BUILDING SUBCODE OFFICIAL / FIRE PROTECTION SUBCODE OFFICIAL

Code: 06630 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of the Construction Official, has the subordinate administrative responsibility for administering the building subcode of the State Uniform Construction Code within the concerned jurisdiction, and inspects and/or supervises the inspection of buildings in construction projects underway to ensure that compliance with plans and specifications approved in accord with State Uniform Construction Code is achieved; does other related duties.

Under direction of the Construction Official, is responsible for administering the fire protection subcode of the State Uniform Construction Code within the concerned jurisdiction; inspects and/or supervises the inspection of construction projects under way to ensure that compliance with plans and specification for fire protection approved in accord with State Uniform Construction Code is achieved; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Reviews and approves plans of proposed structures as provided in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code regulations for conformity with building and energy subcodes.
• Has charge of building inspection staff and activities concerned in the inspection of construction projects.
• Develops the inspection work program with effective and appropriate procedures, analyzes construction inspection problems, and establishes appropriate work methods.
• Has final responsibility in the inspection for building and energy subcode compliance of all new construction and renovation projects.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Gives appropriate assignments, instruction, and supervision to building inspectors and clerical employees.
• Inspects, evaluates, and supervises the inspection of construction work in projects underway to ensure that all work installed conforms to the requirements of the approved plans and the building and energy subcodes and the regulations of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
• Supervises code compliance for building and energy subcodes of all construction and contractors to ensure that required standards are observed in accord with approved plans and specifications.
• Halts construction work by contractors when and if reasonable standards of craftship, safety, and plans, specifications, and/or legal requirements are not being observed.
• Collects and records permit and other fees, issues permits, and verifies that required prior approvals have been obtained and is responsible for ensuring that these actions are in accord with the regulations for the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with architects, engineers, and construction personnel.
• Reviews construction to ensure that all materials, methods, and assemblies conform to the standards referenced by the code and manufacturers' installation directions as well as other matters not shown in a set of plans but required for conformity with the code.
• Issues site warnings, citations, and stop work orders in cases of serious violations of the adopted subcodes or regulations which might endanger the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public or building occupants.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of violation reports.
• Testifies in court and in administrative hearings.
• Prepares inspection reports showing the progress of work on each project relative to construction code compliance, weather conditions, and the percentage of the project completed.
• Prepares correspondence.
• Maintains and supervises the maintenance of records, reports, and files required to show the details of each project inspected.
• Establishes inspection schedules for building inspection staff and ensures that all buildings being constructed or renovated are inspected at critical points during the course of construction as provided for in regulations for the Uniform Construction Code.
• Identifies, inspects, and supervises the inspection of the placement of materials being incorporated in the construction and renovation of buildings located within the jurisdiction to ensure that they conform to the approved plans and that they meet the necessary performance standards established in the regulations for the Uniform Construction Code and subcode.
• Serves subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of violations of the Uniform Construction Code and building subcode.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Reviews and approves plans of proposed structures as provided in the Uniform Construction Code regulations for conformity with the fire protection subcode.
• Has charge of the fire protection inspection staff and activities concerned in the inspection of construction projects.
• Develops the inspection work program with effective and appropriate procedures, analyzes fire protection inspection problems, and establishes appropriate work methods.
• Has the final responsibility in the inspection for fire protection compliance of all new construction and renovation projects.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Provides appropriate assignments, instruction, and supervision for fire protection inspectors and clerical employees.
• Inspects, evaluates, and supervises the inspection of construction work in projects under way to ensure that all work installed conforms to the requirements of the approved plans and the fire protection subcode and the regulations of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
• Has the responsibility in supervising the code compliance for the fire protection subcode of all construction and contractors to ensure that required standards are observed in accord with approved plans and specifications.
• Take the initiative in halting construction work by contractors when and if reasonable standards of workmanship, safety, plans, specification, and/or legal requirements are not being observed.
• Collects and records permits and other fees, and verifies that required prior approvals have been obtained and is responsible for the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with architects, engineers, and construction personnel.
• Reviews construction to ensure that all materials, methods, and assemblies conform to the standards referenced by the code and manufacturers installation directions as well as other matters not shown in a set of plans but required for conformity with the code.
• Issues on-site warnings, citations, and stop work orders in cases of serious violations of the adopted subcode or regulations that might endanger the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public or building occupants.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of violation reports.
• Testifies in court and in administrative hearings.
• Prepares inspection reports showing the progress of work on each project relative to construction code compliance, weather conditions, and the percentage of the project completed.
• Maintains and supervises the maintenance of records, reports, and files required to show the details of each project inspected.
• Establishes inspection schedules for fire protection inspection staff and ensures that all buildings being constructed or renovated are inspected at critical points during the course of construction as provided for in regulations for the Uniform Construction Code.
• Identifies, inspects, and supervises the inspection of the placement of materials being incorporated in the construction and renovation of buildings located within the jurisdiction to ensure that they conform to the approved plans and that they meet the necessary performance standards established in the regulations for the Uniform Construction Code and the fire protection subcode.
• Serves subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of violations of the Uniform Construction Code and fire protection subcode.
• Assists the construction official in the preparation of all reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Applicants must possess a valid license as a Building Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Applicants must possess a valid license as a Fire Protection Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

