CLASS SPECIFICATION
CLASS TITLE: Senior Fire Inspector
DEFINITION:
Under general direction performs the full array of fire plan review, fire inspection and fire prevention duties for residential, commercial, and industrial structures, including overseeing the issuance of permits, and the enforcement of applicable codes, standards, and ordinances. Assists the Fire Marshal in the day-to-day administration of the Fire Prevention Division; provides direction and training to lower-level positions and serves as a technical resource for assigned staff. Follows all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; ensures compliance with organizational direction, systems and processes.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Senior Fire Inspector is the advanced-journey level class within the Fire Inspector series in which incumbents independently perform plan checking assignments, draft and issue related fire plan check comments and correspondence as well as conduct more complex fire inspections and enforcement related prevention duties. The Senior Fire Inspector provides task and project level supervision and training to other fire inspectors.
This class is distinguished from the next lower classification of Fire Inspector II in that this class has a broad range of knowledge and independence in application of the Fire Codes and adopted fire prevention policies and provides lead supervision and direction and/or acts as team leader for assigned personnel and/or contractors across a wide array of fire prevention related topics. This job class requires excellent technical skills, as well as communications and organizational skill sets. General supervision is provided by a Fire Marshal or designee.
Additionally, incumbents may be required to assist the Fire Investigations Team with investigations into the cause and origin of fires and explosions . Investigations are conducted during non-emergency phases of incidents when environmental conditions are determined to be non-hazardous.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Fire Marshal.
May exercise supervision over office support staff and fire inspectors, including assigning, directing, reviewing, and evaluating work. May serve as Acting Fire Marshal in the absence of the Fire Marshal.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Assist the Fire Marshal in the overall administration of the division, including planning, organizing, coordinating and evaluating division operations; assist in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards; monitor workload, servic e
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delivery methods, and program effectiveness; identify opportunities for improvement and implement approved changes.
• Assign, review, approve, and evaluate work of the Fire Inspectors; provide technical guidance, training, and assistance on complex or sensitive inspections, plan reviews, code interpretations, and other high consequence issues.
• Plan, organize and perform the full array of fire inspection and prevention duties for residential, commercial and industrial structures, including plan checking and the enforcement of applicable codes, standards and ordinances; inspect and confirm that required maintenance, testing and acceptance testing of fire protection systems has been conducted; issue notices of violation and citations where appropriate; provide compliance recommendations; develop and approve compliance mediation measures.
• Perform and/or oversee highly technical plan checking of construction drawings related to preliminary site reviews, high fire hazard areas, multi -story buildings, malls, tenant improvements, high piled combustible storage, hazardous materials, fire protection systems, fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems; provides clear written responses to applicants on corrections needed or status of approvals; works closely with applicants to find alternate methods of compliance.
• Oversee, organize, and verify that required maintenance and testing is conducted on fire hydrants, alarms, sprinkler systems and other related fire protection systems in accordance with approved fire protection plans.
• Prepare and maintain statistical data and reports; develop and maintain Fire Department Prevention standards.
• Participate in pre -development planning, working with developers, the City Engineer and others in the review of development projects; coordinates and processes incoming and outgoing plans to third party plan reviewer.
• Oversee the inspection and evaluation of hazardous processes, storage, handling and other functions in businesses to ensure compliance with applicable fire codes and State laws. • May represent the Fire Department in matters related to assigned functions at Planning Commission, City Council and other related meetings in the review of project proposals and related matters; may make public information presentations on behalf of the De partment related to fire prevention.
• Represents the department in community outreach efforts by developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with community leaders, local, regional, and statewide organizations, agencies, local businesses, and other City departments to develop, implement, deliver and/or promote a variety of programs and projects consistent with the division’s goals and services; representing the division’s needs and priorities within these “partnerships”; representing the division in a variety of community outreach activities and public awareness programs; speaking to groups and individuals regarding division activities and services; participating as an active and contributing member of designated community organizations, committees, project teams, and special interest work groups as a representative of the division.
