Plans Reviewer (Code Specialist II)

Job Announcement

This position performs the full professional work in the interpretation and enforcement of applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, and internal policies. Evaluates fire and life safety plans and associated documentation and performs related inspections for new construction and alterations to existing construction to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), Statewide Fire Prevention Code ((VSFPC), County Code, and related policies. Prepares appropriate correspondence to architects, engineers, designers, installers, owners, contractors addressing any code-related deficiencies noted during plan reviews. Enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Code, portions of the Virginia Construction Code and referenced NFPA standards by conducting plan reviews to include associated report preparation. Ensures up-to-date technical documents and will assist with internal code-related projects. Performs other duties as assigned to further the goals and objectives of the department. Works under general supervision.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Serves as a technical assistant in the interpretation, development, or enforcement of applicable codes, ordinances, and related internal policies;
• Provides technical interpretation for citizens, staff, and county officials, and ensures compliance and consistency in code ordinance, and regulatory enforcement;
• Evaluates plan submissions for code compliance and completeness and communicates deficiencies;
• Assists in the design and presentation of technical training concerning applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and regulatory requirements;
• Conducts reviews and/or inspections of projects designed or installed by contractors, developers, or individuals to verify compliance with applicable contracts, agreements, county and state codes and regulations;
• Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines;
• Reports and monitors unsafe working conditions;
• Complies with safety competencies.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list.)

• Working knowledge of the industry and of the codes and ordinances that apply to the type of work being regulated;
• Working knowledge of the process by which violations of applicable codes, ordinances, and related internal policies are resolved and the legal procedures for prosecuting such violations;
• Working knowledge of real property descriptions;
• Working knowledge of inspection methods:
• Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate agreements using tact, diplomacy, and persuasion;
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in front of various size groups and to effectively conduct group meetings;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports and suggested code and policy changes and to present findings in a clear and concise format;
• Ability to review site plans and communicate deficiencies;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others;
• Ability to handle interpersonal conflict situations with tact and diplomacy;
• Ability to negotiate and solve problems;
• Ability to comprehend and comply to safety practices.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field of study directly related to the industry being regulated such as engineering, architecture, urban planning, biological or environmental science, public administration, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field; plus two years of progressively more responsible complaint resolution and/or code enforcement experience in the industry being regulated.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's License (Required)
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Code Academy (CORE Module) (Required within 12 months)
• Fire Inspector I/II (NFPA 1031) from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (Required within 12 months)
• VDHCD Fire Protection Plans Examiner (Required within 18 months)

• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Code Academy (CORE Module) Certification
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Fire Protection Plans Examiner Certification
• Fire Inspector I/II (NFPA 1031) from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs certification
• Knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and referenced standards.
• Experience with review of building and tenant drawings for construction type, structural fire resistance, means of egress, and fire protection system requirements.
• Experience, including laboratory and classroom experience, with fire protection systems, water distribution systems, building construction materials, processes and techniques, fire alarm systems, (including circuits and devices), codes, and standards.
• Experience with engineering calculation techniques for occupant loads, egress capacity, exit access travel distance, hydraulics, fire alarm circuitry, and for structural fire resistance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs and terrain features, drive motor vehicles. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.