What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Inspector position at Bluffton Township Fire District?
Under the direction of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Inspector performs entry-level fire prevention work, including inspections, code compliance activities, public education, records maintenance, and support for fire investigations. The position may respond to emergency incidents when requested by command staff to assist with fire, medical, environmental, or other life-safety concerns.
Fire Inspections and Code Compliance Inspects residential, licensed care, commercial, industrial, multi-story, new, and existing buildings, facilities, and properties to determine compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes. Identifies, documents, and tracks code violations through site visits, written notices, certified mail, citations, and legal action when required. Reviews construction, occupancy, fire protection, exposure, alarm, suppression, detection, and extinguisher systems for operational readiness and code compliance. Interprets local, state, and national fire and life safety codes for the public, contractors, architects, engineers, business owners, vendors, law enforcement, and other agencies. Determines whether business emergency plans are required and reviews, evaluates, and processes those plans. Research codes, investigates fire and life safety complaints, and takes appropriate enforcement or corrective action. Develops, coordinates, and maintains hazardous materials information for facilities within the Fire District’s jurisdiction. Works with governmental agencies to support compliance and enforcement of fire codes, standards, hazardous materials requirements, and related regulations. Participates in public information, education, and community risk reduction activities, including talks, demonstrations, training programs, station tours, school programs, civic events, and Fire District functions. Assist the Senior Inspector/CRR Educators with presentations for community groups, schools, organizations, and institutions. Attends special events to support public fire safety. Conducts public education programs on topics such as fire extinguisher use, helmet and seatbelt safety, senior and child home safety, and general health and wellness issues. Responds to emergency and non-emergency incidents when requested by command staff and within the scope of assigned duties, certifications, and training. Provides support at incidents involving fire, motor vehicle accidents, explosions, hazardous materials, medical emergencies, technical rescue, public assistance, and other life-safety concerns. Conducts site visits to commercial facilities, hazardous structures, buildings, and assigned areas to maintain familiarity, identify safety concerns, and assist with pre-fire planning updates. Cleans, maintains, tests, and inspects Fire District equipment and personal protective equipment; informs the appropriate officer of maintenance needs or equipment problems. Performs data entry, incident reports, inspection reports, and related documentation as assigned. Maintains files, inspection reports, violation documentation, and related records in accordance with Fire District policies. Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and continuing education activities to maintain required certifications and professional development. Meets scheduling and attendance requirements. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license.
Minimum of four years of experience as a Firefighter/EMT. IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II.
Must obtain within one (1) year of hire:
- ICC Fire Inspector I Certification
- South Carolina Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations
- NIMS-ICS for the Fire Service or equivalent training.
- Basic Fire Investigation through NFA, SCFA, or equivalent training
- Fire and Life Safety Educator I