FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR Trainee/I/II at County of Tuolumne – Sonora, California

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee/I/II
Under direct or general supervision, inspects buildings, land, and fire suppression systems to determine compliance with California Fire Code, building codes, National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, health and safety codes, and related fire protection laws, regulations, and mitigation measures; reviews construction plans for appropriate fire suppression and safety features; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Fire Prevention Inspector I/II
Receives direct or general supervision from the Assistant County Fire Chief. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee: This is the trainee level class in the series. Incumbents work under well-established guidelines and closely supervised assignments to develop sufficient knowledge and work experience while obtaining valid Office of State Fire Marshall Fire Inspector 1A and 1B certificates or
equivalent certificates. Incumbent will learn to inspect properties for conformance with federal, state, county, and locally recognized laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.

Fire Prevention Inspector I: This is the entry-level class in the series. Incumbents initially are given detailed supervision in learning the techniques of conducting inspections and plan checks and applicable fire prevention and protection codes, regulations, standards, and ordinances. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult and close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.

Fire Prevention Inspector II: This is the fully qualified level class in the series. Incumbents have increased responsibility and latitude when performing the full range of plan review, inspection, fire investigation and enforcement duties. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Fire Inspector in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction of lower-level fire inspectors and is capable of performing the more complex or highly sensitive inspections.

Positions in the Fire Prevention Inspector class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the higher-level are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level based on department need and after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have two (2) years of prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level.
(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee:

• Learns and applies various codes and ordinances pertaining to building design, construction and fire protection systems.
• Develop knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems and their devices.
• Learns and assists Fire Prevention Inspectors in performing inspections on existing buildings of various occupancies, learn to determine compliance with applicable codes, standards and ordinances.
• Assists with new construction inspections and fire protection systems tests/inspections according to approved plans.
• Assists in and learns to review applications and issue permits for storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials and flammable or combustible liquids.
• Identifies conditions or situations that may hinder firefighting operations and the safety of emergency response personnel and recommends remedies to correct the conditions.
• Learns to take appropriate photographs and write detailed reports of fire code violations observed in inspected occupancy.
• Researches, updates, maintains, and distributes a variety of records, documents, forms, and data as requested; prepares correspondence, reports, and other public information materials.
• Differentiate between inspection deficiencies and service required to correct found deficiencies.
• Document efforts to assist property owners in bringing facilities into compliance.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• May attend special events and participate in public education activities.
• Complete job training documentation each week.
• Performs other duties and provide assistance as required.

Fire Prevention Inspector I/II:

• Performs technical fire safety inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential properties, buildings, and land to determine compliance with California Fire Code, building codes, National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, health and safety codes, and related fire protection laws, regulations, and mitigation measures.
• Performs plan checks and reviews of building modifications, new building construction, and various fire protection and detection systems.
• Recommends various fire loss risk management strategies for proposed buildings and other development projects; issues stop orders.
• Interacts and communicates with County staff, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, local fire chiefs, building owners, and the general public regarding interpretation and application of policies, codes, and regulations related to pertaining to the prevention and control of structural and wild land fires.
• Conditions and tests operation of installed fire extinguishing systems; calculates required and existing water flows based on codes and planned and installed piping and water feed sources.
• Investigates complaints of code violations and hazards; enforces codes to ensure abatement of identified violations and hazards; issues citations for violations and non-compliance as necessary; conducts re- inspections.
• Reviews and approves records, work plans, and permit applications for specialized commercial, industrial, residential operations, public fires, fireworks, and related activities.
• Reviews applications and issues permits for storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials and flammable or combustible liquids.
• Participates in public education and outreach projects and activities with the community; assists and participates in educating the public regarding a variety of fire safety, fire prevention, and other related programs and services; makes presentations and leads participatory discussions as a representative of the County.
• Researches, updates, maintains, and distributes a variety of records, documents, forms, and data as requested; prepares correspondence, reports, and other public information materials.
• Provides general information regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations, including responding appropriately to complaints, requests for information, and requests for service in person and by telephone.
• When called upon, responds to fire suppression and emergency incidents to provide assistance, as directed by supervisory personnel.
• Addresses fire code violations at the scene of a fire.
• Participates in fire safety related special projects as needed.
• Attends training to maintain and improve job knowledge, skills, and certifications.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee/I

• Principles, practices, techniques, tools, and equipment used in fire inspection and prevention.
• Operational characteristics and designs of fire prevention and detection systems and equipment.
• Public relations techniques related to obtaining cooperation and compliance with fire codes and laws.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

Fire Prevention Inspector II: (in addition to the above)

• Plan review code applications and general building code applications pertaining to fire and life safety requirements.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies applicable to fire safety, prevention, and enforcement.
• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on enforcement procedures.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of fire inspection.

Ability to:

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee/I:

• Learn to and perform fire safety inspections of buildings and fire protection equipment for compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Learn to and detect fire hazards and code violations and determine proper mitigation measures.
• Learn, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes, policies, procedures, laws, and regulations related to fire safety, prevention, and enforcement.
• Read, understand, and interpret construction plans, specifications, and maps.
• Coordinate and deal tactfully with the public to correct identified safety hazards.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Fire Prevention Inspector II:(in addition to the above)

• Independently perform fire safety inspections and check plans for compliance with California Fire Code, building codes, National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, health and safety codes, and related fire protection laws, regulations, and mitigation measures.
• Analyze inspection-related documents and make appropriate deductions and recommendations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations related to inspections.
• Make quick, sound, and independent decisions based on facts.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in fire science, fire administration, or related field.

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee/I: Some experience working in fire suppression or prevention.

Fire Prevention Inspector II: Two (2) years of experience performing fire inspections at a level equivalent to the County's Fire Prevention Inspector I.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

Fire Prevention Inspector Trainee:

• Obtain valid ICC Inspector I certification or Office of State Fire Marshall Fire Inspector 1A and 1B certificates or equivalent certificates within 18 months.

Fire Prevention Inspector I:

• Possession of valid Office of State Fire Marshall Fire Inspector 1A and 1B certificates or equivalent certificates.

Fire Prevention Officer II:

• Possession of valid Office of State Fire Marshall Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, and 2B certificates or equivalent certificates.