Fire Inspector & Prevention Specialist

DEFINITION

Performs fire prevention, life safety, and code enforcement activities to protect lives and property within the City. Conducts inspections of commercial, industrial, multi-family, and residential occupancies to ensure compliance with adopted fire codes, ordinances, and regulations. Investigates fire code complaints, provides public fire and life safety education.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direction from the Fire Marshal.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Regular and timely attendance at work.
• Review permits and building fire plans as needed before issuance for compliance with City, State, and Federal rules and regulations.
• Reviews include all aspects of building construction and building safety systems i.e., sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, alarm systems, HVAC, kitchen hood and extinguishment systems and emergency operation equipment.
• Review complaints and construction issues in the field for the Fire Marshal.
• Assist the public with code questions and interpretations.
• Review applications for development permits to ensure compliance with City guidelines.
• Keep accurate records of permit applications, plan review comments, and plan review resubmissions.
• Communicate with the public, contractors, Architects, Engineers, and others to provide information concerning the various codes that are associated with a development project, i.e., Fire Codes.
• Monitor contractors to ensure they are properly licensed by the State of Texas to perform the work.
• May assist in Fire Investigations, EOC Operations and Fire Inspections as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

Principles and practices of fire prevention, fire inspections, life safety, code enforcement, International Fire Code, NFPA standards, fire protection systems, and applicable ordinances.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.
• Operate a assigned city vehicle for business use; personal computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, cell phone, pager
• Present a positive image of the City at all times and interpret, implement, explain, and enforce codes.
• Actively listen and demonstrate competence and interest to the general public, citizens, and co-workers.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, architects, engineers, and the public.
• Understand written instructions, construction codes, ordinances, technical manuals, blueprints, and construction drawings.
• Perform complex mathematical calculations for engineering and design problems.
• Write reports, logs, permits, memoranda, and plan evaluations.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE / LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Minimum of one (1) year experience in fire prevention, fire inspections, code enforcement, fire protection systems, or a closely related field preferred. Working knowledge of the International Fire Code and applicable NFPA standards. Experience conducting inspections and interacting with the public is preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Possession of a Basic Fire Investigator (or higher level) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) preferred.
• Possession of a Basic Fire Inspector Certification (or higher level) by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).
• Possession of a Plans Examiner Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), or the ability to obtain within six (6) months.
• Possession of a Fire and Life Safety Educator Certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), or the ability to obtain within (6) months.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.