Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner

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Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner

Salary

$9,162.40 - $10,876.67 Monthly

Location

Berkeley, CA

Job Type

Career

Job Number

2017-01-35090

Department

Fire

Opening Date

01/23/2017

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR BERKELEY

Berkeley, California is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay. 

As an employer, the City of Berkeley offers all the benefits of a career in the public sector while fostering diversity, creativity, and innovation. Join a team of high-caliber, experienced staff with a shared mission of serving the Berkeley community and promoting an accessible, safe, healthy, environmentally-sound and culturally-rich city.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The City of Berkeley's Fire Department is currently accepting applications for Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner. The position reviews and approves plans and specifications for fire suppression and fire alarm systems; reviews building construction and site development plans for compliance with federal, state, and local fire and life safety codes and City ordinances; provides fire code related technical review and advice in consultations with City staff, and in discussions with architects, contractors, and other members of the general public at the counter and by telephone; applies knowledge of the applicable California Building Standards Code in building and safety plan checking; and performs related work as assigned.
 
TYPICAL DUTIES:
The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification, or is similar or closely related to another duty statement. 

  • Examines plans and specifications of commercial, industrial, public or other major developments to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local fire safety codes and ordinances;
  • Reviews plans and specifications for compliance with exiting requirements and fire resistive construction, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, and other fire protection systems; 
  • Reviews site development plans for proposed buildings and modifications to existing buildings to ensure adequate water supply, fire hydrant availability, and firefighting equipment and rescue access;
  • Provides technical expertise and training to staff in the Planning and Development and Fire Departments in fire and life safety requirements in accordance with Federal, State, local fire and life safety codes and City ordinances. 
  • Acts on behalf of the Fire Marshal, provides technical advice to other City staff, architects, engineers, developers, building owners, City commissions and boards, and the general public on the interpretation or application of fire safety codes and regulations;
  • Assists the Fire Prevention Inspectors and Building and Safety plan check staff with California Building Standards Code in plan checking; and 
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

This recruitment may close without notice once a sufficient number of applications have been received but no sooner than February 21, 2017 at 5pm PST.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
 
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire protection engineering, civil or mechanical engineering, or a related field may be substituted for one year of required work experience. Must possess valid International Code Council (ICC) Fire Plans Examiner or California State Fire Marshal approved equivalent Certification by date of appointment.

Experience:
Three years of experience in fire protection design or fire code enforcement performing plan checks and inspections of fire suppression and fire alarm installations, and fire safety inspection and enforcement of the California Building Standards Code.
 
 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
 
Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Knowledge of: California Fire Code, California Building Code, and California Mechanical Code, and their applications in the areas of fire protection and life safety; Blueprint reading, complex regulations, construction methods, and the characteristics, qualities, and properties of related materials and construction methods; Federal, State, and local fire safety codes and ordinances governing housing and building construction, rehabilitation, alteration, use and occupancy  classifications, and exiting systems; and Appropriate fire resistive construction building methods. 


Ability to: Review building plans for permit issuance, answer inquiries and complaints from the public regarding fire and safety code requirements; Resolve issues in an effective and efficient manner; Communicate effectively orally and in writing; Deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals, including property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, public, and City staff; and Make accurate calculations of required fire flows, determination of the building area, assembly requirements, and permit fees.

EXAM PROCESS

Applicants must submit the following:
  1. CITY OF BERKELEY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
  2. RESUME
  3. RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
All materials must be received in our office no later than the closing date, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Postmarks, faxes and incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Your application and supplemental questionnaire must be filled out completely. Resumes may also be submitted but are not a substitute for a completed application.

All application materials will be reviewed to ensure all materials have been submitted and to verify qualifications.
 
Applicants who possess the minimum qualifications and have complete application materials will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that the Planning Department will use to conduct final selection interviews. The Planning Department will contact applicants directly if selected to participate in the hiring/selection process.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background / reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
 
DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content. Components may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any particular assessment component or combination of components as needs dictate.

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency / disaster.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS 

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, other credentials, credit check, criminal history check, and Live Scan fingerprinting. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER 

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER 

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.

