Fire Inspector

Description

Enforces and interprets fire codes and performs fire inspections while evaluating and resolving problems with new and existing construction.

Essential Functions

Depending on assignment, responsibilities may include:

Evaluates and resolves problems with industrial, commercial and residential new and existing construction and special events for compliance with all applicable fire safety codes.

Resolves life safety issues and evaluates life safety systems in all structures for code compliance, maintains documentation.

Conducts hydrant flow tests and calculates water flows on automatic extinguishing systems.

Reviews new materials and methods in building construction to determine acceptance.

Confers with architects, contractors, engineers to interpret code requirements and restrictions to resolve problems. Evaluates construction plans.

Researches and analyzes hazardous materials for fire and health limits, proper storage, use and dispensing applications, and resolves problems encountered.

Prepare and teach training sessions in codes.

Continually research codes information, maintaining expertise in codes.

Assists with code development and interpretation.

Responding to code questions from the city staff and the general public.

Assist public education director with handout materials and with teaching programs.

Plan occupancy evaluations and maintain documentation.

Serve on technical boards and committees.

Photographs code violations, evidence and prepares legal reports for litigation.

Testifies as an expert witness in civil or criminal court cases.

Directs police and code enforcement personnel with the execution of city fire ordinances.

Operates city vehicles.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/Special Requirements/Success Factors

30 hours of college-level course work in Fire Science or a related field and one year experience in fire prevention, safety or fire science.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

Knowledge of:

Principles and methods of fire prevention and fire inspection

Fire codes, building codes, and related codes and their interpretation and intent

Fire detection and extinguishing systems

Hazardous materials, proper storage, use, application and response to fire

Elements and requirements of a legal report

Skills in:

Operating complex photography and video equipment, hand tools, and hazardous materials testing equipment when investigating fires

Operating a flow meter when determining hydraulic calculations of fire protection systems

Ability to:

Analyze, interpret, and explain technical fire and building codes, ordinances, plans and specifications as they apply to specific situations

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Analyze computerized data and operate computerized date entry and retrieval systems

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public

Operate city vehicles

Special Requirements

International Code Council Fire Code Certification (Fire Inspector I level) is required within one year of hire.

Valid Arizona driver's license.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

This position is classified as safety-sensitive which requires candidates to successfully undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment. They will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy. A post-offer physical assessment is required. The City of Glendale will incur the cost of all required testing.

Success Factor Classification Level - Foundational

To view the success factor definitions please click here. (If needed, click here to download PDF reader).

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Fire inspections involve bending, stooping, crawling, pushing, pulling and lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders and scaffolding. Enters, exits, and operates city vehicles. Fire inspections involve exposure to construction hazards such as open trenches, hazardous materials and energized electrical services. Risks are identified, evaluated, and proper safety precautions applied. Inspections also involve managing potentially angry, abusive, or irrational people.