Fire Safety Inspector

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Highly responsible and detail-oriented position involving the inspection of buildings and structures to ensure compliance with state and county fire and life safety, building, and other codes and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Inspects new and existing residences, businesses, commercial, and other buildings and structures for conformance with requirements of state and county fire/life safety and related codes, ordinances and laws, as directed.
• Informs builders, owners, contractors and architects of code violations.
• Renders approval or disapproval of inspected sites regarding the issuance of building permits or stop work orders.
• Issues stop work orders.
• Investigates complaints of defective projects and fire code violations that are reported, notifies responsible persons of defects/violations, and issues instructions for corrections.
• Performs second inspections and reports for compliance or non-compliance to previous violations.
• Prepares records and reports of inspections performed covering conditions found, and actions taken.
• Examines construction plans for compliance with fire codes.
• Consults with architects and engineers to develop methods or systems to comply with plans.
• Coordinates as needed with area Fire Prevention Inspectors and Fire Chiefs concerning plans.
• Assists Federal, State, and County Building, Fire and Health Inspectors as needed for local fire code enforcement.
• Conducts fire safety inspections and assists in fire prevention by reviewing escape plans in private family dwellings, as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience: High School diploma or GED supplemented by a minimum of three (3) years of documented experience performing fire and life safety inspections or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Demonstrable knowledge of Florida Fire Prevention Code, State Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards, and Florida Statute 633 is required.

Licenses and/or Certifications: Requires a valid driver license. Requires a Florida Certified Fire Safety Inspector I Certificate from the Florida State Fire Marshal within one (1) year of hire. Additional licenses, or the ability to obtain inspector licenses in building trades or certifications for fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and hood fire suppression systems are preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements: Must be able to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Requires prolonged periods of standing, walking and driving. Requires full range of body motion in manipulation of limbs and torso for working on scaffolding, climbing ladders and/or working in confined spaces. Requires excellent equilibrium to prevent falling from narrow, slippery, rough, and uneven surfaces or erratically moving surfaces. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of records, reports, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals, etc., in moderately complex technical terminology. Requires the ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation. Requires the ability to communicate effectively in Standard English and in the various professional languages relevant to construction and engineering activities.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of technical instructions in written, mathematical or diagrammatic form; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Requires the application of principles of influence systems.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, use decimals and calculate percentages; compute ratio and proportion.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergencies and frequent deadlines. Requires the ability to exercise consistent tact and courtesy in frequent contact with various contractors, professionals, county staff and the general public.