JOB DESCRIPTION

FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR FIRE DEPARTMENT Human Resources Department 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200 Newport News, VA 23606 NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone: (757) 926-1800 CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Fax: (757) 926-1825

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for conducting code enforcement inspections and responding to public complaints regarding compliance with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) and local codes and ordinances. Reports to a Deputy Fire Marshal.

There are two (2) levels of Fire Prevention Inspector distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plans, schedules, and conducts routine inspections of residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and educational buildings and occupancies to ensure fire safety and compliance with fire and other related codes and standards; coordinates inspections and discusses findings and recommendations with other city or state agencies as appropriate; and assists the Deputy Fire Marshal in conducting fire investigations.

Confers with codes compliance officials on building code enforcement operations affecting fire safety; enforces fire and other related codes and standards by informing and advising responsible party of corrective actions required; issues notices of code violations for non-compliance; and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure corrective action is taken.

Reviews blueprints to evaluate floor plans, locate electrical, mechanical or other systems relevant to fire safety, and obtains other information which may assist in the fire inspection or investigation; and evaluates, approves and issues permits for fire-related activities and operations.

Gives presentations to various groups including schools, civic, business and other organizations, concerning fire prevention, education and other related technical matters; prepares a variety of written reports to include fire inspection and activity reports and records; and enters and retrieves data and generate reports, correspondence, and other documents.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

 Fire Prevention - Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire prevention including inspection, hazard types and causes, and elimination of hazardous conditions.  Code Enforcement – Knowledge of local, state, and national codes, laws, and ordinances relating to code enforcement. Knowledge of building, electrical, and mechanical codes to include principles and practices of building construction as it pertains to fire safety.  Safety/Security – Knowledge of the proper use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials and waste, and explosive materials and devices.  Customer Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

 Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.  Critical Thinking — Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.  Judgment/Decision Making - Anticipates, identifies and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations and exercises appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

 Communication – Ability to communicate effectively, including the preparation of reports and logs and the use of radio communications including appropriate channels and basic radio communication codes. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.  Geography — Ability to read maps, basic plans and diagrams such as evacuation or building floor plans. Ability to read and understand blueprints and building construction site plans pertaining to fire safety.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Fire Prevention Inspector I - Requires 2-4 years of fire or codes related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must obtain and maintain within 12 months of placement a NFPA 1031 certification, as well as meet all certification standards established by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Fire Prevention Inspector II: Requires 5-7 years of fire or codes related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires NFPA 1031 certification (State Fire Inspector Certification), as well as meet all certification standards established by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to include Advanced Official.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.

Requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical evaluation.

A valid Virginia’s driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Employees are required to refrain from the use of tobacco.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort.  Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.  Some lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

 Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, traffic hazards, toxic agents, explosives, violence, or rude/irate persons.

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