Fire Code Compliance and Plan Review Specialist

Position Description

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking a highly knowledgeable and motivated Fire Code Compliance and Plan Review Specialist with extensive expertise in the International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. This role is integral to safeguarding life safety in Harris County by conducting detailed plan reviews, evaluating alternative design proposals, and serving as a subject matter expert on fire code issues. The Specialist will also collaborate with developers, design professionals, and internal partners, and maintain strong relationships with state and national code development organizations.

Conduct technical reviews of building and site development plans for compliance with the IFC, NFPA standards, and Harris County amendments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and provide recommendations on alternative methods, code modifications, and code interpretations submitted for review.
• Support the application of fire and life safety codes through code interpretation during plan reviews and inspections, working with recognized partners such as ICC and NFPA as needed.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, developers, and permitting staff to resolve complex code compliance issues.
• Serve as a liaison between the Fire Marshal’s Office and other Harris County departments, including Engineering, to coordinate on matters related to the Harris County Fire Code.
• Maintain active communication and networking with ICC, NFPA, and local stakeholders involved in code discussions.
• Participate in code amendment processes, code update initiatives, and process development.
• Utilize a variety of computer applications and databases to manage reviews, track issues, and document code determinations.
• Respond to code-related inquiries from the public and stakeholders in a professional and timely manner.
  
  
  

Other Duties:

• The duties listed above are not meant to limit the assignment of work, nor should they be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally performed or list all duties that may be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.
  
  
  

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Required Supporting Documents:

• Resume
• CV
• Letter of intent outlining a minimum of:
• Strong working knowledge of digital tools, including plan review platforms, electronic permitting systems, and Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with regulatory agencies and professional organizations
  
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in fire code enforcement, plan review, or related regulatory enforcement.
• Extensive working knowledge of the International Fire Code (IFC) and relevant NFPA codes and standards.
  
  
  

Certificates and Licenses:

• NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (or ability to obtain within established time frame)
• Texas Fire Commission Plans Examiner (or ability to obtain within established time frame)
• ICC Fire Plans Examiner certification (or ability to obtain within established time frame)
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of digital tools, including plan review platforms, electronic permitting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with regulatory agencies and professional organizations.
  
  
  

NOTICE: Applicants for this position will be subject to a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. This applies to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to an area where CJIS is received, maintained or stored either manually or electronically (i.e. custodian, maintenance).

Automatic Disqualification:

• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for any Felony, and any Class A Misdemeanor.
• Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B Misdemeanor, if within the previous 10 years.
• Open arrest for any criminal offense. (Felony or Misdemeanor)
• Family Violence conviction.
  
  
  

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Public Safety, or a related discipline such as Architecture or Construction Science.
• Active involvement with NFPA and ICC committees, working groups, or chapter activities.
• Familiarity with Harris County codes, development processes, and permit workflows.
  
  
  

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
• 40 Hours Per Week
  
  
  

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
• May be required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to various hazards.
• Work requires the incumbent to maintain necessary physical abilities to perform required job functions.
• Work requires seeing, standing, and walking without assistance a minimum of 300 yards, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, hearing, pushing, pulling, and lifting and carrying fifty (50) pounds.
  
  
  

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.