Plans Reviewer-Inspector

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Five years of experience in fire suppression/prevention, plans review, building inspection, or as a licensed general contractor in the building industry; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the appropriate level of knowledge and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and criminal history background check are required prior to employment.

 

A sworn affidavit attesting to the non-use of tobacco products.

 

A valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy # 6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If in the past 24-month period, the record shows more than 3 moving traffic violations, and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

This is complex technical work conducting building plans and fire protection systems review to insure compliance with existing fire codes, ordinances and statutes.

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for performing "in progress inspections" and "re inspections", as required, to insure that new structures and renovations of existing structures and occupancies are constructed in compliance with existing local and state fire codes, ordinances and statutes. Coordinates with the County Planning & Development and Codes Enforcement Office on the review of all plans for new construction and remodeling requiring a permit. An employee may be assigned to conduct inspections for existing occupancies.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Conducts building plans review, examination and approval for life safety, building codes, fire codes and Uniform Fire Codes of the State Fire Marshal.

Reviews site development plans for access, water utilities and firefighting capability.

Reviews current trends and developments in the field of construction. Examines building proposals of all types to determine compliance with code requirements and related regulations.

Records and documents all plans reviews.

Inspects all phases of building construction, repairs, additions and alterations during progress and after completion for conformity with building codes and fire codes, approved plans and specifications. On-site inspections require checking zoning setbacks, compliance with land development codes and all phases of construction during progress from beginning to completion.

Explains, interprets, provides guidance, and confers with planners, developers, contractors, building/facility managers, architects, engineers, and related professional organizations, as necessary, to promote an understanding of local and state life safety and fire codes.

Coordinates activities with the local Fire Marshal (Division Chief, Fire Prevention), building inspectors, planners, engineers and other agency staff.

Conducts inspections of places of public assembly such as: auditoriums, theaters, halls, businesses, industrial, temporary structures or tents, and institutional occupancies, for existing or potential fire and life safety hazards and compliance with municipal fire prevention regulations.

Conducts inspections of fire protection systems and devices in buildings and structures within the county such as: fire sprinklers, heat and smoke detectors and other private fire protection devices.

Investigates and reports on complaints received from any concerned person, group or agency on matters concerning hazardous conditions or practices. Resolves these complex and sensitive service issues either personally, electronically, by telephone, or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.

Performs research on codes and ordinances as assigned to evaluate and recommend improvements to codes and ordinances. Researches problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance. Responds to complex and sensitive building issues.

Drives a County and or personal vehicle to perform required duties.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of standard building and fire safety codes.

Ability to read and understand complicated plans and blueprints.

Ability to enforce building and fire safety codes.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to prepare and submit narrative and statistical reports.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

Skill in the operation of the following equipment: personal computer, to include associated software, calculator, fax machine, copying machine, and telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; taste or smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move in excess of 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to wet, humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold and heat (non-weather); risk of electrical shock; radiation, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.