Chief Plan Examiner

ABOUT THE ROLE The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), Bureau of Fire Prevention, is seeking a full-time Chief Plan Examiner to join the Fire Alarm Plan Examination Unit. Reporting to the Deputy Director, this role involves overseeing a team of Plan Examiners, managing plan assignments, and reviewing complex fire alarm system plans for compliance with the New York City Building Code and Fire Code. The position requires strong supervisory skills, technical expertise in fire alarm systems, and the ability to manage unit efficiency, backlogs, and statistics. This role is critical to ensuring life safety through rigorous plan review and industry coordination. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee a team of Plan Examiners and conduct plan assignments. - Review complex plans submitted for compliance with NYC Building Code and Fire Code. - Review document submissions for fire alarm installation approvals and withdrawals from the industry or expediters. - Review professionally certified submissions for required documentation. - Attend technical and construction meetings to record highlights and provide follow-up as requested. - Monitor and track wait times, backlogs, and plan examination statistics; report progress. - Re-assign plans based on backlogs and staff leaves. - Manage plan examiners’ time usage and efficiency. - Schedule monthly and quarterly meetings to keep staff updated on industry matters and code updates. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet the requirements for Assignment Level II, which includes meeting Level I requirements plus additional experience. Level I Requirements: One year of full-time satisfactory experience in supervising employees performing project management work (planning, administering, managing, coordinating, or expediting engineering/architectural/landscape architectural projects) OR supervising a construction project with a value of $1,000,000 or more, AND one of the following: - Option 1: A baccalaureate degree in engineering, engineering technology, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural technology, construction, construction management, construction technology, sustainable design, urban planning, urban studies, city planning, transportation planning, business administration, or public administration, plus one year of full-time satisfactory experience in project management work. - Option 2: A high school diploma (or equivalent) plus five years of experience as described above. - Option 3: A high school diploma (or equivalent) plus any combination of college education and/or experience to equal five years. One year of experience credit is given for each 30 semester credits in relevant fields, a Master’s degree in relevant fields, a Juris Doctor degree, or a valid NYS license as a Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, or Registered Landscape Architect. Note: Primarily design-based experience is not acceptable. Note: This position is ONLY open to candidates serving permanently in the civil service Associate Project Manager title or who appear on the civil service list for Exam #3110 and are reachable. Candidates must include the exam number and their list number at the top of their resume. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred skills include excellent knowledge of life safety systems, NFPA codes, Rules of the City of New York (RCNY), Administrative Code, fire alarm plan review processes, and fire alarm installation practices. - Proficiency in Accela software and other data tracking programs is required. - Strong verbal communication skills for interacting with employees and the public. - Previous supervisory experience is highly preferred. - This position is open to qualified persons with a disability eligible for the 55-a Program. Interested candidates must indicate this at the top of their resume and cover letter. SELECTION PROCESS An exam may be required. This is a Competitive-1 title classification. Eligibility is restricted to those already on the civil service list for Exam #3110 or currently holding the permanent civil service title of Associate Project Manager. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official portal. - Resume Requirement: Candidates must include the exam number (#3110) and their list number at the top of their resume. - Job ID: 784175 - Posting ends: September 7, 2026 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Brooklyn, NY (9 Metrotech Center) - Schedule: Full-Time - Residency: NYC residency is NOT required for this position. - Benefits: Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and state repayment assistance programs. - Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of New York is committed to diversity and inclusion.