Code Specialist III

The primary function of this position is to supervise fire prevention code enforcement teams(s) enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code and standards.
Duties include:

• Supervises fire prevention code enforcement team(s) that handle complex code enforcement issues. Provides technical expertise to internal staff, customers, and other agencies related to the fire code and applicable standards. Implement programs within the unit based on trends and metrics gathered that support fire safety efforts related to fire regulations.
• Prepares and reviews necessary reports for each inspection activity and external presentations. Prepare project summaries as required. Manage applicable databases. Properly prepare summonses as required.
• Oversee inspections of commercial buildings to identify fire code violations or safety hazards prior to issuance of use and occupancy permits, fire prevention code permits, childcare or health care licensed, other state or county business licenses requiring such inspections. Handles and follows through with citizen questions and complaints concerning threats to fire safety and/or life safety.
• Provides fire and rescue personnel, other state and local agencies, contractors, business community and the building/development industry with technical assistance on building code, fire prevention code, and fire and life safety issues.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Prepares and recommends policy implementation changes related to the issuance of permits, the conduct of inspections and the enforcement of applicable codes, ordinances, and county or state regulatory requirements;
• May supervise staff in the execution of code work;
• Coordinates research to gather technical and statistical data necessary to develop and support code changes, determines potential impact on county operations, recommends changes, and assists in implementation of changes to policies and procedures resulting from code amendments;
• Implements and evaluates the effectiveness of policies/procedures for programs and new initiatives;
• Establishes benchmarks, analyzes service utilization trends to improve service delivery;
• Collects, analyzes data to develop quality controls and performance metrics;
• Reviews operations for regulatory/permit compliance and recommends policy and/or operational changes to address issues of non-compliance;
• Serves as a subject matter expert on applicable complex codes, ordinances, regulations, and related internal policies,
• As a subject matter expert provides technical interpretation for citizens, staff and county officials, and ensures compliance and consistency in code ordinance, and regulatory enforcement;
• Designs and presents technical training concerning applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and regulatory requirements;
• Establishes procedures for issuing permits and ensures permit and other fees are assessed, and escrows are established, as appropriate, in accordance with the appropriate codes, ordinances, regulations, and policies;
• Reviews project plans and meets with design professionals, developers, builders and contractors to discuss the more complex code, contract, bond default, or constructability issues and to identify where they may not be in compliance with applicable county and state regulatory requirements;
• Provides direction and oversight of inspections and/or conducts inspections of controversial, or complex projects installed by contractors, developers or individuals to verify compliance with applicable contracts, agreements, county and state codes and regulations;
• Reviews fee structures and provides benchmarking information to applicable senior staff;
• Reviews and approves erosion and sediment control related revisions to subdivision and site plans;
• Directs, mentors, and/or leads staff in the issuance of permits, intake, review, assignment and tracking of plats and plans for development; conduct of inspections, and the enforcement of applicable codes, ordinances, and county or state regulatory requirements;
• Coordinates investigations of complaints of applicable county and state regulatory requirements with other county officials, state agencies, consultants and boards;
• Acts as liaison or mediator or provides direction to staff in resolving disputes in the more difficult cases involving individuals, groups, contractors, or developers;
• Coordinates with county staff on legal issues pertaining to criminal and civil court prosecutions and pursues legal procedures;
• Coordinates case preparation including the collection of evidence and the presentation of testimony as an expert witness;
• Ensures enforcement of county codes or ordinance violations, prepares appropriate notices of violations, summonses and subpoenas;
• Prepares and presents reports to senior management, citizens, and public officials;
• May serve as an expert witness at hearings or in judicial proceedings related to violations of codes, ordinances, or construction or land development project completion issues;
• Reinforces a safety culture and continually seeks to expand safety knowledge through training, mentoring, self-study or other methods of continuous learning;
• Clearly communicates safety expectations;
• Resolves safety-related issues in a timely matter;
• Complies with safety competencies.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list.)

• Thorough knowledge of the industry and of the codes and ordinances that apply to the type of work being regulated;
• Specialized knowledge of the process by which violations of applicable codes, ordinances, and related internal policies are resolved and the legal procedures for prosecuting such violations;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and problems of organizations and management;
  Considerable knowledge of the theory and practice of civil and/or environmental engineering and urban planning;
• Knowledge of topographic and construction surveying;
• Considerable knowledge of land development project completion and bond default resolution;
• Knowledge of common methods and equipment used in engineering construction and inspection methods used in reviewing such work;
• Considerable knowledge of land development processes and requirements, technical aspects pertaining to zoning, related land development codes and authorities, environmental codes, and related involvement of other relevant agencies or departments;
• Knowledge of real property descriptions;
• Considerable knowledge of court system documents;
• Knowledge of corporate database systems, including GIS platforms, required within the business area;
• Knowledge of environmental, geotechnical and concrete and asphalt testing methods;
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of professional and related paraprofessional employees;
• Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate agreements using tact, diplomacy, and persuasion;
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in front of various size groups and to effectively conduct group meetings;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports and suggested code and policy changes and to present findings in a clear and concise format;
• Ability to make accurate drawings and maps;
• Ability to make neat and accurate computations and field notes;
• Ability to effectively supervise/lead professional and paraprofessional employees, including the ability to provide coaching and guidance, monitoring and evaluating performance, and supporting training and development training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field of study directly related to the industry being regulated such as engineering, architecture, urban planning, biological or environmental science, public administration, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field; plus, four years of progressively more responsible complaint resolution and/or code enforcement experience in the industry being regulated.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fire Inspector I/II (NFPA 1031) - Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Code Academy (CORE Module).
• Certification in National Fire Academy Fire Inspection Principles I.
• Certification in National Fire Academy Plans Review for Fire and Life Safety.
• Certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Course Fire Protection Systems Inspection.
• Certification from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Course Plans Review Commercial.

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, and sanctions screening to the satisfaction of the employer.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's license (required)
• Fire Inspector I/II (NFPA 1031) - Virginia Department of Fire Programs (Required within 12 months)
• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Code Academy (CORE Module) (Required within 12 months)

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.

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