Fire And Life Safety Specialist (35 Hour)

The Department of Administrative Services – Division of Construction Services - Office of State Fire Marshal is responsible for development and administration of the State Fire Code and the State Fire Prevention Code and assists local fire marshals, design professionals, contractors and the public with fire code related questions. The State Fire Marshal also performs plan review and inspections to insure code compliance for construction of State owned buildings. In addition, the State Fire Marshal also conducts Fire Code/Fire Prevention Code inspections of State property in accordance with CGS.

The Department of Administrative Services - Division of Construction Services - Office of the State Fire Marshal currently has one (1) Fire and Life Safety Specialist vacancy. 

Applicants are required to upload a cover letter, résumé, copy of certification(s) and three (3) letters of professional references from current and/or previous supervisors with their submission.  (Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.)  Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Elena Vazquez, Elena.Vazquez@ct.gov, (860) 713-5166.

At any point during the recruitment process, you may be required to submit copies of your two (2) most recent performance appraisals and attendance record for the last two (2) years. 

This is a competitive position, open to the public.

In the Department of Administrative Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in assuring proper application of the State Fire Safety Code, adopted referenced national standards and applicable state and federal statutes.

Serves in the capacity of the "authority having jurisdiction" representing the State Fire Marshal for resolution of disputed fire and life safety code related matters; determines the legality of architectural and engineering plans of buildings and structures; provides state agencies, local code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, other design professionals and construction industry representatives with technical assistance in the proper application of code and problem resolution in the design, construction, alteration or renovation of buildings including the testing of engineered systems; reviews, analyzes and prepares written recommendations as to the acceptability of requests for modification of the State Fire Safety Code; assists the State Fire Marshal in the revision of the State Fire Safety Code and referenced standards by conducting research and drafting amendments; conducts technical on-site inspections and evaluations regarding complex code issues; determines the appropriateness of building materials and system components based upon code interpretations; collects and analyzes data at fire scenes for code performance; prepares technical reports; prepares and presents educational training and certification programs mandated by statute to local code enforcement officials, state agencies and professional organizations; may lead technical staff by assigning and reviewing daily work, providing on-going training and preparing written evaluations; may testify at administrative hearings or in state and federal courts of law; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply building construction standards, fire and life safety codes, adopted referenced national standards, standard tests for construction materials and fire rating and applicable state and federal statutes; considerable knowledge of and ability to review complex architectural and engineering plans and specifications for large scale building projects including engineered fire and life safety protection systems and concepts; considerable knowledge of basic engineering and architectural principles, practices and methods of building design and construction; considerable knowledge of inspection practices; knowledge of building materials and equipment; some knowledge of fire suppression and investigation methods; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to prepare and present technical material for training programs or public speaking engagements; ability to utilize computer software.

Seven (7) years of experience in fire code compliance plan review and inspection of buildings.

Three (3) years of the General Experience must have been in the inspection and review of plans and specifications for fire code compliance on large scale building projects.
Note: Large scale building projects will be interpreted as buildings exceeding 12,000 square feet in size and more than one story in height not including apartment buildings and single family residences.

College training in architecture, mechanical or civil engineering or related courses in fire technology, fire and life safety systems design or a related discipline may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

• Possess certification as a Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal or Fire Inspector;
• Experience interpreting and assisting local fire marshal with fire codes modifications and applying requirements to business needs;
• Experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines;
• Experience solving problems, making judgment calls and independent decisions pertaining to code compliance, plan review and construction projects.

1. Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications including certification by the State Fire Marshal as a Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal or Fire Inspector OR to successfully complete the first program offered after appointment.
2. Incumbents in this class will be required to complete ninety (90) hours of job related continuing education every three (3) years in accordance with Section 29-298(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as be able to perform the duties.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.