Life Safety Inspector I

Seminole County/Board of County Commissioners; Sanford (FL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Seminole County/Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Fire Inspector to enforce state and county fire codes, inspect commercial and residential properties, and assist with investigations and public education. The role requires Florida inspector certifications and strong communication with occupants and staff.

The position involves reviewing plans, issuing permits, and coordinating with other departments.

Qualifications

• Must have Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification or higher.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and other county departments.

Responsibilities

• Inspect existing commercial and multi-family properties for code violations and hazardous materials.
• Review reports, determine corrective actions, and conduct follow-up inspections.
• Review construction plans for compliance with fire codes and issue permits.
• Inspect buildings to ensure water supplies and life safety systems meet codes.
• Investigate complaints, prepare reports, and provide court testimony as needed.
• Participate in public education and safety programs; assist with drills and training.
• Respond to emergencies as needed and coordinate with other agencies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Written communication

Fire prevention knowledge

Education

State of Florida Fire Inspector II

State of Florida Fire Inspector III

State of Florida Fire Instructor

State of Florida Fire Investigator

State of Florida Fire Code Administrator

High School graduate or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Job description

Under general supervision, this technical position requires considerable initiative and sound judgment in the enforcement and compliance of state and county fire codes and standards. Employees in this classification are responsible for conducting inspections of public and private premises, enforcing fire ordinances and regulations, assisting with fire-related investigations, and educating the public on fire safety practices. The Fire Inspector also performs related work in support of his/her assigned area, program, or function within the Fire Prevention Division; assumes ongoing programmatic duties and responsibilities specific to his/her area of assignment, which may include building, planning, and/or Fire Prevention; participates in coordinating assigned programs, projects, and services with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and provides specialized departmental or program information and assistance to Department staff and the general public.

Note: The Life Safety Inspector I position has two levels, which are distinguished based on the number of applicable certifications the employee possesses.

**Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description.

**Additional compensation based on licensure.

Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Prepares for and conducts inspections of existing commercial and multi-family residential properties for code violations and hazardous materials violations; reviews reports and ensures compliance of fire protection systems. Communicates findings with building occupants, determines a plan of corrective action, and conducts follow-up inspections.

Conducts research to identify applicable codes or standards; prepares detailed reports regarding issues, conditions, and violations found and maintains complete and accurate records of all inspection and enforcement activities.

Applies technical knowledge in reviewing construction plans, fire protection systems, and building designs to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Approves and issues permits in compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Administrative Codes, County Ordinance, and all other adopted Standards.

Inspects new and existing building construction, site development, and verifies that water supplies meet code compliance. Ensures fire safety equipment is installed and maintained properly and that firefighting, fire protection, and all other life safety requirements are fulfilled in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, and local ordinances.

Investigates complaints related to immediate life safety hazards; completes all reports related to complaints and findings; communicates findings with building occupants, determines a plan of corrective action, and conducts follow-up inspections; conducts research to determine history of similar violations by the occupant; issues notice of orders and citations and provides court testimony as necessary.

Participates in Public Education programs; attends special events to ensure public fire safety; assists with fire extinguisher training; assists with fire drills; assists with Fire Prevention Month activities; conducts child safety seat inspections and installation; assists with fire safety and evacuation plans; assists the Fire and Life Safety Educator with community events.

Proceeds to a fire scene and/or emergency incidents as an inspector and liaison when required.

Participates in the debriefing of emergency incidents; analyzes response information to improve response and prevention/control of property destruction by fire.

May be required to be on call and/or work on various shifts, weekends, and/or holidays as deemed necessary.

Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Additional Duties

In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Performs emergency or disaster-related duties as assigned; conducts damage assessment for EOC.

Attends continuing education programs in firefighting and first aid.

Participate in fire safety training classes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

High School graduate or equivalent

Possess and maintain Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification

A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Must possess current CPR certification.

Ability to work effectively with the general public and other county departments; ability to connect within a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships.

Interpersonal, leadership, and communications skills; ability to communicate professionally, verbally in writing and in presentations.

Knowledge of building construction methods and materials as such pertains to structural compliance with fire prevention and life safety code compliance.

Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of fire prevention and life safety codes, inspection principles, practices, and methods; knowledge of practices and strategies applicable to fire prevention education.

Must possess good customer service skills.

Basic skills in the use of standard office equipment and personal computers as well as associated software.

All employees must attend Seminole County required trainings, including department specific training, as required.

Recognized Fire Certifications

State of Florida Fire Inspector II

State of Florida Fire Inspector III

State of Florida Fire Instructor

State of Florida Fire Investigator

State of Florida Fire Code Administrator

Note: Must possess and maintain certification