Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Inspector/Plan Reviewer

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control is to safeguard those that live, work, learn, and play in Colorado by reducing threats to lives, property and the environment. The Division safeguards the public through: fire prevention and code enforcement; wildfire preparedness, response, suppression, coordination, and management; training and certification; public information and education; and technical assistance to local governments. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control has long had code enforcement responsibilities over gaming establishments, hotel and motel occupancies, fire suppression systems, and waste tire facilities. With the passage of BB09-1151, DFPC assumed primary responsibility for fire and building code enforcement in public schools and junior colleges throughout the State, effective January 1, 2010. With the subsequent passage of HB12-1268, DFPC also assumed from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment primary responsibility for enforcing the Life Safety Code in healthcare facilities statewide, effective July 1, 2013. The primary purpose of the work unit is to ensure that buildings located or to be located in Colorado’s Wildland-Urban Interface, as defined by the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board, are constructed and/or maintained in accordance with the requirements of state statutes, regulations, and adopted codes. To accomplish this purpose, the work unit performs Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with the statute, regulations, and the currently adopted codes as applicable. This position exists to ensure (by reviewing plans, processing documents, inspecting new construction projects, and completing ongoing inspections) that regulated facilities and buildings are constructed and maintained in accordance with requirements in statutes, rules, and adopted codes. This position will perform pre-construction plan review of prepared drawings for compliance with adopted codes and standards; conduct construction site inspections of facilities for code conformance; perform site inspections of fire safety systems; perform maintenance inspections in facilities regulated by the DFPC; provide technical assistance to local governments on matters related to building, fire, and life safety protection; answer inquiries related to building, fire, and life safety protection and interpretation of codes related to plan reviews and inspections performed.

Requirements

Must be Colorado resident at the time of application.
Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado driver's license within 6 months of hire.
In-state travel may be required for up to 30% of the time, necessitating between 1- and 4-night stays on-site.
Occasional travel may be required for training out-of-state for times between 2 days and up to 2 weeks in duration.
This position will operate a state vehicle.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, driving history, drug test and reference checks.
A minimum of two years of experience related to plan review, building inspection, vegetation management or wildfire mitigation, or construction trade work is required.
Knowledge of architectural/construction terminology and documents including plans specifications, and other related permit submittal items shall be required.
International Code Council (ICC) or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Inspector II
ICC Commercial Building Inspector
ICC Residential Building Inspector
ICC Commercial Building Plan Examiner
ICC Residential Plan Examiner
NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Nice To Haves

Experience applying the provisions of multiple codes and standards, such as building, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical codes, on the same project.

Responsibilities

Performs building, fire, and life safety code and other related plan reviews and inspections and verifies completeness, accuracy, and compliance with Colorado statutes, regulations, adopted building codes and referenced standards.
Documents and communicates required information to owners, designer of record, appropriate DFPC staff and others to ensure proper and timely processing of the building and fire permits.
Tracks all projects from initiation through completion.
Conducts independent, document based and/or on-site multi-trade building, fire, and life safety inspections using state and federal regulations.
Witnesses periodic testing of the safety systems within regulated facilities.
Inspects buildings for unsafe practices, equipment, and furnishings.
Interviews staff and occupants regarding building operating conditions, safety issues, and evaluates appropriate training and knowledge of fire safety procedures.
Evaluates building structure and fire rating of building materials and compartmentalization of the structure, exiting requirements, electrical and mechanical systems, and exterior site and area design.
Writes clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of the documented findings and extensive knowledge of regulation sets, guidelines, Principles of Documentation, and program specific protocols, policies and procedures.
Maintain a professional level of knowledge, skills, and ability related to the adopted and enforced codes and standards, and provides technical assistance to local officials and to the public on the interpretation of the adopted codes.
Document and communicate construction and code discrepancies to building owner or personnel and design professionals and follow up on corrections.
The employee shall serve as a primary point of contact for any project assigned.
Creates, records, notifies the appropriate parties, and issues building permits, follows up on Certificates of Occupancy, and other documents as required.
Reviews submitted documents in schools as required and verifies conformance with Division plan review submittal requirements.
The position is responsible for ensuring proper tracking of the project’s documents and submittals (using division data systems and project tracking tools) and responding to such submittals in a timely fashion.
Recommends approval or denial of the final inspection.
The employee may serve as a primary point of contact for the department throughout the duration of the project.
Interacts with architects, engineers, contractors, designers, building owner representatives, and others and communicates the requirements of the permit and inspection processes.
Responds to telephone and written requests from architects, engineers, construction managers, facility managers, administrators and the public.
These requests are for technical assistance to clarify code interpretations, research related issues, and conduct code research as needed.
Issues correction notices as applicable.
Initiates enforcement action as required, only after attaining prior direction and approval from the Branch Chief.

Benefits

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short and long-term disability coverage
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000.
Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.
The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals.
This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more.
Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.
Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
Excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state.
EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.