Fire Inspector I

Town of Smithfield; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Smithfield seeks a skilled Fire Inspector to perform inspections of residential, commercial, and public structures to enforce fire codes and prevent hazards.

Responsibilities include conducting inspections, preparing reports, educating the public on fire safety, and coordinating with the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. A two-year fire service background and NC driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Fire Science or equivalent; completion of fire inspection courses and seminars.
• Willingness to obtain required State certification and additional Town Certifications.
• Minimum North Carolina driver’s license and ability to obtain local certifications as mandated.

Responsibilities

• Assist Fire Marshal in planning and conducting programs to reduce fire hazards.
• Inspect businesses, schools, and facilities for existing or potential fire hazards.
• Prepare deficiency reports and follow up inspections to ensure correction.
• Maintain records of inspections and related matters for the Town.

Skills

Fire inspection

Code enforcement

Public safety

Report writing

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Fire Science

Two years fire service/inspections experience

Job description

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONING OF WORK

Performs responsible technical and administrative work in the inspection of residential, commercial and public structures to prevent fires. An employee in this class performs varied tasks to ensure compliance and enforcement with State and local fire laws, codes, rules and regulations.

• Work includes inspections of commercial and retail establishments, schools, and health care facilities, and, if requested residences.
• Employee conducts fire education and safety programs.
• Employee is involved in reviewing site plans for new construction to ensure that all fire codes are being met.
• Considerable independence and judgment are required in all aspects of the work, particularly in fire inspections.
• Considerable public contact requires that the employee exhibit tact and diplomacy in seeking compliance with fire laws, codes, rules and regulations.
• Employee is subject to hazards associated with fire inspection, administration, and firefighting work including work in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places.
• Employee is exposed to atmospheric conditions and bloodborne pathogens.
• Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Marshal and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work performed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

• Assists the Fire Marshal in planning and conducting programs of reducing fire hazards by securing compliance with State and local laws, codes, rules and regulations.
• Conducts fire inspections of businesses, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, and places of public assembly for existing or potential fire hazards.
• Prepares and submits reports of deficiencies and conducts follow up inspections to ensure that deficient conditions are corrected.
• Prepares and maintains records of fire inspections and related matters for the Town.
• Instructs various segments of the community on fire safety through education of the existing codes, laws, and regulations.
• Issues permits and maintains all associated records.
• Drives equipment to the scene of a fire.
• Operates fire suppression equipment, lays lines, connects lines to hydrants, and assures correct water pressure.
• Attends lectures and studies manuals.
• Participates in fire drills and learns modern firefighting techniques to develop and maintain skill.
• Participates in physical training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the types of industrial and commercial operations in the Town and any related potential hazards.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods of readily ascertaining the presence of existing or potential fire hazards.
• Considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations covering fire prevention.
• Considerable knowledge of the sources and use of information about current fire prevention and skill in their teaching and application.
• Considerable knowledge of fire equipment operation and maintenance, and skill in its operation.
• Ability to enforce codes and laws with firmness and fairness; visual acuity to conduct inspections.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, business and civic leaders, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively; ability to prepare and submit clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public to maintain excellent physical condition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to perform administrative and computer related tasks as well as the ability to operate trucks and other equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree from an accredited two-year college or technical school in fire science, completion of fire inspection and prevention schools including advanced courses and seminars in fire inspections and 2 years of experience in fire service or inspections; or

• Ability and willingness to obtain the required State level certification as mandated by the Town within a reasonable time as determined by the State
• Willingness to obtain additional certifications as required by the Town.
• Must have valid North Carolina driver’s license.