Fire Prevention Inspector

Guilford County Government; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Guilford County Government is seeking a Fire Inspector to conduct thorough inspections of buildings for fire hazards, enforce state and local fire prevention codes, and promote safety across the county.

The role involves on-site inspections, fire scene investigations, report writing, and collaboration with agencies. Candidates should hold related education and NC certifications, and be prepared for a demanding field environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Fire Science or related field with relevant experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply fire codes and safety regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication for reporting findings.

Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention codes.
• Perform on-site inspections during construction and in existing facilities.
• Investigate fires to determine origin, cause, and circumstances.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, insurers, and other agencies as needed.

Skills

Fire prevention codes

Code interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Independent judgment

Physical stamina

Report writing

Education

Associate degree in Fire Science or related field

HS diploma or GED + 5 years fire service

Tools

Fire inspection tools

Measuring and testing equipment

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs specialized inspection work for the Fire Service Division of Emergency Services in the prevention and detection of fire hazards, and in the investigation of suspicious or major fires. All employees of the Fire Service Division must be a resident of Guilford County or live within five (5) road miles or 10 minutes of the Guilford County line.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees in this class are responsible for inspecting buildings for fire hazards and compliance with North Carolina State Fire Prevention Codes, promoting fire prevention, fire and safety awareness, and investigating fires involving death, or personal - injury, or those having a questionable origin. Work requires considerable knowledge and interpersonal skills in enforcing pertinent laws and codes. Employees must exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying modern fire principles and practices. Employees are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations while conducting fire and safety inspections and during fire scene investigations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Inspections Chief, and performance is evaluated by conferences, review of reports, and annual performance appraisals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Interprets, explains, and applies county, state, and national fire prevention codes related to building safety and processes.
• Conducts on-site inspections of buildings under construction.
• Meets and discusses code interpretations with customers, engineers, Building Trades Inspectors and design professionals to ensure that all applicable codes are met during the construction process.
• Conduct new construction inspections as necessary until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
• Conducts fire and life safety prevention inspections of existing commercial buildings, throughout the County of Guilford including mercantile, institutional, industrial, storage facilities etc. as well new construction project.
• Recommends required corrective action where code violations are found.
• Writes technical reports listing all fire and life safety code violations found during inspections, and makes follow-up visits to ensure that violations have been corrected.
• Pursues appropriate judicial actions to ensure code compliance as necessary.
• Investigates the origin, cause and circumstances of any fire occurring in the county which is of a suspicious nature, or which involves loss of life or injury to persons.
• Conducts fire scene examination, collects and documents evidence, conducts interviews, and examines statements made by witnesses, suspects, or others.
• Works with law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and District Attorney's office in the investigation of both accidental and incendiary fires.
• Assist as needed with hazardous materials incidents in conjunction with other local agencies such as Environmental Health, Emergency Management, and Emergency Services Hazardous Material Response Team.
• Assists local fire departments with pre-fire planning activities, emergency response and hazard mitigation.
• Assists with special projects such as fire prevention activities, fire department training programs, safety programs, etc.
• Participates in an On-Call rotation which allows for 24-hour response throughout the County for fire investigation services. This position is also subject to call after normal working hours at the discretion of the supervisor.
• This position shall advance through the NC Fire Prevention Inspector process to obtain a NC Standard Fire Inspector Level III Certification.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of methods, techniques, and best engineering practices of fire and life safety codes, fire investigation, techniques and applicable laws, prevention, and safety.
• Thorough knowledge of national, state, and local codes related to fire prevention.
• Working knowledge of the geographical layout of the county.
• Ability to recognize and define fire hazards and to recommend remedial action.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment and instruments, such as computer, architectural and engineer scale, calculator, two-way radio, volt/ohm meter, digital SLR camera, fire extinguisher, first aid kits, various hand tools, multiple gas indicator, self-contained breathing apparatus, half face respirator, portable generator, light unit, mobile command unit, oil spill- containment equipment, pitot gauge, etc.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex fire prevention codes.
• Ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive inspection reports.
• Ability to function independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to perform long hours of extremely hard physical labor under adverse and sometimes hazardous conditions, including climbing, crawling, walking, using fire investigation tools, etc.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science or related field and three years in fire service OR High School diploma or GED and five years' experience in Fire Service. Employee must be a resident of Guilford County or live within five (5) road miles or 10 minutes of the Guilford County line. 3 years of volunteer fire experience is equal to 1 year of fulltime firefighter experience.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid NC Class B driver's license within 12 months of employment. Must possess current NC Standard Fire Inspector Level I. Must possess current NC Firefighter certification. Ability to obtain NC Medical Responder Certification, and NC Haz-Mat Operations Certification within one year. Shall progress to a NC Standard Level III Fire Inspector as well as obtain a NC Certified Fire Investigator Certificate.

Preferred Qualification

NC Fire Instructor certification.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

An employee in this position 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 repetitive motions. The employee must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pound of force constantly to move objects. Must have visual acuity, faculty of both hands and ability to wear respirator and other personal protective equipment.

Driving is Essential

Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.