Life Safety Code Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $91,314.33 - $155,234.36 Annually
Location : Planning and Permitting Division - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY26-00658
Department: Permits and Inspection
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; full-benefits
This professional position is responsible for interpretations and application of fire and life safety codes, NFPA regulations and other applicable codes related to the regulation of fire suppression systems and life safety requirements during plan review and construction. Some fieldwork may be required. Supervision is given to the life safety review and inspection staff. Supervision is received from the Assistant Department Head 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 (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all 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
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 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

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.
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 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, for new and existing construction; fire and life safety 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 reviews 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 fire 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
• 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 assigned

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or related field which must include at least 2 years supervising or managing staff

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are a master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or a related field with 3 years work experience as described above.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of applicable fire codes, life safety codes, in accordance with State and Local ordinances
• Knowledge of legislation affecting fire code and fire prevention activities and implementation of plan review and field inspection practices and principles
• Advanced knowledge of building construction drawings, site plans, and other building construction knowledge
• Knowledge of County and Divisional processes and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable applications and software
• Skill in plan evaluation
• Skill in interpreting and applying building and fire codes
• Skill in technical writing and reporting
• Skill in supervising and managing staff
• Ability to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations (including state, local, NFPA and ICC)
• Ability to obtain and maintain all necessary certifications
• Ability to perform complex technical reviews

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and walk
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors

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 examination
3) One or more interviews
Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov
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 $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 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 Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their 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. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. 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 issue or concern.
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, and Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits 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.
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