Fire Plans Examiner Savannah Fire Department

This position is responsible for reviewing construction plans, specifications, and related documents to ensure compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes, standards, and ordinances. The position performs technical plan reviews for new construction, renovations, and fire protection systems; provides code interpretation and guidance to architects, engineers, contractors, and City staff; and supports the preservation of life and property through the consistent application of fire prevention and life safety requirements.

• Maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.

• Provides technical assistance to field inspectors and other city departments.

• Reviews and examines construction plans, specifications, and permit applications for compliance with applicable local, state, and national fire and life safety codes and standards, including requirements related to fire alarm and detection systems, automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, means of egress, emergency access, and special hazard fire suppression systems, including clean agent systems.

• Interprets and applies applicable codes and standards to plans, projects, and design documents; researches code requirements and develops recommendations regarding alternative methods and materials.

• Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and City departments regarding plan deficiencies, required corrections, and code compliance issues.

• Documents plan review comments, approvals, permits, correspondence, and related records in electronic record management and permitting systems.

• Participates in pre-construction meetings, project coordination meetings, and interdepartmental development review meetings.

• Reviews and approves fire and life safety requirements associated with special occupancies, hazardous materials, alternative fire protection systems, and other complex or unusual projects requiring specialized code research, interpretation, and application.

• Assists in the development, revision, and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and fire prevention practices related to plan review and code enforcement.

• Conducts field inspections and witness tests as necessary to verify compliance between approved plans and installed fire protection systems.

• Provides training and educational presentations related to fire and life safety codes to internal staff, contractors, and members of the public.

• Maintains required certifications and participates in continuing education programs to remain current on applicable fire and building codes and industry best practices.

• Participates in critical workforce assignments during natural and manmade disasters and supports emergency operations as assigned.

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Requires a High School Diploma or GED, with three years of experience in enforcement of Fire Prevention Codes; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.  

• Must possess a Georgia State Inspector Certification or obtain certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

• Fire Plans Examiner certification through the International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other nationally recognized certifying organizations is preferred. 

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

• Vision must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye with normal color vision; hearing ability normal or correctable for understanding normal conversational tones at all times; and ability to lift and/or carry 50 pounds.

Additional Requirements

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post-offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment used in the suppression of fires.

• Knowledge of Georgia State Minimum Fire Safety Standards, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, International Fire Code, and applicable NFPA fire protection system standards.

• Knowledge of building construction, plumbing, fire alarm and suppression systems, and fire extinguishers.

• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including the use of computers, scanners, and spreadsheet and database software.

• Knowledge of fire apparatus capabilities and functions.

• Skill in the training and supervision of personnel.

• Skill in the operations of keyboards, computers, spreadsheets, databases and the internet.

• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Fire Marshal.   The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the department standard operating procedures; department rules and regulations; city policies and procedures; National Fire Protection Association Codes; the International Fire Code, and local, state, and federal laws and regulations.  These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.  

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied technical inspection and enforcement duties. Requires the application of a variety of procedures, policies and/or precedents, and moderate analytic ability in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions. The need to respond to emergency and life-threatening situations contributes to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to enforce fire codes.  Daily actions or services affect individual clients/citizens; activity has a moderate impact on specific cases in the service area. Successful performance helps ensure the increased safety of life and property in the City of Savannah.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Regular contact within the department and other departments, outside agencies, and the general public (supplying or seeking information) on specialized matters. Contacts are typically with co-workers, contractors, property owners, architects, engineers, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, and to negotiate or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping.  The employee is required to drive motor vehicles; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed outdoors and at the scene of emergency incidents.  The work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, or gloves.   Work may be performed evenings, nights, and weekends. Involves regular exposure to one or more disagreeable elements (dust, heat, fumes, cold, noise, vibration, or wetness); frequent exposure to hazards where lost-time accidents are definitely possible.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: Supervision may be exercised over assigned personnel.