GENERAL PURPOSE: Under general supervision of the Fire Marshal, inspects commercial and residential buildings for compliance with fire, life, and safety codes including the IFC, NFPA and local amendments.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepares for and conducts annual inspections of existing commercial and multi-family residential properties for code violations and hazardous materials violations; prepares for and conducts inspections of new construction and renovations of commercial and residential properties for compliance with International Fire Code, NFPA and local amendments; communicates findings with building occupants, determines a plan of corrective action, and conducts follow-up inspections; conducts research to identify applicable codes or standards.
- Ensures buildings are equipped and compliant with the proper fire control equipment, including fire extinguishers.
- Investigates complaints related to immediate life safety hazards; completes all reports related to complaints and findings; communicates findings with building occupants, determines a plan of corrective action, and conducts follow-up inspections; conducts research to determine history of similar violations by occupant; issues notice of orders and citations and provides court testimony as necessary.
- Inspects and tests fire and life safety protection systems including fire alarm, fire sprinkler, hood suppression and underground fire lines.
- Maintains communications with developers and builders on construction and inspection projects; analyzes practices, identifies problems, and recommends improvements; maintains and updates inspection records, project documentation and department files.
- Refers serious problems and disagreements in compliance issues to the Fire Marshal.
- Keeps abreast of current fire safety codes and firefighting procedures.
- Conducts business license and building permit inspections and re-inspections.
- Follows up with facilities placed on Fire Watch; informs line personnel and dispatch when a system is repaired.
- Maintains and updates files and records related to inspection and enforcement activities.
- Responds outside of normally scheduled work hours in response to special events, natural disasters, emergencies, or critical incidents as determined by the City.
- Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the City by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
- Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work effectively.
- Has regular, predictable attendance; attendance is a factor in continued employment with the city.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Education and Experience:
- High School diploma or GED equivalent;
- AND two year's fire inspector experience with basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building construction.
- OR any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
- Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
- TCFP certification as a Basic Fire Inspector required. Intermediate or Advanced Inspector preferred.
- Plans Examiner Certification preferred.
- TCFP Basic Firefighter and or Basic Fire Investigator and or EMT-B or Paramedic preferred.
- City and Fire Department policies and procedures.
- Principles and practices of the construction industry and building trades.
- Methods and techniques of inspecting a variety of buildings and evaluating technical compliance.
- Knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention practices, and techniques.
- Applicable Federal and state laws, statutes, and standards, including Uniform Building and Fire Codes, and related City codes, ordinances, and regulations.
- Occupational hazards and safety precautions in construction areas.
- General principles of planning & zoning and records management.
- Customer service standards and protocols.
- Ability to interpret approved building and fire life safety construction plans.
- Applying technical knowledge of building trades work and using sound inspection methods to determine workmanship and materials quality, and detect deviations from plans, specifications, and standard installation practices.
- Interpreting and applying building and safety standards, state and Federal regulations, department standards, and City codes and policies.
- Making independent decisions while working in the field, analyzing situations accurately, and following established procedures.
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, contractors, other development agencies and the general public.
- Operating a personal computer and equipment utilizing a variety of software.
- Effective communication, both verbal and written.
- Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather; light physical demands, frequent standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and lifting to 50 lbs.
- Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test and pre-employment physical.