NOTE: Applicants must also possess a valid license as a Fire Protection Inspector at the appropriate level, residential and commercial (RCS), industrial and commercial (ICS), or high-rise and hazardous (HHS), depending on the class of structure, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• There are two (2) classes of licenses that are cumulative in terms of knowledge and abilities. The basic license (ICS) comprises the core knowledge and abilities for this title:
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations concerning all types of fire protection measures.
• Knowledge of the organization and content of the Uniform Construction Code regulations.
• Knowledge of the organization and content of the fire protection subcode and its background, purpose, history, place in local government structure, and relation to construction code enforcement programs at other levels of government.
• Knowledge of classification of structures into class categories.
• Knowledge of systems design and installation practices required by the uniform construction code and/or its referenced standards for active and passive fire suppression, fire detection, and fire alarm systems.
• Knowledge of basic fire protection requirements.
• Knowledge of height and area limitations.
• Knowledge of fire resistance ratings of structural components, arrangement, sizing, and protection means of egress.
• Knowledge of flame spread and smoke generated requirements.
• Knowledge of combustibility of materials.
• Knowledge of requirements for installation of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
• Knowledge of chimneys, flues, and vents.
• Knowledge of heating equipment and appliances.
• Knowledge of basic plan reading sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of testing methods, agencies, and test verification procedures incorporated in the code for combustibility and flame spread of materials.
• Knowledge of the use of basic inspection tools and test methods.
• Knowledge of the construction process for smaller buildings and the points at which inspection must be made.
• Knowledge of basic inspection report writing including the preparation of violation notices and required inspection record keeping.
• Knowledge of the material requirements found in the electrical code.
• Knowledge of the proper installation methods for all approved materials.
• Knowledge of the relationship of fire prevention codes which regulate the use and occupancy of industrial and commercial buildings, and fire protection codes which regulate their construction.
• Knowledge of fire prevention code provisions, enforcement procedures, and objectives including the protection of places of assembly.
• Knowledge of the fire prevention code regulatory process which will ensure an understanding of the manner in which those fire hazards not regulation by the construction code can be regulated in the interest of public safety and fire protection.
• Knowledge of the information pertaining to structural, architectural, mechanical, fire protection, and electrical features of buildings which must be shown on the plans to ensure compliance with requirements of the code.
• Knowledge of analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.
• Knowledge of field inspection and controlled inspection techniques necessary to ensure that the materials installed at the construction site are of the appropriate strength and quality.
• Ability to review plans to determine the adequacy of fire alarm systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code, fire protection subcode, and other laws, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to fire protection.
• Ability to carry out the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and fire protection subcode as they relate to residential and small commercial structures.
• Ability to review fire protection provisions of plans and specifications prepared by others for accuracy and conformity.
• Ability to give assignments and instructions to individuals and groups, provide them with advice and assistance when difficult and unusual problems arise, and check their work to see that proper procedures are followed.
• Ability to work harmoniously with other municipal unit heads and with private contractors and architects.
• Ability to make thorough investigations, inspections, and investigations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to prosecute violations of the fire protection subcode by appearing in court.
• Ability to recognize approved materials found in the electrical code.
• Ability to understand the standards and test methods which lead to approval.
• Ability to ensure that all materials are installed in accord with proper methods.
• The highest level license (HHS) incorporates all knowledge and abilities previously listed, and these following;
• Knowledge of fire protection material requirements established by the code including testing and listed procedures, and an understanding of test methods.
• Knowledge of code requirements related to fire divisions in buildings exceeding the height and area limitations established in the code.
• Knowledge of code requirements related to unlimited area buildings.
• Knowledge of design analysis methods needed to ensure that fire protection elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret test reports for both active and passive fire protection requirements of systems of the type required to be incorporated in class I buildings.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: LG - MCK 04/20/04
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• DUAL TITLE CODE: <b></b>

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants must also posses a valid license as a Building Inspector at the appropriate level, residential and commercial (RCS), industrial and commercial (ICS), or high-rise and hazardous (HHS), depending on the class of structure, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

<b>KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: BY LICENSE: CATEGORY</b>

RCS License

Knowledge of provisions of the Uniform Construction Code.