• Oversee the review parcel maps and subdivision maps, as well as residential, commercial and industrial projects for fire protection system requirements; oversee the review for acceptability of parcel maps and subdivisions for fire protection measures dictated by conditions of review; oversee the review of conditional use permits, rezoning applications and General Plan Amendments for applicable fire and life safety requirements; interpret and explain complex codes, standards and federal and state regulations to establish conditions of approval and mitigation measures; participate in Internal Design Review (IDR),
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Civil/Improvement Plan Review; coordinate activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Interpret codes and regulations; explain required inspections and fire prevention requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public; advise owners on matters related to applicable permits; maintain records and files of inspections made and actions taken. • Research complex problems, investigate customer complaints and field issues, analyze alternatives, and recommend solutions; consult with architects, engineers, contractors, and City staff regarding fire prevention and life safety requirements and seek practical solutions to technical issues.
• Work closely with public and private groups and individuals, civic organizations, intergovernmental agencies, and City staff to coordinate programs, resolve inspection and investigation issues, and support special projects and community initiatives. • May assist with and/or administer special projects, such as open houses and seasonal weed abatement programs; coordinate specific projects, including fostering cooperative working relationships with civic groups, inter -governmental agencies, and City staff; help develop, implement, and maintain goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned projects and service areas; help ensure that established goals and priorities are achieved. • May respond to an emergency scene at the request of fire operations personnel to assist with prevention-related issues.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Advanced principles, practices, methods, and technologies used in plan checking, fire inspection, code enforcement, prevention and suppression efforts. • Operational characteristics of fire safety systems, equipment, and tools. • Advanced building construction methods, techniques, rating systems, exiting plans and fire department service capabilities.
• Advanced principles of building plans and specifications checking. • Standard and accepted building and fire and life safety inspection methods. • Legal procedures involved in escalating code enforcement as needed. • Supervisory principles and practices.
• Modern office practices, methods and equipment including use of computers, mobile devices, and applicable software packages.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling and work assignments. • Methods and techniques for record keeping, report preparation, and writing.
Ability to:
• Exercise considerable judgment and independence in the understanding, interpretation, and application of fire prevention policies, operations, and procedures. • Understand and implement a variety of both oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Exercise considerable judgment and independence in the understanding, interpretation and explanation of pertinent national/international, state and local laws, codes, standards, regulations, guidelines, and amendments related to assigned functions and responsibilities.
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• Identify problems/issues within the parameters of applicable regulations, standards and codes, independently analyze options according to established criteria, and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Examine varied and comprehensive plans and specifications for compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, standards, regulations, guidelines, and amendments. • Read and interpret plans accurately and compare them with actual construction and repairs in progress.
• Apply knowledge of pertinent national/international, state and local laws, codes, standards, regulations, guidelines and amendments to the physical evidence observed and checked during inspection.
• Exercise considerable judgment and independence in performing and overseeing code enforcement activities.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully in both oral and written forms. • Supervise, mentor, and train assigned staff in a positive and effective manner. • Prepare reports and keep accurate records.
• Exercise considerable judgment and independence in researching regulations and/or technical reference materials.
• Recognize and respect limit of authority and responsibility. • Demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
• Prioritize and perform assigned work in a timely and proactive manner. • Provide courteous and positive internal and external customer service. • Perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience performing fire prevention inspections and code enforcement activities, with at least one year similar to the city’s Fire Prevention Inspector II classification.
Special Requirements:
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
California State Fire Marshal (SFM) Certification as Fire Inspector (Previously Fire Inspector II) including all prerequisites is required.
Completion of Plan Examiner 1A, 1B, 1C or equivalent certification courses is required.
State Fire Training Statutes and Regulations Certificate (completed within the last 10 years) is desired.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Physical Requirements:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; the ability to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City sites and attend off -site meetings:
vision to read printed material and view a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone; strength, stamina, and mobility to traverse uneven terrain, including climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; finger dexterity to operate standard office equipment and access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator; and the ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds to perform the required job functions. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals on a case -by-case basis.
Environmental Conditions:
Incumbents work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibrations, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes.
Employees may interact with upset individuals in interpreting and enforcing laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Working Conditions:
Incumbents may occasionally be assigned to evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as participate in after-hours assignments. Incumbents are required to wear a department -issued uniform, as well as any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing certain job functions.
Employment Type: Full-Time Classified
Bargaining Unit: NCEA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Established: TBD
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