View Position Qualification

15-509-1490

Name

Building Code Specialist

Status

Published

Version

1.0

Updated

7/18/2023 10:10:22 AM

Original Release

07/18/2023

Last Major Release

07/18/2023

NQS Position

Resource Category

Hazard Mitigation

Primary Core Capability

Operational Coordination

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

A Building Code Specialist provides a community with technical assistance in building inspections, building codes and building safety

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type	Description
Type 1	The Type 1 Building Code Specialist assists in performing supervisory and administrative duties for planning and coordinating the operations of the building department to maximize building safety. Primary responsibilities include consulting for complex technical duties related to the hazard mitigation mission, including: 1. Enforcing building codes 2. Reviewing construction plans for code conformance 3. Inspecting residential and commercial properties for conformance to codes, policies, and procedures 4. Making Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement determinations 5. Issuing building permits and certificates of occupancy to ensure public safety and health 6. Working with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and private sector stakeholders regarding technical issues relating to building codes and building plans inspections 7. Assisting in the implementation of building code mitigation actions in the Hazard Mitigation Plan, such as Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) section 1206 recovery efforts and eligible reimbursement for local support 8. Supporting building code adoption by: a. Evaluating building code adoption requirements b. Developing building code enhancements c. Developing building code educational materials d. Providing or recommending training opportunities e. Conducting public awareness outreach activities related to new requirements 9. Assisting in the documentation of successful building performance attributed to building codes
Type 2	The Type 2 Building Code Specialist provides hazard mitigation technical assistance in coordination with hazard mitigation personnel to one or more communities by: 1. Providing technical assistance and supporting inspections on affected structures to determine percent damage 2. Recommending hazard mitigation measures for affected structures or high-risk structures 3. Reviewing building codes and making recommendations for improvements 4. Reviewing construction drawings for permit issuance and/or hazard mitigation opportunities

Education

For many communities, this position may be a contractor or position in another community functioning under an inter-local agreement

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Minimum of an Associate degree (Bachelor's degree preferred) in a related field including engineering, architecture, or building sciences, or commensurate experience

Training

Completion of E0278: National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System, E0312: Fundamentals of Building Science, and E0386: Residential Coastal Construction is recommended, but not required

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2 PLUS completion of the following: 1. IS-393: Introduction to Hazard Mitigation 2. IS-2900: National Disaster Recovery Framework Overview
Type 2	Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 2. IS-279: Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings 3. IS-284: Using the Substantial Damage Estimator 3.0 Tool 4. IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

Experience

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2 PLUS: 1. Extensive knowledge of the authority having jurisdiction's local building codes and guidelines 2. Ability to make recommendations for building code development as they relate to community planning 3. Familiarity with the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule System administered by the Insurance Services Organization
Type 2	Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in the construction of structures and infrastructure 2. Ability to read and review construction drawings to ensure compliance with building codes 3. Working knowledge of local building codes, model building codes, and hazard resistant provisions of consensus codes, standards, and specifications (such as American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE] 7, ASCE 24, and National Flood Insurance Program Technical Bulletins) Experience: Experience in the building industry with increasing responsibility as an inspector and plans reviewer in a government agency or private agency serving as a building inspector

Physical/Medical Fitness

The NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Arduous

Currency

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Currency is maintained by serving as a building code specialist during steady state or post-disaster recovery operations as required by certification standards or every two years if no currency requirements are identified in certification standards

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

Requirements vary by state

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Licensure or certification from the state in which the Building Code Specialist functions

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
This position can be ordered as a single resource or in conjunction with a National Incident Management System (NIMS) typed team (Hazard Mitigation Operations Team)
Discuss logistics for this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment

1538

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, National Incident Management System, October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017
FEMA, National Disaster Recovery Framework, June 2016
FEMA, National Mitigation Framework, June 2016
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
FEMA, Building Codes Toolkit
FEMA, Building Science Publications
FEMA, NIMS 508: Hazard Mitigation Operations Team

Version	Publish Date	Document Type
Published Versions
1.0	7/18/2023 10:10:22 AM	PDF