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CLASS SPECIFICATION
CLASS TITLE: Fire Inspector I/II
DEFINITION:
To perform a variety of initial, annual and operational inspections of new and existing residential, commercial and industrial buildings and fire protection systems; to review approved plans and perform the inspection of new construction and fire protection systems to ensure compliance with laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the control and prevention of fires; to develop, organize and coordinate assigned fire and life safety programs and services; to establish cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners; to provide administrative and technical assistance in support of City’s Fire Prevention programs; and to perform related duties as assigned. Follows all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; ensures compliance with organizational direction, systems and processes.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Fire Inspector I - This is the entry level classification within the Fire Inspector job series. Incumbents are responsible for performing a wide variety of fire prevention, customer service, administrative, and public outreach/educational tasks and duties under supervision, while learning the more complex and technical fire inspection and code enforcement functions. Initially, under close supervision, positions in this job class conduct fire inspections and follow-up re-inspections and administer fire prevention and education programs while training to independently perform more complex fire prevention inspections, programs, and activities.
Fire Inspector II – This is the journey level classification in the Fire Inspector series, and is distinguished from the Fire Inspector I level. Incumbents are considered skilled in making inspections, enforcing applicable codes and regulations, overseeing City Fire Prevention programs. Incumbents in this classification receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully competent and knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies within the City’s Fire Department/Fire Prevention Division. Fire Inspector II exercises greater independence and discretion in fire code interpretations, field inspections and program management.
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level once there is a department need, and the incumbent meets the qualification standards of the II level, demonstrates an ability to perform the full score of the work, otherwise meets performance standards, and any assessment requirements to move to the II level.
This class is distinguished from the Senior Fire Inspector in that the latter performs advanced journey level duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Fire Inspector I - Receives immediate supervision from an assigned supervisor or manager, and may receive technical and functional supervision from assigned staff.
Fire Inspector II - Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor or manager and may receive technical and functional supervision from assigned staff.
May provide training and project directions to assigned staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Assisting with and/or inspecting new and existing commercial, residential and industrial occupancies for compliance with applicable codes and standards for fire prevention utilizing applicable safety practices; recommending appropriate corrective actions in response to noted hazards and violations.
• Assisting with and/or conducting basic document and plan review for construction projects and fire protection systems (e.g. Residential Solar plans, “As-built” plans, Special Events, etc.) for compliance with applicable codes and standards, including the preparation of basic plan check comments and conditions of approval; recommending appropriate corrective actions in response to noted violations ; assisting applicants with fire prevention standards and requirements.
• Assisting with and/or conducting inspections for construction projects and fire protection systems for compliance with applicable codes and standards; recommending appropriate corrective actions in response to noted violations ; assisting customers with fire prevention standards and requirements.
• Assisting with and/or monitoring, coordinating, and participating in the follow -up and enforcement of all code /standard violations to ensure timely correction and/or appropriate penalties occur; issuing citations as necessary.
• Assisting with and/or implementing, managing, coordinating and delivering a variety of fire prevention programs, public education presentations, and vegetation management programs. • Coordinate and implement the City’s weed abatement and vegetation management programs; inspect properties and parcels for compliance; post compliance notices; make in -progress inspections of work performed by City contractor; address problems encountered by City contractors in the interpretation of work orders; coordinate and assist in the preparation of weed abatement and vegetation management charges for approval; issue citations. • Assisting in planning for adequate water supplies for fire protection; surveying existing and related water systems and making recommendations for improvements. • Maintaining accurate records of inspections made and other related business conducted on behalf of the City; preparing reports for review and/or action as assigned. • Planning, developing, and/or conducting public information presentations and fire and life safety education programs; identifying learning objectives, training methods, materials a nd presentation requirements to meet and/or respond to community needs; coordinating and implementing special related programs and events.
• Writing, reviewing, recommending for purchase, and/or updat ing fire and life safety educational materials and presentations; preparing advertising and announcements for training and related programs; coordinating with media representatives as assigned; acting as a primary source of data and information related to City’s fire and life safety programs. • Assisting the Fire Prevention Division and/or administrative staff in research and/or data gathering activities; reviewing and interpreting data collected and preparing reports with recommendations based on findings.
• Compiling materials and assisting in the preparation of reports, manuals and publications which may include statistical data; calculating and monitoring data related to fire and life safety as assigned.
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• May represent the Fire Department in matters related to assigned functions at Planning Commission, City Council and other related meetings to assist in the review of project proposals and related matters; may make public information presentations on behalf of the Department related to fire prevention and community risk reduction. • Operating office equipment such as personal computer, other office equipment, and designated software packages in the performance of work related data entry and records management as needed.