ELIGIBILITY
Employees must have a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week to be eligible for benefits. Less than full-time employees receive pro-rated benefits.

RETIREMENT
CalPERS
City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is either 2% at age 62, or 2.7% at age 55 depending on the individual's eligibility. Employees are vested in CalPERS after 5 years of full-time service. A new employee's contribution to CalPERS will range from 8%-15.25% depending on membership in CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement plan.

SRIP
The City contributes 6.7% of the employee's salary (up to a maximum annual salary of $32,400) into a 401(a) Supplemental Retirement Income Plan account (SRIP).The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Three voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are offered. Employees may contribute up to $19,000 per year on a pre-tax basis.

MEDICAL PLANS
The City offers a choice of a Kaiser HMO Plan or Sutter Health Plus Plan. The City contributes up to the full family premium for the Kaiser HMO Plan. Employees pay additional premium costs if they choose the Sutter Health Plus Plan. Employees who have medical coverage under another plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

DENTAL PLAN
The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental Plan of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides employees with a $25,000 Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

SICK LEAVE
Twelve days of paid sick leave earned annually.

VACATION
Vacation is accrued at the following annual rate: Two weeks per year for the first three years; Three weeks in years 4 – 11; Four weeks in years 12 – 17; Five weeks in years 18 – 24; Six weeks in 25 years and after. Some public health, mental health and library classifications may have accelerated vacation accruals – please check with the Human Resources Department for additional information.

HOLIDAYS
Thirteen regular holidays and three floating holidays annually.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The City provides long-term disability insurance that provides partial income replacement in the event of disability. Benefit is paid at 60% of salary.

RETIREE MEDICAL COVERAGE
The City pays a portion of the medical premiums of the retiree and eligible spouse or domestic partner based upon years of service. Requires at least 8 years of CalPERS service with the City and is at least age 55.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP
The City subsidizes the services for most employees by paying for 75% of the membership fee. Employees who choose to join, pay for the remainder of the fee. The Berkeley Downtown YMCA is across the street from the Civic Center Building.

TRANSIT SUBSIDY
The City provides annual free Eco-pass for AC Transit, and an IRC 132(f) plan for transit vouchers where employees may set aside pre-tax income to pay for public transportation expenses. City contributes $20 per month to the plan for employees using public transportation.
 

01
Please indicate the number of full-time years of work experience you have in fire protection design or fire code enforcement performing plan checks and inspections of fire suppression and fire alarm installations, and fire safety inspection and enforcement of the California Building Standards Code.
  • 0 to less than 2 years
  • 2 to less than 3 years
  • 3 to less than 4 years
  • 4 or more years
02
Do you have a four-year degree from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in fire protection engineering, civil or mechanical engineering, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered yes to the question above, please indicate degree and major coursework.
04
Please indicate which Certificate(s) you posses and attach a copy to your application.
  • International Code Council (ICC) Fire Plans Examiner Certificate
  • Other
05
If you answered 'other' to the question above, please indicate the name and type of certification.
06
Please describe your work experience and types of occupancies that you have conducted fire, life safety and building code compliance reviews for. Please provide detailed examples. DO NOT TYPE "SEE RESUME".
07
Please describe your work experience in performing code compliance reviews associated with the design and installation of the following systems and equipment: DO NOT TYPE "SEE RESUME". a. Fire service undergrounds, standpipe systems and water based fire protection systems b. Fire alarm systems c. Smoke control or smoke venting systems d. Building mechanical systems including fuel-fired equipment, Emergency and Standby power systems, mechanical refrigeration, elevator systems e. Fire and smoke protection features as required in California Building Code Chapter 7
08
Resume: I acknowledge that I am required to attach a resume with my application in order to be considered for the position. Resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
  • Yes
09
I acknowledge that I have reviewed all my answers to all above supplemental questions for accuracy.
  • Yes

Required Question

Agency
City of Berkeley
Address
2180 Milvia Street (1st floor)
Human Resources Department
Berkeley, California, 94704
Phone
(510) 981-6800
Website
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/jobs
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