Deputy Fire Marshal - Plans Reviewer

Position Title:                Deputy Fire Marshal – Plans Reviewer    

Division:                         Fire Prevention Bureau

Reports To:                    Assistant Fire Marshals / Fire Marshal

Status:                            Civilian Position, Non-Exempt, Union Represented 

POSTING DATE:            September 24, 2026

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  October 18, 2026

EMAIL INQUIRIES:          [email protected]       

HIRING SCHEDULE:  

October 19-20                 Review of Applications and Schedule Interviews  

October 26-29                Interviews 

November 1-15               Candidate Selection - Pre-Hire Background and Requisites Check 

December 1                     Expected Hire Date 

JOB DESCRIPTION & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS / PREHIRE REQUISITES INFORMATION 

General Summary:

The Deputy Fire Marshal – Plans Reviewer, under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Fire Marshals and Fire Marshal, performs technical fire and life safety plan reviews for development projects within ESFR’s service area and contracted jurisdictions. Duties include reviewing building and fire protection system plans for compliance with adopted fire and life safety codes, coordinating with municipal departments and project stakeholders, conducting inspections related to development projects, and providing technical assistance regarding fire code requirements and permit processes. Performance evaluations are conducted in accordance with Agency policy.

Essential Job Functions: Responsible for conducting fire prevention and plans review services, including, but not limited to, plan review, code enforcement, inspections, permit coordination, and technical consultation with city and county departments, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public.

Plan Review:

• Reviews/checks building plans submitted to the Agency for compliance with local, state, and federal fire and life safety regulations and nationally recognized standards.


• Reviews fire protection system plans, including fire alarms, fire sprinklers, fire access, hydrant placement, fire flow, water supply, hazardous materials systems, and related fire/life safety features.


• Coordinates plan review comments and correction notices with municipal planning, building, engineering, and public works departments.


• Participates in development review and pre-application meetings as assigned.


• Responds to inquiries regarding proposed development projects and permit requirements.


• Educates customers on permit processes and fire code requirements.


• Manages multiple projects simultaneously to ensure timely and effective review completion.

Fire Inspections:

• Conducts inspections associated with assigned plan reviews to verify approved plans, correction items, fire protection systems, and applicable fire code requirements.


• Assists with fire and life safety inspections of commercial, institutional, manufacturing, and other occupancies.


• Maintains records of inspections, permits, plan reviews, and related documentation.


• Assists Agency personnel with fire code interpretation and enforcement/compliance issues.

Knowledge of:

• Currently adopted International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and applicable NFPA standards.


• Local, state, and federal regulations governing fire and life safety.

• Building construction methods, materials, and fire protection systems.


• Fire inspection techniques and code enforcement practices.


• Hazardous materials recognition and hazardous conditions.


• Municipal development and permitting processes.

Skills and Ability To:

• Read and interpret technical building plans, specifications, and construction documents.


• Effectively communicate technical requirements both orally and in writing.

• Prepare clear correction notices, reports, and recommendations.


• Work effectively with municipal departments, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public.


• Exercise sound judgment related to the application and enforcement of adopted Fire and Building Codes.


• Work independently with limited supervision.


• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with internal and external customers.


• Respond to customer requests in a timely and professional manner.


• Operate computer systems, permitting software, and office equipment.


• Teach and/or impart technical knowledge to others.


• Manage competing priorities and workload demands.

Education and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.


• Associate degree or higher in Fire Prevention, Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering, Building Construction, or related field preferred.


• Must possess the following International Code Council (ICC) Certifications or obtain within one (1) year of hire:
  
  
  
  • Fire Inspector I
  
  
  • Fire Plans Examiner
  
  
  
  


• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in plans review, fire prevention, fire inspections, construction, code enforcement, or related field preferred.


• Experience with permit processing and electronic permitting systems preferred.


• Maintain a Washington State driver's license and a good driving record as identified in Agency policy.


• Maintain EVIP certification to drive Agency-assigned vehicle(s).


• Maintain CPR and Basic First Aid certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Read a computer screen, plans, reports, letters, documents, and training materials.


• Drive personal and Agency vehicles.


• Communicate, express oneself, convey, converse, and exchange information.


• Frequent movement is necessary in office settings, meetings, conferences, and field inspections.


• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs; occasionally positions self to reach high/low workspaces; occasionally kneels; seldom stoops, crouches, or crawls.


• Move, transport, and/or position materials up to 25 pounds.


• Frequently works in an indoor office setting; occasionally required to work prolonged periods during emergencies or inclement weather.


• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


• Successfully pass annual respiratory mask fit test as applicable.


• Successfully pass the Agency’s pre-hire background check, medical, drug screen, and psychological testing.

Working Conditions:  Normally works a 40-hour week as a uniformed employee. The normal working hours are defined in a separate Collective Bargaining Agreement between the employer and the employee. The work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the Agency. Attendance at meetings, development review meetings, inspections, standby at incidents, and responses to emergencies during evening hours, weekends, and holidays may be required. The employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, hazardous chemicals, heat, cold, light, dark, and atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). Work is performed in both office and field environments. Work utilizes standard office software, hardware, and equipment. 

Emergency/Alternate Work Schedule: To ensure the Agency workforce is protected, and to ensure continuity of operations, the employee may be required to work an alternate work schedule (e.g., telework) in the case of an emergency (i.e., epidemic, severe weather conditions, or other emergency situations). An alternative work schedule may also be utilized in place of a traditional fixed work schedule to help balance work and personal responsibilities.

General:  The employee is required to adhere to all Agency policies, regulations, and procedures. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Agency.

Pre-Hire Requisites: 

• Successfully pass the Agency’s pre-hire background investigation, psychological evaluation and drug screening


• Applicant hired may become a member of Local 1762 of the International Association of Firefighters


• Employees are on probation the first 12 months of employment

Benefits:  Eastside Fire & Rescue provides employees with excellent benefits including: 

• Medical, Vision, RX and Dental Insurance for employees and dependents - Employer pays all premiums 


• Employer funded VEBA HRA account (health reimbursement account)


• Employer contribution to 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings Plan


• Membership into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Pension Plan


• Paid Sick Leave, vacation, thirteen paid holidays plus two additional personal holidays per year


• Education incentive & tuition assistance 

Application Requirements: Candidates are required to submit the following to be considered:

• Online Application Form 


• Resume 


• Cover Letter Describing Plan Review and Inspection Experience