Under direction, performs responsible technical work in conducting routine fire inspections and fire prevention plan reviews; assists in the coordination of fire inspection and fire prevention efforts within the County service area; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Fire Inspector is a single-position class in the Community Development Department. This class reports to the Deputy Fire Warden and assists in Fire Prevention Bureau activities as assigned, including conducting routine fire inspections and fire prevention plan reviews, and reviewing building plans, specifications and existing structures for compliance with national, state and county fire protection codes and standards.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Inspects non-residential, commercial and industrial properties and reviews building plans to enforce compliance with fire safety laws, ordinances and regulations.
Reviews, evaluates, and approves building plans and specifications for sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, standpipe systems, special hazard protection systems, and water-supply installations for non-residential, commercial, and institutional buildings; assures proper completion of tests and inspections for fire-related aspects of building projects and fire protection systems.
Receives and reviews permit applications with other department staff; assists in certifying buildings for occupancy including acceptance of fire protection systems or specifications of needed corrections.
Participates in the Weed Abatement Program and other fire prevention programs, including education, promotion, inspection and investigation; determines need for corrective action and provides appropriate assistance; may conduct joint inspections and investigations of property with other departments and other local, state and federal agencies.
Assists in providing technical consultation to County staff and staff of fire departments and fire districts, developers, engineers, contractors, property owners, occupants, and the public regarding state, local and federal ordinances related to fire safety, as well as on the correction of deficiencies.
Prepares correspondence and reports; assists in performing public relations and outreach work; may make presentations to internal and external agencies and the public, including individuals and community groups.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college in fire science, fire protection engineering, civil or structural engineering or closely related field.
Experience: Three years of full-time, increasingly responsible experience in fire prevention, fire inspection, or firefighting, including at least one year of experience performing structural inspections for compliance with fire safety standards and systems.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
AND
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Certifications: Possession of Fire Inspector I certification issued by the California State Fire Marshal.
Special Requirements: (1) Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of appointment, Fire Inspector II certification issued by the California State Fire Marshal. (2) Successful completion of, within one year of appointment, the California State Fire Marshal Fire Investigation 1A course. (3) Successful completion of, or ability to obtain within two years of appointment, Fire Plans Examiner certification issued by the California State Fire Marshal.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of: Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies relevant to assigned areas of responsibility; principles and practices of fire protection engineering including building fire protection systems, hydraulics, fire chemistry, fire apparatus, and engineering analysis; building construction, design and materials as they relate to fire prevention and control and fire safety; principles and techniques of fire prevention; building materials, construction and the principles of combustion relative to fire prevention.
ABILITY
Ability to: Read, interpret, and explain administrative and technical information; ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations; conduct and monitor projects and investigations and make sound recommendations; operate office equipment and computer applications; express oneself, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; write clear and comprehensive technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other County departments, the public and other agencies.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical and Mental Requirements: Mobility – occasional operation of keyboards; sitting and walking for frequent periods; occasionally standing, bending, squatting, climbing ladders and stairs; frequent driving may be required; Lifting – occasionally lifting 5 to 30 pounds; Vision- frequent reading and close-up work; normal hand-eye coordination; Dexterity – normal dexterity with frequent writing; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Emotional/Psychological – constant public contact, decision making and concentration required; Special Conditions – frequent exposure to noise and occasional exposure to hazardous materials, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and changing indoor/outdoor conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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