FIRE INSPECTOR

Knox County; Tennessee; On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Knox County is seeking a Fire Inspector to conduct inspections of new construction, existing structures, and government facilities in accordance with adopted codes. This is a safety-sensitive role requiring a drug screen and the ability to be bonded and deputized.

You will review plans for code compliance, respond to life-safety complaints, witness tests of fire suppression and detection systems, and testify in court as needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse groups.
• Ability to analyze situations and problem-solve under pressure.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working with codes, plans, and inspections is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs scheduled inspections of structures under construction for code compliance.
• Performs periodic inspections of existing buildings for code compliance.
• Performs plans review for code compliance.
• Responds to fire and life safety complaints and other safety-related issues.
• Witnesses testing of fire suppression and detection systems for occupancy permits.
• Enter files and schedule inspections using electronic systems; maintain accurate records.
• Testifies in court and explains the Fire Bureau’s interpretations of codes.
• Assist the public educators with fire safety programs.
• Install smoke detectors in private residences as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Organization

Education

High School

Associate's Preferred

Job description

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this classification is to conduct inspections of new constructions, existing structures and governmental facilities. This is a safety sensitive position that requires a drug screen and the ability to be bonded and deputized through the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

Position Reports to

Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Division

Direct Reports

None

Essential Functions

• Performs scheduled inspections of structures currently under construction for compliance with the adopted codes.
• Performs periodic inspections of existing buildings and structures for compliance with the adopted codes.
• Performs plans review for compliance with the adopted codes.
• Responds to fire and life safety related complaints, and other safety related complaints as needed
• Witnesses the testing of all fire related suppression and detection systems as required for occupancy permit.
• Notify owners of permit requirements when buildings become vacant.
• Communicates and interacts with property owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and others they may work with in the field.
• Conducts progress checks on open permits.
• Identify recently vacant buildings and tenant spaces to assure compliance with the proper permitting procedures.
• Schedules and prepare cases for court when projects are issued citations for code violations.
• Use electronic equipment to enter files, schedule inspections, scan submitted documents, maintain and organize entries and otherwise ensure all relevant assigned electronic files are complete, accurate and up to date.
• Testifies in court on the Fire Bureau’s actions and advises court officials of preferred resolutions.
• Appears before the Board of Appeals to explain the Fire Bureau’s interpretation of relevant codes sections and to advocate for the Bureau’s position.
• Participates periodically in the inspector on-call program by responding when necessary to requests from jurisdictional fire departments for after-hours technical assistance.
• Attends on-going training and education necessary to maintain proficiency and to accumulate continuing education hours for recertification purposes.
• Assists the public educators with presentations and other fire and life safety educational programs.
• Installs smoke detectors in private residences as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School; Associate's Preferred
• Certifications (Required By Hire): Must possess and maintain a valid Tennessee Driver's License.
• Certifications (Required After Hire): A State of Tennessee Certified Fire Inspector Level I must be obtained within 12 months of hire date. Fire Inspector Level II must be obtained within 2 years.
• Experience: 2 years
• Preferences: firefighting and fire investigation experience
• Other Requirements: None

Substitutes for Requirements

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position.
• Successfully pass a background check.
• Successfully pass a drug screen and/or physical
• Successfully pass a MVR check.

Key Knowledge

• None

Key Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in use of PCs, tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Good organization skills

Abilities

• Ability to work in a position of moderate complexity
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Ability to focus and demonstrate attention to detail

Additional Job Functions

• Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
• Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Exposure to construction site hazards such as mechanized equipment, timber, hand and power tools, uneven terrain, inclement weather, etc.

Working Conditions

• Physical demands are light. Ability to lift up to 20lbs.
• Work is completed primarily outdoors with exposure to various weather conditions.

Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.