Fire Protection Technologist / Plans Examiner

Position Overview

Reviews plans submitted for compliance to relevant Codes and By-laws, especially dealing with fire protection and fire safety system(s) design, installation, and operation, and inspects such installations for compliance during construction, upon acceptance and re­inspection, as required.

Responsibilities

Office-based plans review:

• Examines architectural/engineering plans submitted for compliance to the Fire Code, related regulations and other applicable laws.
• Communicates with the owners, applicants, designers, architects and professional engineers where appropriate to secure compliance and in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Responds to enquiries, provides written/verbal code interpretations, assistance and advice to the public, developers, builders, design professionals and internal/external government agencies with respect to fire protection and life safety requirements.
• Reviews site plans for compliance to relevant Codes and By-laws affecting fire protection and reviews and provides comments on proposed plans of subdivision and site plan agreements, as required, relative to fire protection.
• Liaises with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service staff, other internal Departments and external government agencies on fire and life safety issues.
• Maintains a record of comments made and inspections carried out and completes required reports in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Identifies and documents non-compliance with approved plans so as to facilitate enforcement action and to present evidence in court as required.
• Participates on technical committees, as assigned.

Inspections:

• Performs field inspections of new buildings and fire protection installations to ensure compliance with the approved plans, the Fire Code, related regulations, and other applicable laws, as required.

Other Duties:

• Performs other related tasks and projects as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary department and corporate objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and the Corporate Health & Safety policy and all Corporate policies and related procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act (AODA) and related policy and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-Secondary Diploma in Building Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or Fire Protection.
• Consideration will be given to candidates that have successfully completed the general legal process & fire protection examination programs administered or authorized by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for qualifications as an Inspector under the Category of Fire Protection.
• Min. (2) years’ related experience with demonstrated aptitude for fire prevention/inspection duties.
• A valid Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for field work and corporate use.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret building plans and drawing, understanding construction details and features as well as industrial/manufacturing processes.
• Excellent public relation presentation and communication skills, detailed technical report presentation capabilities and excellent written correspondence skills.
• Thorough working knowledge of applicable by-laws, codes and regulations.
• Ability to maintain qualifications of any and all provincial/municipal legislatively required certifications.
• Working knowledge of applicable Codes and Regulations and technical aspects of fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, sprinkler systems, fire/booster pumps, suction and gravity tanks, standpipes, underground water supply piping, and special hazard systems for processes that can include those previously listed as well as control/extinguishing systems using clean agents, C02, dry chemical, foam/water solutions and combinations of systems integrated to provide life safety and/or fire control or extinguishment, such as smoke evacuation systems in high-rise buildings with standpipes, fire pumps, and sprinkler systems, or explosion or fire suppression in material handling or air-moving systems such as dust collection systems or chemical vapor removal systems, and specific fire protection measures as may be set out in the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code for various industries.
• Excellent analytical, report writing and verbal communications skills, along with the ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public and staff.
• Computer literacy in a Windows environment utilizing work processing, spreadsheet, database, and computer aided design software systems. Working knowledge of AMANDA database information system considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of NFPA standards.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to be dynamic in completing work within the required deadlines.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City’s core as well as relevant departmental functional competencies.
• Registered Professional Engineer with experience in Fire and Fire Protection systems is preferred.
• NFPA 1031, Level 1; NFPA 1035, Level 1; NFPA 1033- each considered an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Participate in and pass all components of an occupation specific medical and job simulation test circuit arranged by the corporation, determining (but not limited to) physical ability to climb stairs and ladder, kneel, bend walk for prolonged hours; lift and carry objects of varying weights; normal colour vision and acuity standards. Candidates failing to meet these requirements will be removed from the applicant pool.
• Successful candidate(s) will be required to submit a clear Vulnerable Sector Check from an accredited Police Service, prior to commencing employment.
• Successful candidate(s) will be required to submit a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract, prior to commencing employment.