Plans Examiner/Construction Inspector (0358U) - #82471

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We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety's (EH&S) mission is to provide guidance and services to the campus community that promote health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

EH&S is a highly dynamic, fast paced, committed organization focused on promoting workplace safety and environmental protection for the campus community. We are comprised of many scientific, technical, and administrative professionals, working in an evolving, learning, and sometimes challenging environment with a unified goal of supporting the University's mission of teaching, research and public service. EH&S strives to be an inclusive, service oriented, and operationally excellent organization and is seeking highly motivated individuals who want to learn, be creative, seek continuous competency development, and contribute to our mission.

For more information, visit http://ehs.berkeley.edu

Position Summary

Through a negotiated Memorandum of Understanding between the California Office of State Fire Marshal and the University of California (OSFM-UC MOU), the State Fire Marshal delegated authority to qualified UC campus Fire Marshals (Plan Examiner / Construction Inspector) to perform plan approval and construction field inspections of all UC Berkeley design and construction projects. The Designated Campus Fire Marshal (DCFM) acts as an authorized agent of an agency (OSFM).

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 11/26/2025. This position is open until filled.

Responsibilities

Performs complex technical work in fire and life safety construction plan review:

Through a negotiated Memorandum of Understanding between the California State Fire Marshal and the University of California (SFM-UC MOU), the State Fire Marshal delegated authority to qualified Campus Fire Marshals to perform plan approval and construction field inspections of all UC Berkeley design and construction projects. The Designated Campus Fire Marshal (DCFM) acts as an authorized agent of an agency.

As part of the DCFM team, the incumbent's primary responsibility is to be the lead for fire and life safety review of assigned major capital campus construction projects. Under delegated authority granted by the California State Fire Marshal, the DCFM:

• Reviews project construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes; assures all construction documents bear the approval stamp required prior to Regents funding and, as appropriate, has the authority to delay and/or stop construction (up to and including the refusal of fire safety clearance).
• Organizes and works efficiently to maintain the targeted rechargeable hours within the fiscal year.
• Performs construction inspections and acceptance testing of fire protection systems, fire rated assemblies and egress systems.
• Grants fire clearance to construction/renovation projects once appropriate requirements have been met.
• Drives university vehicles to fulfill job requirements.

Maintains knowledge/expertise with existing and proposed changes of all regulations in all subject areas. **See "Governing Laws and Regulations" below

• Develops procedures using a combination of original and standard professional approaches/techniques to solve substantive, complex problems with multiple variables.
• Applies appropriate scientific and professional standards to recommend campus/university policies and programs and, as needed, create new methodologies.
• Writes and updates manuals and procedures.
• Drafts reports and other documentation, including use of relevant scientific data.
• Completes and maintains compliance on campus/systemwide training requirements, as well as any training necessary per role.

As a technical resource on fire protection and code compliance, evaluates and recommends control measures and corrective actions to protect the campus community.

• Provides expertise and knowledge to other EH&S staff or other departments in designing and implementing a variety of campus compliance programs.
• Provide consultation services and expertise to campus, city, county, state, other UCs and UC-systemwide entities. Participate in UC-systemwide technical workgroups, and/or similar workgroups.
• Monitors compliance and prevents hazards, and may serve as campus liaison with regulatory agencies.
• May be assigned as work lead for Title 19 fire prevention specialists and/or oversee program, at direction of campus fire marshal.

Staff Development:

• Works on committees and assignments along with formal and informal coaching and mentoring and regular training, including conference attendance.

Performs other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to:

As part of Urgent Response Support Program (URSP), serves as member of Fire Emergency Response Support Team (FERST), including afterhours requirement.

• During assigned rotation, serve as primary contact for UC Police Department (UCPD) and other municipal emergency response units related to campus fire events.
• Respond to fire scenes, returning to campus if appropriate and required. Performs fire cause and origin investigations and limited arson investigation.
• Maintains incident log and prepares investigation report.
• Must be accessible by UCPD via telephone and readily available to respond on-scene to fire incidents (emergencies) during non-business hours.
• Must be within one hour of campus and may not engage in activity that will affect the ability to respond.
• Notify appropriate authorities OSFM Duty Chief, Campus Fire Marshal and/or EH&S Executive Director.

At the request of campus management (EH&S Director, VC Research, UCPD Chief, or designated alternate), must be available in a campus disaster or campus hazardous material release/threatened release, to serve in the appropriate emergency response role based upon expertise and, where applicable, designated departmental role.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge/understanding of broad range of fire and life safety and familiarity with all EH&S fields.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of: California Code of Regulations, Title 19, and Title 24, Parts 1-9; National Fire Codes (published by the National Fire Protection Association).
• Advanced or expert knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards, guidelines and, as appropriate, recommend campus policy.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including advanced political acumen and skill to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies in a highly political environment.
• Advanced skill to effectively represent the organization to state and federal authorities, and community groups.
• Advanced analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within budget and time constraints.
• Advanced skill in mentoring or overseeing the work of other EH&S technical and professional staff.
• Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required.
• Completion of SFM Fire Investigation 1A course within 6 months of hire, or equivalent experience.
• As requested or warranted, ability to properly wear N-95 dust mask respirators, for protection from soot and airborne combustion particulates.
• Must be able to perform required functions before 8am, after 5pm on workdays, or on weekends, as directed by the supervisor or as needed by the client.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification.
• Successful completion of State Fire Marshal's Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D courses, or equivalent.
• Successful completion of the Statutes and Regulations course offered by the California State Fire Marshal's Office.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $101,600.00 - $145,700.00, commensurate with experience.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.