Fire Inspector Technician

DeKalb County; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County is seeking a Firefighter Inspector to enforce fire prevention and life safety codes in the County by conducting routine building inspections. The position supports inspectors in enforcing codes across commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties and in reviewing plans for code compliance.

The candidate must hold a High School Diploma or GED with related training, have two years of fire inspections or code enforcement experience, and possess a Georgia driver’s license plus

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED with vocational/technical fire science training.
• Two years of experience in fire inspections, plan review or code enforcement, or equivalent combo of education/experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and Fire Inspector I and Life Safety Code certifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with building, Life Safety, and NFPA codes; inspect systems and facilities and document findings.
• Assist in final inspections of commercial/industrial buildings, multi-family housing, churches and public assemblies; ensure code compliance and document results.
• Conduct code enforcement: investigate unsafe conditions, issue notices and citations, and testify in court if needed.
• Review permit applications and plan reviews for compliance with Life Safety codes; coordinate small additions/repairs and maintain documentation.
• Monitor public assemblies/events for fire safety practices; discuss violations with organizers and maintain documentation.
• Attend trainings and stay current with changes in policies, procedures, codes, and case law.

Education

Fire Inspector I certification

Life Safety Code certification

Georgia driver’s license

Job description

Salary Range: $48,381- $77,894 FLSA: Nonexempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to assist Firefighter Inspectors in enforcing the fire prevention and life safety codes of the State of Georgia and DeKalb County by conducting routine building inspections in the County.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with all adopted codes and ordinances of the County including standard building, Life Safety, and National Fire Codes; conducts inspections of buildings, alarms, detection and suppression systems, electrical framing, heating ventilation, air conditioning, gas/fuel, water availability, ADA compliance and other inspections as required or requested; and maintains related documentation.

Assists Firefighter Inspectors in conducting final inspections of new/existing commercial and industrial buildings, multi-family housing units, residential plats, churches, public assemblies, etc.; ensures compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; and maintains related documentation.

Conducts code enforcement activities; investigates complaints of unsafe construction, unsafe conditions of construction or occupancy and other complaints; identifies code violations and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; determines compliance or non-compliance with codes; meets with property, business owners and other individuals to discuss violations; prepares and issues code compliance notices, warnings, court citations and official correction notices to inform violators of discrepancies and compliance deadlines; testifies in court as needed; and performs follow-up site inspections as needed.

Reviews and analyzes building/site plans submitted for permit to determine compliance with appropriate Life Safety codes and ordinances of the County; reviews and analyzes code compliance of mechanical systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, Fire Life Safety systems and gas/fuel installations submitted for permit; receives applications and coordinates plan reviews for small additions, minor alterations, and repairs or existing structures; and maintains related documentation.

Monitors public assemblies and events for fire safety practices; attends and observes assembly events; identifies compliance or noncompliance with Life Safety codes and ordinances, such as overcrowding, lighting, and behavior patterns; meets with organizers and event sponsors to discuss violations and concerns; and maintains related documentation.

Attends meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal case law; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and assists with public education duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required, supplemented by vocational or technical training in fire science, building trades or a related field; and two years of experience in fire inspections, plan review or code enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license or equivalent license from state of residence; and Fire Inspector I and Life Safety Code certifications. May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications as deemed necessary.