Fire Inspector I

City of Fort Lauderdale; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fort Lauderdale seeks a Fire Inspector I to inspect properties for fire hazards and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The role involves documenting findings, issuing notices of violation, and testifying before boards and in court when needed.

Preferred qualifications include Florida Fire Safety Inspector I and BORA certifications; trainees may be considered and must obtain certifications during probation. Includes standard background and CPAT prerequisites.

Qualifications

• 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 Certification required for candidates; BORA Certification as Fire Inspector required for probationary period.
• For Trainee: ability to obtain Fire Safety Inspector I Certification and BORA Certification as a condition of completing probation.
• Non-smoker for one year prior to application; agree to non-use of tobacco throughout employment and recruitment process.
• Successful background check and medical exam including drug screen.
• CPAT within one year of hire.
• Veterans preference requirements as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Inspects properties yearly for fire hazards and compliance with regulations.
• Tests and inspects fire/life safety systems and corrects hazards.
• Documents findings and submits notices of violation to City Enforcement Board.
• Appears before City Code Enforcement Board, BORA, and courts to enforce regulations.
• Reviews construction drawings for life/safety issues.
• Investigates origin and cause of fires within the city.
• Responds to public complaints and conducts standby fire watches as needed.
• Participates in training to maintain inspector certifications and medical rescue skills.

Education

State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification

Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) Certification

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic Certification

State of Florida Fire Investigator certificate of competency (NAFI/IAAI certifications)

Job description

This position requires the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification and the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) Certification.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess 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 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 functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• 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.

1. Have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a State of Florida G.E.D. certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
2. Possess a currently valid Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Statutory Compliance or Certificate of Training, issued by the State of Florida.
3. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver's License prior to employment and have an acceptable driving record.
4. Fire Inspector I Candidates: Possess and maintain the State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I Certification.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Successfully complete a background investigation and medical examination including drug screen (if applicable).
10. Must obtain your CPAT- Candidate Physical Ability Test within one (1) year of being hired.
11. 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

1. Possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic Certification issued through the State of Florida or equivalent.
2. 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.
3. Possess the State of Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator Certificate of Competency

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION

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

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 receives a high volume of applications, so not every applicant who meets the minimum qualifications will be guaranteed an interview. Candidates are selected for interviews based on how closely their education and work experience match the specific requirements of the position.

Applicants will be subject to an extensive selection and screening process, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written; oral and performance-based testing; skills assessment; interview; employment check, background investigation; medical examination; and drug screen. For Public Safety positions, the process additionally includes polygraph examinations and psychological evaluations. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

All applicants, including current City of Fort Lauderdale employees, need to fully detail their work experience on the employment application. Applicants must ensure that all required documents submitted are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update their online profile with accurate personal information, work history, education, and certifications each time they submit a new application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.

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