The purpose of this position is to be responsible for managing all activities of the municipal fire department’s fire prevention and fire inspections division. This position requires that the employee direct, through subordinate supervisors, all investigations of fires and explosions and all fire prevention inspections of commercial and industrial buildings. Work is performed under administrative direction of the Fire Chief and includes responsibility for coordinating all fire prevention training and inspections throughout the department.
- Administer and enforce fire prevention codes and ordinances at the local, state and federal level.
- Oversee the fire prevention division which includes inspections, plan reviews, and public-education programs.
- Direct and conduct fire inspections of commercial, industrial, multi-family, and public assembly occupancies to ensure compliance.
- Review and approve building plans for fire and life safety compliance, coordinate with building and planning departments.
- Supervise fire investigations to determine origin and cause; ensure proper documentation and legal compliance.
- Develop and deliver public fire safety education programs for schools, businesses and the community.
- Train, supervise and evaluate fire prevention personnel.
- Serve as the Authority Having Jurisdiction or designee for fire code interpretations and enforcement decisions.
- Coordinate with other agencies on inspections, investigations and safety initiatives.
- Participate in emergency response and incident command as assigned, especially for major incidents or investigations.
- Stay current on changes to fire codes, standards, and best practices and recommend policy or ordinance updates.
- Handle citizen and business inquiries or complaints related to fire and life safety issues.
- Performs other duties asassigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with staff, elected officials, business owners, contractors and the public.
- Thorough knowledge of local, state and national fire and life safety codes.
- Knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire behavior, and fire protection systems.
- Knowledge of fire investigation methods, including origin and cause determination and evidence preservation.
- Knowledge of building construction types and their impact on fire and life safety.
- Knowledge of public education and community risk reduction strategies.
- Knowledge of incident command principles and emergency response operations.
- Have proficient knowledge of computer skills and Microsoft Office-based computer programs.
- Ability to interpret technical plans, codes and legal documents.
- Ability to analyze complex situations and make sound, defensible decisions related to life safety.
- Ability to work effectively in stressful or sensitive situations.
Education and Experience
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
- Five (5) years of fire prevention experience.
- A combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted at the City Manager's discretion.
Certificates and Licenses
- Possession of a valid State of Florida Fire Safety I Inspector Certification
- Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable under the City of Plant City’s insurance policy
- Possession of a Florida State Firefighter Certification
- Florida State Inspector II Certification is preferred but not required
- State Fire Investigator Certification preferred but not required
- ICS 300 and 400 preferred but not required
Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position leads and supervises the Fire Prevention Division’s fire inspectors, setting performance standards and ensuring consistent, professional enforcement of fire and life safety codes.
Code:
Constant = 2/3 or more of the time
Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time
N/A = Not Applicable