Fire Prevention Inspector I/Ii

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Fire Marshal, performs fire prevention inspections to enforce laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the control and prevention of fires; reviews plans and specifications on new buildings and fire protection systems; fire investigations; participates in public relations and education programs; and performs related duties as required.

Positions in this classification are alternately staffed at either the Fire Prevention Inspector I or II level, depending on the qualifications of the individual appointed. At the higher level of Fire Inspector II, the incumbent is expected to have the education and experience necessary to conduct inspections and make recommendations regarding fire safety. An incumbent hired at the Fire Prevention Inspector I level will be provided training in the basic skills of fire prevention inspection and the appropriate laws, ordinances and regulations, and will be promoted to the II level when he or she has successfully completed the 12 month probationary period, demonstrated the ability to perform inspection work without direct supervision, and can meet the necessary minimum qualifications for level II.

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below):

• Assists engine company personnel in the interpretation and enforcement of fire prevention codes.
• Checks complaints in regard to violations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Conducts fire prevention occupancy inspections in all types of commercial and residential buildings.
• Reviews plans of proposed buildings and fire protection systems for adherence to fire and life safety regulations.
• Inspects the storage and handling of reactive materials, explosives, and flammable liquids.
• Prepares reports, completes forms, and maintains various records related to inspection and prevention duties.
• Inspects and tests fire alarms, sprinkler systems, heat and smoke detection devices and other fire protection and control devices.
• Answers questions and provides direction to contractors, owners, administrators, and other members of the public when fire prevention corrections are necessary.
• Conducts inspections and makes fire safety recommendations for schools, hospitals, rest homes, and other institutions; conducts fire prevention surveys and enforces fire safety regulations.
• Conducts public relations and educational programs on fire safety.

In addition to the above duties, the Fire Prevention Inspector II:

• Assists with the training of the Fire Prevention Inspector I
• Conducts Fire Investigations: responds to fires and directs or conducts the investigations of cause and origin for evidence of arson; prepares reports on findings; serves as liaison to the district attorney's office regarding criminal actions; appears in court as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, balancing, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when assessing emergency situations, performing inspections and reading documents. This position requires the ability to effectively communicate orally and acute hearing to communicate in both emergency and non-emergency situations. This position requires the ability to smell in order to detect odors, such as smoke, gases and other odors that could indicate harmful or dangerous environments. The need to lift, carry, drag and push tools, equipment, supplies, as required, to perform inspections and investigations. Additionally, the incumbent in this position may be exposed to a variety of working conditions, including wet, heat and cold and may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. This position may be exposed to loud noises such as helicopters, fire engines and chainsaws. The nature of the work may require the incumbent to climb ladders, work in confined spaces and wear a breathing apparatus. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hour emergency calls. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

(Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
Fire Prevention Inspector I:
Knowledge:

• Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and business correspondent format.
• Basic methods and practices used in inspections for fire control and prevention;

Fire Prevention Inspector II:
Knowledge:
In addition to the qualifications for Fire Prevention Inspector I:

• Fire Department policies and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state and local fire prevention codes and laws.
• Fire protection devices and systems.

Fire Prevention Inspector I and II:
Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of business.
• Learn and apply departmental policies and procedures.
• Learn the laws, ordinances and regulations regarding fire prevention.
• Develop a working knowledge of fire protection devices and systems.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and perform callback work as required.

• Maintain accurate and clear records and prepare reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Gather, analyze, and evaluate facts and draw logical conclusions.
• Make effective oral presentations.
• Communicate requirements, policies and decisions to the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Understand, interpret, and appropriately apply applicable codes and laws.
• Physical ability (as determined by a pre-employment physical exam) to bend, stoop, crawl, climb and lift, as required, to perform inspections.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques.
• Use basic word processing methods, techniques and programs.
• Tactfully and effectively interact with people of ethnic and cultural diversity.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
On-Call Fire Investigator Response Time

• Must be able to respond within 60-minutes to the main fire station when on call for fire investigation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that provides the above knowledge, skills and abilities combined with any required licenses and certificates is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the following:
Fire Prevention Inspector I:

• Completion of California State Fire Training Fire Prevention 1A or Prevention 1 or Fire Inspector 1A course; or equivalent within six (6)months of appointment.
• High school graduation or tested equivalent and one year experience in any related inspection field or 6 units in college level courses in Fire Technology.

Fire Prevention Inspector II:
In addition to the qualifications for Fire Prevention Inspector I:

• One year experience as a paid full-time Fire Inspector; or sworn Public Safety position with investigation and enforcement duties; and
• Completion of California State Fire Marshall "Fire Prevention Officer" or "Fire Inspector I" certification within one (1) year of appointment. .

DESIRABLE JOB RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
Fire Prevention Inspector I:

• AA/AS degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Some construction trade experience
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate or State of California Paramedic license.
• California State Fire Marshal "Fire Prevention Officer" or "Fire Inspector I" certification or courses toward that certification
• California State Fire Marshal "Fire Investigator I" certification or courses toward that certification

Fire Prevention Inspector II:
In addition to the qualifications for Fire Prevention Inspector I:

• California State Fire Marshal "Fire Investigator II" certification or courses toward that certification

• California State Fire Marshal "Fire Prevention Specialist" or "Fire Inspector II" certification or courses toward that certification
• California State Fire Marshal "Plan Examiner (2015)" certification or courses toward that certification

• Knowledge of hazardous materials
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate or State of California Paramedic license.

Licenses
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record.