Under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief for Code Administration, interprets and enforces Virginia Building and Fire Safety codes and regulations.

Examines building plans. Work performed involves independent judgement and action within the framework of laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.

The purpose of this job/class within the organization is enforcement of building and fire codes in the Code Administration division of the City Fire Department.

This job/class works under administrative supervision, performs technical review of architectural drawings, building and construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes, laws, and ordinances.Approves or rejects applications, plans, specifications, and construction documents.

Conducts administrative and technical review of residential and / or commercial plans and construction documents to verify compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Prepares reports and written correspondence documenting the findings of plan review and describe needed corrections.

Effectively communicates with staff and the public orally and in writing.

Confers with design professionals, contractors, and the public to provide information and guidance on building permit submittal requirements.

Provides technical advice and assistance to applicants to help minimize plan review time.

Educates the public and staff on the application of building and fire codes and specific requirements; assist staff and the public with codes and standards interpretation and compliance issues.

Fosters positive employee relations and positive building construction / design industry customer service.

Participates in the Community Risk Reduction program as a subject matter expert on building safety risks.

Examines residential and / or commercial building plans and construction documents for compliance with building and fire codes, and any required third-party listed designs.

Utilizes strong organizational and time management skills to efficiently and effectively complete plan reviews and other assigned work in a timely manner.

Conducts electronic plan review. View and examine plans and construction documents using the provided computer system.

Make recommendations to the Building Official on the use of new materials requested to be used by the building trades within the City of Fairfax.

Make recommendations to the Building Official regarding the request for code modification.

Confers and coordinates with Community Development and Planning and Public Works departments regarding the City’s building and site plan review process.

Participate in a variety of Community Risk Reduction outreach programs sponsored by the City of Fairfax or as requested by private organizations. The work is both during and after normal working hours.

Performs related work as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various type of work that may be performed. 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.

Associate's/Technical degree with coursework in architecture, civil engineering, building construction or related field and considerable experience in building inspections work, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in one or more of the building construction trades or inspection fields, required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Thorough knowledge of the procedures for the review of construction plans.

Thorough knowledge of the common terminology associated with the architectural and engineering profession.

Thorough knowledge of building codes and related laws and ordinances.

General knowledge of the Virginia Building and Fire Codes, laws, and ordinances.

General knowledge of all types of building construction, in general and working knowledge of construction materials and methods.

Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints of ordinary complexity quickly and accurately and to compare them with construction in process.

Ability to check for field compliance with approved plans.

Ability to identify code violations and defects in the field.

Ability to identify poor workmanship, inferior materials, and eminent hazards.

Ability to make appropriate and effective independent decisions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners, architects, engineers, contractors, the general public, and coworkers.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Residential Building Plans Examiner or the ability to obtain such certification within twelve (12) months from date of hire; and/or

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Commercial Building Plans Examiner or the ability to obtain such certification within twelve (12) months from date of hire; and

Possession of valid motor vehicle operator's license recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a safe driving record.