistant fire marshal.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Knowledge of building codes, fire codes, city development standards, local, state, and federal regulations governing construction and hazardous materials.
• Ability to accurately read technical building plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials.
• Oral, written and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical requirements clearly and accurately.
• Ability to write clear narrative reports and recommendations.
• Ability to creatively solve complex technical and/or political problems and issues.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to perform standard mathematical calculations.

• Washington Professional Engineer’s License in Fire Protection Engineering required.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in fire protection engineering / technology or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in the review of building fire protection features.
• Experience in permit processing.
• Experience with computer software applications.
• Customer service experience, with ability to handle difficult individuals tactfully and diplomatically.
• Maintain current, valid Washington state driver’s license.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work…