Fire Inspector

Fire Inspector

The Fire Inspector performs a variety of highly technical and specialized tasks, primarily centered around fire prevention and inspections. The role includes enforcing and interpreting fire codes and building codes, conducting thorough fire department inspections, and participating in special fire department activities and special use permit inspections in line with other city ordinances. The Fire Inspector works closely with fire department personnel to inspect and test fire and life safety systems. Additionally, this role provides essential technical assistance and recommendations to builders and developers, ensuring safety standards and codes are enforced. The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties:

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines.
• Participates in training exercises and instruction to increase performance.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public, other department personnel, and other city departments.
• Interprets and explains city and department policies and procedures to the public and department members.
• Conducts presentations for the public, conducts demonstrations at sponsored events, and answers questions and written inquiries regarding the department, inspections, etc.
• Conducts field inspections and evaluations of life safety, fire safety, and fire protection systems, including but not limited to automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms, generators, fire pumps, elevators, and special life safety systems.
• Inspects commercial and applicable residential occupancies for compliance with fire code, life safety code, and applicable city ordinances.
• Interprets and advises contractors on city fire codes and procedures.
• Determines or recommends fire safety material and/or equipment needs to the Fire Inspector Supervisor.
• Makes recommendations, through the chain of command, to the Fire Marshal, of local amendments to model codes.
• Provides direction to non-city personnel, contractors, etc.
• Determines the operational readiness of existing fixed fire suppression systems; conducts field tests and observations; documents required maintenance and identifies deficiencies to be corrected.
• Determines the operational readiness of existing fire detection and alarm systems and fire extinguishers within structures within the city; documents required maintenance and identifies deficiencies to be corrected.
• Conducts inspections of fire hazard complaints and underground storage tanks for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Verifies the entities have implemented emergency planning and preparedness measures and have been practiced and documented.
• Inspects emergency access to sites within the city to ensure that all have required access for emergency responders.
• Verifies that businesses and residents within the city comply with applicable policies and procedures regarding the storage of flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
• Verifies that the type of construction for an addition or remodeling project and materials to be used are in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Completes administrative duties including but not limited to: Maintaining files, including records and reports of all incident responses, inspection reports, code enforcement records, and other related documents in a manner that allows them to be quickly filed and retrieved. Maintaining inventory checks of equipment, uniforms, fire prevention equipment, and supplies.
• Completes assigned special projects in the area of expertise or as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and city fire and life safety codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of fire code enforcement practices and procedures
• Knowledge of fire safety standards, building materials, and construction methods, including water supply systems and building fire access requirements in accordance with the adopted code and fire investigation principles.
• Proficient in using computers and related hardware and software.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Department and City policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under stressful and/or dangerous circumstances.
• Ability to evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
• Ability to read and understand applicable ordinances, laws, and regulations affecting all methods, equipment, and materials used.
• Ability to interpret plans and specifications to detect deviations in applicable fire and life safety codes
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Skill in implementing Department procedures and objectives.
• Skill in effectively supervising and delegating duties to assigned staff.
• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Skill in conducting inspections and investigations and enforcing life safety and fire codes and regulations.
• Skill in responding appropriately in an emergency.
• Skill in displaying leadership, initiative, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in work activities and motivating subordinates.
• Skill in organizing and coordinating the work of subordinates in carrying out departmental objectives and projects.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED and two (2) years' experience in inspections, testing or other related fire protection application or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Inspector certificate.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Plans Examiner certification preferred. May be required to obtain Plans Examiner certification at the discretion of the Fire Marshal.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Fire Investigator certification preferred. May be required to obtain Investigator certification at the discretion of the Fire Marshal.
• Must possess a valid Texas Class C driver's license or equivalent license issued from the state in which you currently reside.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical agility, motor vehicle record check, previous employment check, and criminal background check.

Environmental Factors & Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in the office, construction site, and field environments.
• May be subject to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking on rough terrain, bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing ladders, confined spaces, heights, and lifting trade testing equipment and ladders and work in inclement weather.
• May be subject to extreme weather conditions, hazardous driving conditions, hostile environments, hazardous chemicals and fumes, body fluids, infectious diseases, air, and waterborne pathogens.
• May be exposed to hazardous conditions at construction sites, such as high platforms without guardrails, nails, and flying debris.
• May be subject to wearing full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for extended periods.
• May be exposed to hostile, angry, or emotional citizens, patients, and business owners.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Operates a two-way radio, telephone, personal computer, printer, copy machine, video camera, digital camera, fax machine, electrical tester, hand tools, meter key, flashlights, personal protective equipment, safety equipment, and fire inspection equipment.
• Operates a department vehicle.