Fire Inspector

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs responsible administrative and technical work related to the inspection and enforcement of the Township Fire Prevention and Alarm Systems Ordinance. The Fire Inspector conducts inspections, investigates complaints, ensures code compliance, and supports fire prevention initiatives throughout the Township.

The Fire Inspector will respond to fire and emergency call as assigned, performing firefighting, rescue, or support functions consistent with training and departmental needs.

The position works under the general supervision of the Director of Community Development and the Fire Chief and coordinates closely with the Assistant Township Manager. The work requires initiative, independent judgment, and professional discretion and is periodically reviewed upon completion.

Work is performed during regularly scheduled hours and may involve additional hours as needed, including incident response.

The position is exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Development – Code Enforcement

• Conduct inspections of commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family buildings to ensure compliance with Township Fire Prevention and Alarm Codes.
• Issue fire prevention and alarm system permits in accordance with Township Code Chapters 37 and 61.
• Identify Fire Prevention and Alarm Code violations, issue notices of violation, citations, and certificates of occupancy as appropriate.
• Work with property owners, managers, and contractors to resolve compliance issues within the scope of authority.
• Collect and document fees related to fire prevention permits, alarm system permits, and false alarms.
• Maintain accurate records of alarm systems, inspections, permits, violations, and enforcement actions.
• Review development plans and building plans to evaluate fire protection features, emergency access, and hydrant placement.
• Evaluate the need for and location of public fire hydrants for proposed developments and assess adequacy of existing hydrant locations Township-wide.
• Prepare inspection reports, correspondence, activity summaries, and maintain inspection databases. (combined duplicated reporting items)
• Provide staff assistance to the Director of Planning and Community Development, Board of Commissioners, and Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board.
• Prepare materials for hearings and provide testimony related to fire code enforcement when necessary.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Director of Planning and Community Development.

Fire Department – Prevention

• Coordinate oversight of the fire alarm systems connected to the police dispatch alarm panel and maintain related records.
• Respond to fire alarms, emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other calls for service as a qualified member of the Volunteer Fire Department; perform firefighting, rescue, apparatus operation, and incident command support.
• Participate in fire department training, drills, and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with annual fire prevention reporting.
• Assist Volunteer Fire Department with fire prevention education and outreach to the public, businesses, and community organizations.
• Maintain professional knowledge through training programs, continuing education, and participation in professional organizations related to fire prevention and inspection.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of modern fire prevention principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable fire, building, electrical, and mechanical codes.
• Considerable knowledge of fire inspection methods and compliance enforcement techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of building design, construction practices, and fire protection systems.
• Knowledge of the installation and operation of sprinkler systems and other fire suppression equipment.
• Ability to interpret and enforce the Township Fire Prevention and Alarm Systems Ordinance.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans and blueprints.
• Ability to analyze inspection findings and prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete multiple assignments efficiently and independently.
• Ability to maintain organized records and files.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with Township staff, elected officials, other agencies, business owners, and the general public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality where required.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and inspection-related tools.
• Must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours, as this role requires in-person collaboration and access to office resources and department equipment.

Education and Experience

• A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in fire protection engineering, fire inspection, or insurance fire protection engineering.
• An associates degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, or a closely related field and six -ten (6-10) years of experience in fire protection engineering, fire inspection, or insurance fire protection engineering.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid and current Pennsylvania State Driver’s License.
• Fire Inspector I/II
• Pennsylvania state Firefighter I
• NIMS ICS – 100 and 700 (required), 200 and 800 (strongly preferred)

EQUIPMENT USED

• Personal computer with word processing and spreadsheet software; calculator, telephone, copier, scanner, fax machine and other office equipment.
• Motor Vehicle and various emergency rescue equipment and apparatus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must be able to travel to various meeting sites for seminars or continuing education courses and to attend meetings at other locations away from the office. 
• This position may require bending, stooping, walking on uneven surfaces, or other physical requirements of emergency response personnel including heavy lifting as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately noisy in the field with sounds such as emergency sirens, radio alerts, and vehicle backup alarms.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job 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 job change.

Created March 2026

USC Job Grade 6