Fire Inspector I

The Fire Prevention Division is seeking to fill the vacancy of Fire Inspector.  This position may be filled at either the Level II or Level I, depending on experience and education.

All applicants must provide proof of the required education and applicable certifications at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received. 

Note: The selected candidate will be required to complete and pass a thorough background process that will include meeting with a background investigator. This process may take several weeks to complete after the conditional offer of employment is made.

Under direction of the Division Chief/Fire Marshal, Fire Chief or designee perform inspections, participate in prevention activities, enforces fire codes, laws and regulations relating to fire protection, prevention, life and safety.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives direct supervision from the Division Chief/Fire Marshal, Fire Chief or designee.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry level civilian position in the Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division. Responsible for conducting more routine tasks and basic fire prevention inspections and public education outreach.

• Inspects occupancies as defined by state and local fire codes and ensures compliance with state and local fire codes, ordinances and regulations.  Inspects State facilities as requested or required by the State Fire Marshal.

• Inspects existing fire suppression and detection systems as required.

• Inspects special event occupancies and temporary structures as assigned

• Participates in public education programs in fire prevention.

• Investigates and responds to citizen complaints of fire code violations.

• Prepares and maintains records and reports pertaining to assigned duties.

• Assists with plan checks on new construction, remodels, tenant improvements and demolition as assigned and in compliance with adopted codes.

• Assists with fire investigations as directed.

• Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic mathematics and technical report writing

• Proper grammar, spelling punctuation and business correspondence format

• Basic construction methods and materials

• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases

• Safe work practices and procedures pertaining to areas of assignment

Ability to:

• Recognize fire and structural hazards in special processes or facilities, including industrial, commercial and residential buildings and occupancies.

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Understand, interpret and effectively apply all related codes, ordinances and laws to fire hazard situations.

• Promote the mission, values and standards of an effective organization, with insight toward providing high quality public service.

• Learn, read and interpret maps, diagrams, construction plans and specifications.

• Utilize industry best practices, follow proper inspection techniques to detect deviations from plans, regulations, and/or standard safety practices.

• Maintain cooperative relations with builders, contractors, city staff and the general public with applying firmness, tact, and fairness with respect to code enforcement.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License

• Must possess one of the following certifications within one year of hire, other certification(s) in compliance with NFPA 1031 may be considered as first year requisites such as but not limited to:

• A California Office of State Marshal Fire Inspector I certification or

• An International Code Council Fire Inspector I or

• An International Fire Service Accreditation Congress Fire Inspector I;

and

• Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness certification

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D 

and 

• A minimum of six college units in fire technology or general education or one-year fulltime experience in any related inspection field or construction trade experience.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read fine print on labels and in manuals, maps, diagrams and blue prints with no color deficiencies; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone, 2 way-radio and over the noise of traffic and machinery and detect subtle noise in machinery and running water; physical agility to push/pull, climb ladders, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to walk across rough terrain and uneven surfaces; physical strength to lift up to 35 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit or walk or stand for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.  Primarily works outdoors in all weather conditions, work in and around potentially toxic chemicals, and occasional work in an office environment sitting at a desk.  Prolonged time spent on one's feet, walking through-out the day. Will traverse by foot on uneven, muddy, wet, and rocky surfaces.  Occasionally will climb ladders and work at heights of up to 50 feet. Will spend a certain amount of time each day driving from location to location to conduct inspections.

Special Requirement:

May be required to work evening, weekends or holidays for the purpose of conducting inspections. This position is subject to an extensive background and criminal investigation check.

This position is designated as a disaster service worker under California Government Code Title 1, Section 3100.

Employee must complete SB1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.