Fire Inspector I

City of Fort Lauderdale; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fort Lauderdale seeks a Fire Inspector I to conduct fire and life safety inspections and enforce regulations. Trainee hires may be considered and must obtain the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification and the Broward County BORA certification during probation.

Responsibilities include annual hazard inspections, testing safety systems, documenting findings, and presenting notices of violation.

Qualifications

• Have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a State of Florida G.E.D. certificate.
• Possess a currently valid Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Statutory Compliance or Certificate of Training, issued by the State of Florida.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's License prior to employment and have an acceptable driving record.
• Fire Inspector I Certification: State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification.
• Fire Inspector I Trainee: obtain the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification as a condition of probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Inspects properties on a yearly basis for fire hazards and compliance with regulations.
• Inspects and tests fire/life safety systems and corrects hazardous conditions.
• Documents inspection findings electronically and submits notices of violation.
• Appears before boards and in courts to enforce fire regulations.
• Reviews construction drawings to correct fire/life safety problems.
• Investigates origin, cause, and circumstances of fires in the city.
• Responds to complaints and performs standby fire watches at events.
• Participates in training to maintain certifications and medical rescue skills.

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Position Summary

Preference will be given to candidates who posses the required Certificates at the time of hire. If the position cannot be filled by a candidate who holds the required certificates, candidates who do not currently possess the certificates may be considered and hired as trainees and will be required to obtain the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification and the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) Certification as a condition of successfully completing the probationary period. This position requires the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification and the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) Certification. This is skilled, specialized work of varied difficulty in conducting fire/life safety inspections. Employees in this class are responsible for the protection and preservation of life and property primarily by conducting fire/life safety inspections. Employees assigned to this class must utilize special skills and training to enforce all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and may be required to respond to emergencies and perform tasks as needed. This job classification is included within the bargaining unit represented by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and therefore is subject to the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the IAFF.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspects properties on a yearly basis for the presence of fire hazards, and to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire regulations.
• Inspects and tests all fire/life safety systems; recognizes and takes action to correct hazardous conditions which present an immediate danger to life.
• Documents inspection findings electronically, reviews findings with property owners and supervisors, prepares and submits Notice of Violation forms for the City Code Enforcement Board.
• Appears before the City Code Enforcement Board, Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals, and in courts of law to enforce fire regulations.
• Reviews construction drawings and specifications to correct fire/life safety problems.
• Performs the investigation of the origin, cause and circumstances of fires within the city.
• Responds to and resolves complaints from the general public.
• Performs standby fire watches in places of public assembly and at special events to ensure that all fire/life safety equipment is operative, and all fire/life safety regulations are adhered to.
• Participates in specified training programs to maintain state and local inspector certifications and to increase knowledge of modern fire prevention theories and techniques; may participate in training programs to maintain medical rescue skills.
• May demonstrate and explain appropriate fire safety and injury prevention behaviors to groups and individuals.
• May respond to emergencies and assist in rescues; may administer basic life support emergency care.
• Performs related work as required.

Job Requirements, Preferences & Work Environment

• Have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a State of Florida G.E.D. certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
• Possess a currently valid Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Statutory Compliance or Certificate of Training, issued by the State of Florida.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's License prior to employment and have an acceptable driving record.
• Fire Inspector I Candidates: Possess and maintain the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification.
• Fire Inspector I Candidates: Possess and be able to maintain the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) Certification as a Fire Inspector as a condition of successfully completing the probationary period.
• Fire Inspector I Trainee Candidates: Be able to obtain the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification as a condition of successfully completing the probationary period.
• Fire Inspector I Trainee Candidates: Be able to obtain and maintain the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) Certification as a Fire Inspector as a condition of successfully completing the probationary period.
  • Trainee candidates will be hired at 5% less of the starting pay range.
• Have been a non-smoker at least one year prior to application and agree to not to use/smoke tobacco in any form on or off duty during the tenure of their employment and during the period of this recruitment process.
• Successfully complete a background investigation and medical examination including drug screen (if applicable).
• Must obtain your CPAT- Candidate Physical Ability Test within one (1) year of being hired.
• City employees seeking Veterans’ Preference must demonstrate re-deployment since joining the City. Candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (https://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/)

Preferences

• Possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic Certification issued through the State of Florida or equivalent.
• Possess the State of Florida Fire Investigator certificate of competency, National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) certifications.
• Possess the State of Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator Certificate of Competency

Required Documents For Application Submission

• Pre-job Offer Questionnaire - must be completed, notarized and uploaded with application.
• Fire Rescue Non-Tobacco Waiver - must be completed, notarized and uploaded with application.
• Waiver of Confidential Records - must be completed, notarized and uploaded with application
• Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Statutory Compliance or Certificate of Training, issued by the State of Florida
• State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification
• Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) Certificate
• Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic Certification issued through the State of Florida or equivalent.(if applicable)

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

Physical Standards Required To Perform Essential Job Functions

The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, walk, push, pull, grasp, stand and access heights or areas where limited space is available. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace.