Manager Life Safety and Plan Review
Apply NowCompany: Frederick County, MD
Location: Frederick, MD 21702
Description:
Salary: $85,869.00 - $137,391.00 Annually
Location : Planning and Permitting Division - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY25-00730
Department: Permits and Inspection
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; full-benefits
This technical and professional position is responsible for interpretations and application of fire safety codes, NFPA regulations, building codes, and other applicable codes and standards during plan review and construction as applicable. Some fieldwork may be involved with these duties. Supervision is given to plan review and life safety staff. Supervision is received from the Director of Permits and Inspections
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) A written and/or performance assessment
3) One or more interviews
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.
02
Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?
03
Which best describes your level of education?
04
If you have earned a degree, was it obtained in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or a related field with coursework in a fire science curriculum?
05
If you have obtained a related degree, please detail the fire science coursework you have completed in the text box below:
06
How many years of progressively responsible plan review work experience for compliance with the Life Safety Code, NFPA Standards and other applicable building or fire codes do you have?
07
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
08
Does your progressively responsible plan review work experience for compliance with the Life Safety Code, NFPA Standards also include at least 2 years of building code work experience?
09
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
10
Do you have at least 2 year of supervisory work experience?
11
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
12
Do you have supervisory experience in the areas related to the responsibilities of this position?
13
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
14
Do you possess additional closely-related work experience in the field of life safety, or in the application and enforcement of NFPA 1, NFPA 101 and other NFPA standards?
15
Please provide details regarding your relevant history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.
Required Question
Location : Planning and Permitting Division - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY25-00730
Department: Permits and Inspection
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; full-benefits
This technical and professional position is responsible for interpretations and application of fire safety codes, NFPA regulations, building codes, and other applicable codes and standards during plan review and construction as applicable. Some fieldwork may be involved with these duties. Supervision is given to plan review and life safety staff. Supervision is received from the Director of Permits and Inspections
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
- Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage the plans, policies and daily workload for the Office of Life Safety and building plans review to ensure accurate, predictable, and timely services are provided
- Enforce County Fire Prevention Code, NFPA Standards, and Building Code regulations by reviewing and evaluating construction documents and plans
- Supervise staff involved in the areas of fire protection plan review, permitting and life safety inspections as well as building plan review, for new and existing construction; fire safety and building code education; development of codes, ordinances, interpretations, and regulations; and computer and administrative support services for the office.
- Review and approve building construction drawings, site plans and other building construction documents for compliance with County and State codes Fire Code (NFPA 1), Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), other NFPA standards, ICC Codes, and other applicable codes .
- Perform complex technical review and provide comments using the County's electronic plan review software life safety and building code compliance, fire protection systems for compliance with applicable codes, including the evaluation of hydraulic calculations for shop drawings related to fire protection systems
- Coordinate office's program and review and inspection responsibilities with other County agencies and as needed, perform on-site inspections at construction sites to verify full compliance with life safety and building code requirements
- Enforce, update, and maintain State and County fire and building codes and laws in coordination with other County and State agencies
- Compile and prepare formal inspection reports, memos, letters and other technical documents
- Meet and assist architects, designers, contractors, building owners, engineers, developers, tenants, and the general public to seek code/enforce compliance and provide interpretations
- Attend training sessions related to fire prevention and life safety in order to keep abreast of current practices, and maintain training and certification for staff
- Perform other duties as required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or a related field with coursework in a fire science curriculum
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible plan review work experience for compliance with the Life Safety Code, NFPA Standards, which includes at least 2 years building code work experience
- Minimum 2 years of supervisory work experience
- Successful completion of related National Fire Academy training (as follows) and maintain current certifications thereafter:
- Fire Inspector I (within 6 months of hire), and
- Fire Inspector II (within 12 months of hire), and
- Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE) (within 12 months of hire)
- ICC plans examiner (within 24 months of hire)
- Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
- NOTE: A portion of the education requirement may be substituted if the applicant possesses additional closely-related work experience in the field of life safety, or in the application and enforcement of NFPA 1, NFPA 101 and other NFPA standards.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
- Extensive knowledge of applicable fire code, life safety codes, building code ordinances, etc. with ability to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations (including state, local, NFPA and ICC)
- Ability to effectively read and interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications and site plans quickly and accurately, compare them to construction in process and perform fire code plan review
- Knowledge of legislation affecting fire code and fire prevention activities
- Knowledge of plan review and field inspection practices and principles
- Ability to effectively plan, assign, supervise, follow-up and evaluate the work of others
- Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment utilized by the Division
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, investigate findings, correspondence, etc.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships demonstrating tact and diplomacy in all situations with co-workers, contractors, other business professionals and the general public
PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:
- Related supervisory work experience
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:
- While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, reach and perform repetitive motions; occasionally walk, climb, stoop and drive; and rarely lift up to 50 pounds, push and pull up to 40 pounds
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; rarely work outdoors and walk on uneven ground and work in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
- Available for varied workday hours to accommodate meetings and other commitments
- Available on-call as needed
- When considered under the Frederick County Employees Retirement Plan, this position is designated as "non-uniformed"
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) A written and/or performance assessment
3) One or more interviews
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
02
Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?
- Yes
- No
03
Which best describes your level of education?
- Less than Associate's degree
- Associate's degree received
- Bachelor's degree received
- Advanced degree received
04
If you have earned a degree, was it obtained in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or a related field with coursework in a fire science curriculum?
- Yes
- No
05
If you have obtained a related degree, please detail the fire science coursework you have completed in the text box below:
06
How many years of progressively responsible plan review work experience for compliance with the Life Safety Code, NFPA Standards and other applicable building or fire codes do you have?
- Less than 5 years work experience
- 5-7 years work experience
- 7 or more years work experience
07
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
08
Does your progressively responsible plan review work experience for compliance with the Life Safety Code, NFPA Standards also include at least 2 years of building code work experience?
- Yes
- No
09
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
10
Do you have at least 2 year of supervisory work experience?
- Yes
- No
11
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
12
Do you have supervisory experience in the areas related to the responsibilities of this position?
- Yes
- No
13
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
14
Do you possess additional closely-related work experience in the field of life safety, or in the application and enforcement of NFPA 1, NFPA 101 and other NFPA standards?
- Yes
- No
15
Please provide details regarding your relevant history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.
Required Question