Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Job Summary:

Under general direction, this position primarily involves the review and analysis of fire protection system plans and specifications, the inspection and supervision the testing of these systems per the approved plans, and the acceptance and approval of the installed system. Additional plan review responsibilities include building plans review, and all related inspections. Responsibilities include participation in the review of building and fire codes and standards, including the research, analysis, and interpretation of codes and standards for uniform applicability within the jurisdiction, responding to requests for information concerning the fire code and related standards, and assisting and advising architects, builders, property owners, developers, other governmental agencies, and members of the public with respect to building and fire code requirements, equipment, and system specifications and related fire protection system requirements.

Scope of Responsibility:

Incumbents have a high degree of understanding of department or functional operations and are able to work with considerable initiative. Working under limited management guidance, incumbents perform work requiring administration of department rules and may establish precedents within delegated areas of responsibility. Work product has noticeable impact on departmental operations. Incumbents must have the ability to exercise discretion regarding confidential matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans Review and Code Enforcement
• Performs code compliance and analytical plan review by facilitating and attending meetings; generates plan review comments and reports; performs detailed analysis of potential fire hazards and coordination of various fire protection systems; coordinates fire and life safety aspects of design disciplines; and analyzes hydraulic, battery and other plan specific calculations.
• Conducts comprehensive technical plan review of proposed projects to determine compliance with adopted codes and standards.
• Checks and reviews building plans prior to issuance of permits; reviews and approves construction and permit documents for commercial permit applications, and in relation to fire prevention laws and codes.
• Evaluates performance based design and alternative methods and materials by reading and reviewing corresponding documents; facilitating and attending meetings; reviewing required codes and standards; and understanding fire dynamics.
• Performs code consulting and interpretations by facilitating and attending meetings; placing and returning calls; and documenting interpretations.
• Enforces adopted codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Represents Building Division at meetings to review new construction projects.
• Performs technical research on various codes and standards; reads technical journals; performs internet searches; writes reports; and makes recommendations.
• Performs site inspections during various phases of construction.
• Creates and issues fire protection permits
• Verifies qualifications of designers and installers.
• Reviews reports from third parties regarding installation, maintenance, and testing of systems.
• Division Operations
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Provides staff assistance to the Building Official and Deputy Building Official; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures.
• May serve on a variety of committees and boards related to community development and fire prevention.
• Maintains required continuing education units (CEUs), attends job related training, seminars, and classes, including out of town travel for extended periods.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire protection engineering, engineering technology, or related field
• One (1) year or more experience in fire system review, design, or project management

OR

• Five (5) or more years of full-time experience in preparing or reviewing plans and specifications for fire protection systems
• Must have certifications from National Institute Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), International Code Council (ICC), and/or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

AND

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Must have the ability to operate personal computers and mobile devices
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, plan review, and permitting software
• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license or must be obtained within thirty (30) days of employment

AND

• If the applicant does not have an engineering degree or license, they must obtain their International Building Code (IBC) inspector and International Fire Code (IFC) fire plans examiner certifications within six (6) months of employment
• With an engineering degree, the successful applicant will have one (1) year to obtain their International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) fire plans examiner certifications

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Work is a combination of indoors in a normal office environment and outside in the elements. Intermittent physical effort involving lifting of 60 pounds or less is required. Work requires high attention to detail or deadlines between 15% and 45% of the time. A typical workday involves exposure to disagreeable elements at least one of which is intense between 15% and 45% of the time. Frequent driving on department business will be necessary.