Fire Plans Examiner

Job Summary & General Information

Under general direction of the Deputy Fire Marshal, the Fire Plans Examiner is responsible for reviewing building plans, fire and life safety systems, and other fire-related construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable City and State fire codes and standards. This position focuses on evaluating fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, egress components, and fire-rated construction elements to enhance public safety and fire prevention efforts. Additionally, the Fire Plans Examiner assists in issuing permits, coordinating plan approvals, and providing technical guidance to architects, engineers, and contractors. The Fire Plans Examiner must be a certified Fire Inspector (State of Georgia or ICC) and may be required to conduct new construction inspections or site visits to verify compliance with approved plans and fire code regulations. ## Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the **minimum ** qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Review building plans and fire-related construction documents to verify compliance with local, state, and national fire and life safety codes, including NFPA standards, the International Fire Code (IFC), and Georgia State Fire Marshal requirements.
• Conduct new construction inspections and site visits to verify compliance with approved plans and fire code regulations.
• Evaluate fire protection and life safety systems such as automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms, smoke control systems, standpipes, and emergency power systems.
• Ensure fire-rated construction components (e.g., fire doors, fire walls, and dampers) meet required fire resistance levels and egress safety regulations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors to resolve design and compliance issues, providing guidance on fire protection and code requirements.
• Issue fire permits for various fire protection systems, hazardous materials use, and special events requiring fire safety considerations.
• Support enforcement of fire codes by reviewing variance requests, issuing notices of violation when necessary, and coordinating corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical resource for other Fire Marshal’s Office staff, providing training and updates on fire safety codes and best practices.
• Assist in maintaining a digital plan review and records management system, tracking project approvals, permit issuance, and compliance reports.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings and provide code interpretation support to ensure early compliance with fire safety requirements.
• Collaborate with other City departments, including Building, Planning, and Engineering, to streamline the permitting and plan review process.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.
• If Assigned as a State Certified Firefighter additional duties may include participation in emergency response activities, compliance with ongoing training and physical readiness standards, and fulfillment of firefighter responsibilities and physical requirements consistent with those outlined in the Firefighter job description. Knowledge of :
• Methods and techniques of fire department administration.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and Georgia State Fire Codes.
• International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), and Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).
• Fire protection systems, including sprinklers, standpipes, alarms, and smoke control systems.
• Building construction methods, fire-resistive materials, and egress design principles.
• Local zoning ordinances, special event fire safety requirements, and hazardous materials permitting.
• Permit and plan review procedures, including digital records management systems.
• Methods and techniques of public education pertinent to fire prevention and safety.
• Principles and techniques of research and analysis.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to :
• Perform detailed plan reviews and issue approvals in a timely manner.
• Interpret and apply fire safety codes and regulations to building plans and fire protection systems.
• Identify code deficiencies and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Conduct field inspections and site visits to verify fire code compliance.
• Work effectively with developers, engineers, and contractors to facilitate compliance.
• Communicate fire safety regulations clearly through reports, correspondence, and presentations.
• Operate permitting software and maintain accurate digital records of plan reviews and approvals.
• Provide expert recommendations on fire prevention measures and public safety initiatives.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, press, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

  Minimum Qualifications

  Required:

• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in fire plan review, fire protection engineering, building inspections, or related fields.
• Certification as a Fire Plans Examiner (ICC or NFPA) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Certification as a Fire Inspector (State of Georgia or ICC) is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and permitting software systems.

• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license. Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Engineering, or a related field

• GA Firefighter certification and/or NPQ 1 Firefighter

  Physical Demands & Work Environment

  Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils.  Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking on uneven terrain and construction sites, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards.  Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet. 

  Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment. 

  Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ## Supplemental Information This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change. The City of Alpharetta is an  Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.  All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications). In compliance with the  Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 , the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace. Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.