Fire Inspector I

The City of Gastonia Fire Department is seeking a qualified professional to join our team as a Deputy Fire Marshal. This position performs intermediate protective service work in the enforcement of the Fire Prevention Code with NC Amendments of the International Building Code and relevant local laws, ordinances, and regulations. In addition, this role will be responsible for conducting comprehensive fire and injury training programs, assessing fire hazards, inspecting fire protection systems, and educating property owners and occupants on fire safety practices within the community. Due to the nature of the work involved, the individual filling this position must be available for a call-back after 5:00 pm. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Fire Marshal.
Location: 260 N Myrtle School Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052The following job functions are normal for this position:. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.
Conduct routine inspections of new and existing buildings, facilities, and properties to identify fire hazards and ensure compliance with applicable fire codes and regulations within the City of Gastonia jurisdiction as dictated in the International Building Code with North Carolina Amendments as authorized by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board Certificate. Stay current on changes to fire codes, regulations, and industry best practices through continuing education and professional development activities
60%Collaborate with property owners, occupants, and other stakeholders to address fire safety concerns, provide guidance on compliance requirements, and offer recommendations for corrective actions; Conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance with previously identified deficiencies and ensure corrective measures have been implemented
20%Collaborate with property owners, occupants, and other stakeholders to address fire safety concerns, provide guidance on compliance requirements, and offer recommendations for corrective actions; Conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance with previously identified deficiencies and ensure corrective measures have been implemented
10%Conducts origin and cause fire investigations in conjunction with the Fire Investigation Taskforce and contributes to the development of prevention strategies; Collaborate with other fire department personnel and agencies to coordinate inspections, share information, and support broader fire prevention efforts
10%

• North Carolina Fire & Building codes and regulations
• Certification as a North Carolina Level I Fire Inspector is required.
• Firefighting procedures and methods;
• Building construction, fire protection, and life-safety systems;
• Using computers and applicable software applications;
• Prior experience in fire inspection, code enforcement, or related field preferred
• Strong knowledge of fire codes, standards, and regulations, particularly those applicable to North Carolina
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency with computers and basic software applications for documenting inspection findings and generating reports
• Represent the fire department professionally and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including property owners, businesses, and regulatory agencies

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous fire service experience, preferably in the fields of fire prevention and fire investigation

The physical activity of this position includes:

• Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet, legs, and/or hands and arms. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceed those required for ordinary locomotion
• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceed what is needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles
• Kneeling: Bending legs at the knee to come to rest on the knee or knees
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the leg and spine
• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts

The physical requirements of this position include:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work
The visual acuity requirements, including color, depth perception, and field of vision
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following:

• Preparing and analyzing data and figures
• Extensive reading
• Visual inspection

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position are:

• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
• The worker is subject to extreme cold. Temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour
• The worker is subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour
• The worker is subject to noise: There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout to be heard above the ambient noise level
• The worker is required to wear a respirator

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license.
• NC Level I Fire Inspector standard certificate or equivalent
• Fire Investigation Technician (NC-FIT or IAAI-FIT) preferred
• NC Fire & Life Safety Educator Certification Level I preferred
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Certification.
• NIMS Requirements; IS-700, ICS-100, ICS-200 preferred

Drug screening, criminal background, and verification of references
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H)Employment Type: Full Time