Knowledge of procedures used in inspecting buildings to determine compliance with the law.

Knowledge of effective means of obtaining and maintaining liaison between municipal authorities and private contractors.

Knowledge of preparing building estimates in accord with current trends.

Knowledge of structural design and analysis techniques necessary to check compliance with the Uniform Construction Code particularly with regard to wood framing, light steel, and wall bearing systems which include foundation, wall, floor, and roof framing systems.

Knowledge of material standards, code, and enforcement requirements related to weatherability and durability of installed construction materials.

Knowledge of fire protection requirements.

Knowledge of inspection tools and test methods.

Knowledge of the organization and content of the Uniform Construction Code.

Knowledge of the preparation of violation notices and prescribed inspection record keeping.

Knowledge of the classification of structures into class categories.

Ability to analyze and interpret the Uniform Construction Code and other laws, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to building.

Ability to carry out provisions of the Uniform Construction Code as they relate to residential and small commercial structures.

Ability to prepare building construction plans and specifications and to review for accuracy and feasibility those prepared by others.

Ability to give suitable assignments and instructions to individuals and groups, provide them with advice and assistance when difficult and unusual problems arise, and check their work to see that proper procedures are followed.

Ability to work harmoniously with other municipal unit heads and with private contractors and architects.

Ability to make thorough investigations and inspections.

Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of inspections and investigations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Ability to keep required records and files.

Ability to prosecute violations of the building code by appearing in court.

ICS License

The knowledge and abilities for an RCS license plus the following:

Knowledge of requirements of Uniform Construction Code for Class II construction including organization and content of building subcode.

Knowledge of methods of systematic plans analysis.

Knowledge of structural, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical features of buildings which must be shown on plans to ensure compliance with the Uniform Construction Code.

Knowledge of code requirements related to fire divisions in buildings.

Knowledge of design analysis methods needed to ensure that structural and mechanical elements of buildings depicted on plans do in fact conform to code requirements.

Knowledge of field and controlled inspection techniques necessary to ensure that the materials installed at construction site are of same strength and quality as assumed by the design calculations and that they are installed in the manner required to achieve and preserve that strength.

Ability to carry out the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code as they related to residential and small commercial structures and to industrial and commercial structures.

HHS License

The knowledge and abilities for an RCS and ICS license plus the following:

Knowledge of advanced structural systems including structural design and analysis techniques necessary to check compliance with the code for the heavily loaded and technically advanced systems which characterizes class I buildings.

Knowledge of pile and other foundation systems used to bear very heavy loads.

Knowledge of high-rise framing systems including wind load and seismic considerations.

Knowledge of fire protection system requirements, standards, and design methods for exotic (nonwater) fire suppression system, compartimentation elevator, voice alarm, and other high-rise fire safety systems including material and installation standards and methods for ensuring compliance with those standards.

Knowledge of the requirements for and the design principles involved in the various types of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems found in class I structures with particular emphasis on procedures ensuring adequacy of installation including fire protection requirements for such systems.

Ability to carry out the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code as they relate to residential and small commercial structures, industrial and commercial structures, and to high- rise hazardous structures.

RCS, ICS, and HHS LICENSE(s):

Knowledge of office procedures for inspectors including form and records used and purpose of each.

Knowledge of methods of establishing proper review and approval of permit applications for compliance with the construction code and applicable laws and ordinances under the jurisdiction of related public agencies including application contents, use of procedure and information sheets for applicants, use of check lists for compliance with applicable ordinances, and processing of applications.

Knowledge of legal aspects of code enforcement.

Knowledge of the purpose and fundamentals of stop orders, notices of penalty, and court action.

Knowledge of powers and procedures available to deal with hazardous conditions and emergency situations including emergency work orders and bids and quotations process.

Knowledge of procedures for processing cases involving condemnations and other violations of the subcode from initiation through final compliance.

Knowledge of preparation of case records.

Knowledge of situations requiring a warrant and process of obtaining and issuing the warranty.

Knowledge of the administrative hearing process under the State Construction Code Act.

Knowledge of legal aspects of the operations of the enforcing agencies including legal processes and rules of evidence.

Knowledge of legal responsibilities of inspection personnel.

Knowledge of methods of appealing hearing decisions to court and legal basis of doing so.

Knowledge of related legislation.

Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

CODE: MCK 4/20/2004

<b>FIRE PROTECTION SUBCODE OFFICIAL</b>

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.