Job Description

Job PostingHalifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for permanent position of Plans Examination Specialist in Fire Prevention with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE).Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality\'s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.Under the direction of the Manager of Internal and Investigative Services, the Plans Examination Specialist analyzes and interprets complex construction documents, including review of fire protection systems, alternate solutions, occupant loads, emergency responder access, water supply, fire and life safety code compliance and firefighter safety.The Plans Examination Specialist is responsible for the effective transition of buildings from the building permit stage to occupancy, including a final inspection where necessary, and provides instruction to building owners concerning their responsibilities under the Fire Safety Act.The Plans Examination Specialist conducts themselves in a professional, competent manner at all times when representing HRM with building owners, tenants, outside agencies and internal service providers.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews building plans and property development proposals for the purpose of advising on HRFE\'s interests, in addition to ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and By-laws.
• Attends and/or arranges for final inspections of new buildings to support transition to Occupancy and HRFE\'s jurisdiction.
• Develops and maintains educational material, procedures, and templates for the purpose of communicating to an owner their responsibilities under the Fire Safety Act.
• Provide technical advice and direction to Professional Architects, Engineers, Contractors, HRM staff, external agencies, and the public.
• Researches alternate products, materials and methods of construction for compliance, and make recommendations.
• As AHJ reviews and approves acceptable alternate / objective based solutions.
• Recommends changes in code to resolve interpretation problems and to accommodate and control new methods and materials.
• Provides coordination with operations staff regarding fire and life safety issues.
• Maintains plan review data status on computer. Updates status as necessary.
• Maintains plan review records and files.
• Participates as a committee member in various groups as appropriate and attends meetings relating to plan review, building safety, fire and life safety, and construction.
• Reviews and coordinates the development of operational policies and guidelines, and recommends any changes or additions deemed necessary.
• Advises architects, engineers, contractors, the general public, and staff on code changes, interpretations, new methods and materials; negotiates solutions to code conformance problems and fire and life safety issues.
• Responsible under the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) as defined in the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act to have a direct responsibility for health and safety as an essential part of their work.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Level 2 Building Official Diploma of Qualification and ability to obtain Level 2 Fire Inspector Certification.
• Minimum ten (10) years\' relevant experience administering the Fire Safety Act and Regulations, Building Code Act and Regulations and/or related legislation.
• Considerable experience reviewing complex building plans (ex: high rise, industrial) similar to those found in HRM considered an asset.
• Must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver\'s License.
• Must be able to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check

Technical /Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of various standards and references including but not limited to CSA, NFPA, CCMC, ULC, CGSB.
• Thorough knowledge of the Building Code Act, Fire Safety Act, Province of Nova Scotia, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP), The Municipal Government Act, Province of Nova Scotia, Applicable HRM By-Laws.
• Knowledge of business-related software and technology, i.e., spreadsheets, databases, word processing, email, etc. (FDM, POSSE LMS, Microsoft\'s Product Suite and Hansen Information System would be considered an asset).

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants will be required to complete an employment security screening check.Competencies: Analytical Thinking, Organization/Planning, Customer Service, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity, Communication, Conflict Management, Risk Management, Decision Making, Managing Change, Values & EthicsWORK STATUS: Permanent, Full-timeHOURS OF WORK: Hours of work in accordance with IAFF Local 268 Article 9.02.1. Work outside these hours is frequently required to meet deadlines and/or attend required meetings.SALARY: $98,685.90 (90% of Firefighter 1)WORK LOCATION: 7 Mellor AveCLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Sunday August 4, 2024. Candidates must have an active email account. Correspondence regarding the status of your application will be sent via email throughout the process. Late submissions will not be considered.Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.

Halifax