Codes Inspector

Job Summary

The City of Rockville has a new job opportunity for a Fire Codes Inspector. This position is responsible for performing intermediate to difficult technical and intermediate administrative work in securing and maintaining compliance with ordinances and regulations relating to building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical codes, fire and life safety, health, occupational licensing, and nuisances within the City. This is code enforcement work requiring the application of technical and specialized knowledge, methods and techniques to ensure compliance with codes, City ordinances and approved plans, permits and specifications in new construction and certain existing buildings such as renovated structures and/or licensed facilities within the City. Incumbent makes independent field inspections, writes reports, correspondence and notices, gathers evidence, prepares cases and testifies in court when necessary. The position requires continuing personal contact with the general public, contractors, architects, etc. concerning construction code requirements. The incumbent's work has meaningful impact on specific cases and is done under general managerial discretion.

Our value-driven department seeks someone who has proven skills in project management, community engagement, research, and producing written reports and studies. Please join our Community Planning and Development Services Department where our employees thrive due to a culture of empowerment, professional growth, collaboration, creativity, diversity, and innovation.

About Rockville: Conveniently situated in Montgomery County, just 15 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., Rockville, Maryland is hailed as one of the nation's leading small cities and one of the top 10 most diverse communities in the nation. Rockville offers a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles with a variety of engaged residential communities. Rockville also has two Metro stations that provide convenient access to the DC Metropolitan Area and opportunities for new transit-oriented development.

Essential Job Functions

FIRE INSPECTOR

• Conducts independent field inspections, explains and interprets codes, attempts to obtain voluntary compliance, writes reports, correspondence and notices, gathers evidence, prepares cases and testifies in court.

• Makes life safety inspections and tests of fire protection systems in new construction, renovations and certain existing buildings, such as licensed facilities (nursing centers, group homes, day care, etc.). Conducts on-site inspections, mostly required by law, to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Inspects and tests fire protection systems to ensure proper installation and verification of performance requirements.

• Attends meetings, provides consultation and teleconferencing, daily to public and private businesses, to other Government agencies, contractors and architects for the purpose of resolving fire safety issues, scheduling inspections, and providing instruction required to facilitate code conformance.

• Serves notice to affected parties, responsible parties, and other regulatory agencies, such as Health Department, Child Care Administration to complete their respective permit/license process-reports.

• Prepares correspondence and keeps records related to inspections and tests conducted, and sometimes required by law.

• Maintains accurate inspection and permit records in the permit database.

• Responds to code enforcement issues which may arise through a complaint from the public or another agency or may be the result of an unforeseen situation. Determines immediately whether life safety and/or the preservation of property is affected. Enforces codes and regulations based on the severity and nature of the issue and handles on a case by case basis, which sometimes requires the Fire Inspector to initiate legal intervention which can result in civil or criminal proceedings.

• Meets with and assists Fire Department operations personnel for the purpose of providing instruction, guidance and/or resolution regarding fire safety code issues which may have been discovered during routine or emergency Fire Department activities.

• Provides intervention required as determined by the complexity of certain code issues and/or the inability of the local Fire Department to address an issue due to lack of resources or the unpredictable schedule of emergency services. Learns and demonstrates an understanding of City, department, division and team goals.

• Serves and meets the needs of customers during routine or emergency situations.

• Assesses his/her own work performance or the work performance of the team.

• Plans and organizes his/her work, time and resources, and if applicable that of subordinates.

• Contributes to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization. Produce desired work outcomes including quality, quantity and timeliness.

• Communicates effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates and people to whom service is provided.

BUILDING INSPECTOR

• Inspects residential and/or commercial construction for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, life safety, health, fire protection, and on-site utility construction to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes and specifications.

• Confers with and advises contractors, property owners, architects, and the general public regarding code requirements and solutions to problems.

• Conducts follow-up inspections to monitor compliance; and takes the appropriate action necessary in cases of non-compliance.

• Investigates and resolves citizen complaints regarding code violations including working without permits and substandard construction.

• Maintains up to date knowledge of construction methods, codes and materials by attending seminars and classes, by independent study and by internet instruction.

• Maintains accurate documentation records of inspection results for all types of permits.

• Prepare accurate violation notices and/or stop-work orders that are sent to property owners in order to obtain compliance with City codes.

• Issues orders and citations; gathers evidence, prepares cases for court/appellate consideration; and testifies in court as issuing officer and expert witness.

• Provides inspection assistance for after-hours emergencies to assess damage and authorize safe reconnection of electrical service to all structures damaged by fire or other means.

• Assists the supervisor with special assignments and in training of new inspectors when necessary.

• Reviews plans, issues permits and provides assistance to contractors and the general public when assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Fire Inspector

High school diploma and three (3) years of experience in a technical/ professional field involving fire and life safety or a relevant degree and one (1) year of experience.

Special Qualifications:

Fire lnspector

Certification for Maryland Fire Rescue Institute Fire Inspector I, International Code Council Fire Inspector I or equivalent.

Ability to obtain Fire Inspector II within one (1) year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

FIRE INSPECTOR

• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.

• Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.

• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates and people to whom service is provided.

• Ability to display a positive behavior with regard to work, willingly accept constructive criticism and be respectful of others.

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret State and local fire and life safety codes and ordinances.

• Skill in time management and operation of equipment necessary to do the job.

• Skill in the use of Pitot tube and gauges, calculation and graphing of fire flow results.

• Skill in courtroom demeanor, communication and listening; skill and ability to differentiate facts from opinions.

• Ability to read and comprehend plans for fire protection systems.

• Ability to perform code-related research.

• Ability to supervise performance of acceptance tests.

• Ability to make calculations for egress requirements.

• Ability to read basic floor plan or shop drawings and identify symbols used by the jurisdiction.

• Ability to compose legally adoptable language.

Physical Demands:

• Employee performs light work requiring the employee to occasionally lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing up to 20 lbs. in performance of daily work activities.

• While performing duties employee is required to sit, walk, stand, balance, stoop, kneel crouch, climb, reach with hands and arms, and smell.

• Work requires grasping, feeling, and repetitive hand movement.

• Vocal communication is required

• Visual acuity is required

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee primarily works outside and is subject to seasonal temperatures, extreme heat and cold, and the elements. Some work is performed in a typical office setting.

• Noise level is moderate to loud when performing inspections or other site work.

• Employees may interact with upset and distressed customers when enforcing the codes, laws and ordinances