• Performing a variety of administrative support functions such as completion of, forms, reports, and checklists; scheduling of fire prevention events and inspections; filing and recordkeeping of documents and other related materials.
• P rovides prevention-related briefings and training to fire suppression personnel and may offer logistical support to the department.
• May provide technical support to other City staff and/or volunteers. • May provide training and mentorship to other Inspectors. • May respond to an emergency scene at the request of fire operations personnel to assist with prevention-related issues.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Standard and accepted English usage including vocabulary, grammar and spelling. • Basic knowledge of applicable national/international, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, standards, ordinances, policies and procedures related to fire prevention principles and practices.
• Basic techniques and methods of developing and presenting public education and training programs.
• Basic inspection, community risk reduction, and documentation methods. • Basic research techniques and methods.
• Sources and availability of information and data.
• Basic principles of fire prevention and safety techniques and methods. • Operation of audio/visual and related computer and media equipment related to the work.
Ability to:
• Understand and independently implement a variety of both oral and written instructions. • Learn, understand, interpret, apply and explain applicable national/international, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, standards, ordinances, policies and procedures. • Read and interpret construction documents, plans and blueprints accurately and compare with actual construction work performed in the field to ensure code compliance with approved plans.
• Apply knowledge of applicable codes and standards to the field conditions observed during inspection.
• Recognize violations and hazardous conditions in conflict with applicable codes/standards and development a reasonable and prudent plan of correction. • Communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully in both oral and written forms. • Understand and carry out oral and written directions. • Assist with the preparation of clear and concise reports; keep accurate records.
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• Assist in researching regulations and/or technical reference materials. • Recognize and respect limits of authority and responsibility. • Demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
• Plan, coordinate and prioritize workload to ensure timely completion of inspections, projects an related documentation/data entry.
• Provide courteous, positive and timely customer service. • Perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others. • Establish and maintain effective cooperative working relationships with internal and external customers contacted in the course of work and performance 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:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Eighteen (18) months of progressively responsible work experience interpreting and enforcing rules, regulations and codes which involved customer contact, community outreach and/or educational activities.
Fire Inspector II
In addition to the qualifications for the Fire Inspector I:
Knowledge of:
• Standard and accepted principles and practices of code enforcement related to fire prevention; • Applicable fire protection laws, ordinances, codes, standards and regulations including but not limited to specific provisions of the California Building Code, California Fire Code, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, the California Code of Regulations Title 19 and NFPA Standards; • Effective inspection methods (all types);
• General understanding of the plan check and review process, including plan check comments and methods of communication with permit applicants;
• Standard and accepted building construction methods and techniques consistent with fire prevention and protection;
• General fire operations procedures and an understanding of the intersection of fire prevention principles and practices with those of the Operations division; • General principles and an understanding of other City department s participating in the community development process, including the functions of the Building, Planning, Engineering, Utilities and Code Enforcement;
Ability to:
• Independently u nderstand, reference, interpret and explain pertinent national/international, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and codes and standards related to assigned functions and responsibilities;
• Independently identify problems/issues within the parameters of applicable regulations, codes and standards; analyze options according to established criteria, and recommend appropriate corrective action;
• Examine varied and comprehensive plans and specifications for compliance with fire prevention codes and standards;
• Perform full range of code enforcement activities (fire code, local ordinances, etc.); • Independently research regulations and/or technical reference materials;
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• Recognize and respect limit of authority and responsibility; • Mentor and train other Fire Inspectors, volunteers and support staff in all areas and responsibilities of the Fire Inspector II.
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:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.
Eighteen (18) months of progressively responsible work experience performing fire prevention and community education activities which included inspections, public education, and code enforcement activities in residential, commercial and/or industrial facilities for a public agency.
Special Requirements:
Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II - Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Fire Inspector I –
• Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 1A: Duties and Administration is required. • Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 1B: Fire and Life Safety is required. • Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 1C: Field Inspection is required. • Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 1D: Field Inspection is required.
Fire Inspector II -
• First Responder Inspector (2024) Certification, or Fire Inspector 1 Certification (2019 or earlier) is required.
• Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 2A: Duties and Administration is required. • Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 2B: Fire and Life Safety is required. • Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 2C: Field Inspection is required. • Course Completion: First Responder Inspector 2D: Field Inspection is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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; ability to use/operate various tools in the field, such as but not limited to, basic hand tools, drill, pitot tube etc., 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:
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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 encounter challenging interactions while 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: Ful-Time Classified
Bargaining Unit: NCEA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Established: TBD
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