Senior Fire Codes Inspector

Job Summary

We have a new job opportunity for a Senior Fire Codes Inspector. This position is responsible for performing difficult technical and intermediate administrative work using an influential approach in securing and maintaining compliance with ordinances and regulations relating to building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, health, and life safety codes in new construction and certain existing buildings such as renovated structures and/or licensed facilities within the City. This is code enforcement work requiring the application of technical and specialized knowledge, methods and techniques to ensure compliance with codes, City ordinances and approved plans, permits and specifications. Incumbent makes independent field inspections, writes reports, correspondence and notices, gathers evidence, prepares cases and testifies in court when necessary. The position requires continuing personal contact with the general public, contractors, architects, etc. concerning construction code requirements. The incumbent's work has meaningful impact on specific cases and the work is done under general managerial direction.

Essential Job Functions

FIRE INSPECTOR

Conducts independent field inspections, explains and interprets codes, attempts to obtain voluntary compliance, writes reports, correspondence and notices, gathers evidence, prepares cases and testifies in court.

Makes life safety inspections and tests of fire protection systems in new construction, renovations and certain existing buildings, such as licensed facilities (nursing centers, group homes, day care, etc.). Conducts on-site inspections, mostly required by law, to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Inspects and tests fire protection systems to ensure proper installation and verification of performance requirements.

Attends meetings, provides consultation and teleconferencing, daily to public and private businesses, to other Government agencies, contractors and architects for the purpose of resolving fire safety issues, scheduling inspections, and providing instruction required to facilitate code conformance.

Serves notice to affected parties, responsible parties, and other regulatory agencies, such as Health Department, Child Care Administration to complete their respective permit/license process-reports.

Responds to code enforcement issues which may arise through a complaint from the public or another agency or may be the result of an unforeseen situation. Determines immediately whether life safety and/or the preservation of property is affected. Enforces codes and regulations based on the severity and nature of the issue and handles on a case by case basis, which sometimes requires the Fire Inspector to initiate legal intervention which can result in civil or criminal proceedings.

Meets with and assists Fire Department operations personnel for the purpose of providing instruction, guidance and/or resolution regarding fire safety code issues which may have been discovered during routine or emergency Fire Department activities. Provides intervention required as determined by the complexity of certain code issues and/or the inability of the local Fire Department to address an issue due to lack of resources or the unpredictable schedule of emergency services. This position is hybrid but will primarily be onsite in Rockville.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Fire Inspector

High school degree; and five (5) years of Experience in a technical/professional field involving fire inspection or fire protection with at least one (1) year of experience in code compliance and enforcement.

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; experience requirement is reduced to two (2) years.

Special Qualifications:

Fire Inspector

Must possess nationally recognized Fire Inspector II certification or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

FIRE INSPECTOR

Knowledge of and ability to interpret State and local fire and life safety codes and ordinances in relation to field conditions and other situations.

Skill in time management and operation of equipment necessary to do the job.

Skill in the use of Pitot tube and gauges, calculation and graphing of fire flow results.

Ability to read and comprehend plans for fire protection systems.

Ability to perform code-related research.

Skill in courtroom demeanor, communication and listening; skill and ability to differentiate facts from opinions.

Ability to supervise performance of acceptance tests.

Ability to make calculations for egress requirements.

Ability to read basic floor plan or shop drawings and identify symbols used by the jurisdiction.

Ability to compose legally adoptable language.