Fire Hazard Inspector

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Nature of Work

The purpose of this job is to perform inspections with Municipal, State and National codes and identify defects and potential hazards. Perform fire and life safety code enforcement on new and existing building, special events, and processes. Perform this work independently under the general supervision of the City Building Official and City Fire Marshal guidance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Schedules and conducts fire inspections of all types of various construction types and occupancies based on permit required operations; may refuse permit issuance when conditions do not conform to Fire Code requirements
• Performs existing building fire inspections initiates by various licensing applications or complaints from citizens of fire department personnel
• Discusses violations with proprietors and actions required; conducts re-inspections to assure deficiencies have been corrected; issues summons, as needed; prepares documents for city prosecutor for cases of noncompliance
• Performs capacity checks for overcrowding to ensure public safety in places of assembly bars, restaurants, arenas and buildings or spaces not normally intended for large groups of people
• Educates building owners and operators about fire safety practices contained within the provision of the Fire Code that prevent fires or reduce their severity when they occur
• Presents fire safety education programs to the general public
• Reviews and processes permit documents, building or site plans, insurance certificate and operator qualifications to ensure compliance with codes for pyrotechnic installations
• Performs Fire and Life Safety inspections to assure fire systems are maintained and work properly, includes sprinklers, alarms cooking hoods and alternative suppression systems
• Researches and assists fire companies with code violation questions
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent)

--AND--

• At least two (2) years of related work experience as a firefighter

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Certified Fire Inspector through Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Bureau of Fire Services
• National Fire Protection Association Certified Fire Inspector I or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Registered Code Official and Inspector with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Construction Codes or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Other Necessary Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• International Fire Code
• National Fire Protection Association 13, National Fire Protection Association 13R, National Fire Protection Association 72
• Michigan Building code
• Local ordinances and building codes
• Building and electrical codes
• Building construction and materials
• Operation of fire suppression, detection and alarms systems
• Human behavior in fire incidents
• Exit, egress and evacuation requirements
• Fire behavior and growth characteristics
• Operational permit application process

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• Research
• Organization and prioritization
• Self-motivation and discipline
• Judgment and discretion

Ability to:

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Schedule inspections using Operational Permit Inspection list, maintain list, and develop rapport with building operators and/or owners of businesses
• Prepare reports, handle complaints and record maintenance
• Interpret codes, ordinances and standards
• Determine occupancy loads
• Recognize potential hazards created by processes
• Read plans
• Use computer-based data systems