Fire Division Chief/Inspections
General Statement of Duties
Performs technical public safety work enforcing fire codes and performing fire inspections, conducting fire education programs, fire investigations, and promotes overall fire prevention efforts within the City.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class performs varied tasks to include fire code enforcement and inspections, fire education, fire investigations and plans review. Employees are responsible for the fire prevention programs to ensure compliance with State and local fire laws, codes, rules, and regulations. Work includes performing inspections of commercial and retail establishments, schools, and health care facilities, new construction, and, if requested, residences. Work may also include assisting County Fire Marshal’s Office with conducting investigations of fires. In addition, the employee responds to emergency incidents as needed including fire suppression, rescue, and medical calls. Considerable independence and judgement are required in all aspects of the work, particularly in fire inspections and investigations. Considerable public contact requires that the employee exhibit tact and diplomacy in seeking compliance with fire laws, codes, rules, and regulations. The employee is subject to hazards associated with fire inspection and investigation work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as high heat, chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employees are also exposed to atmospheric conditions and bloodborne pathogens and may be required to work in close quarters. Work is performed under the general supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work performed.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks
Performs fire inspections of businesses, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, day care centers, nursing homes, and places of public assembly for existing or potential fire hazards; enforces fire section of state building code and NFPA codes; conducts follow‑up inspections to ensure that deficient conditions are corrected; performs acceptance tests on fire protection systems; prepares and submits reports of deficiencies; issues violations and stop work orders as needed.
Participates in the technical review of development plans for the City; inspects contractor's plans to ensure compliance to fire code; reviews site plans for proper planning and construction; reviews plan for access, hydrant placement and related issues.
Instructs various segments of the community on fire safety through education of the existing codes, laws, and regulations.
Prepares and sends invoices for fire inspections; levies and collects fees and payments.
Prepares and maintains records and reports of own and departmental activities; prepares pre-fire plans as needed.
Participates in emergency incident response for fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical service, and related issues.
May assist in various fire prevention programs; may assist in coordinating department plans for fire education and prevention programs.
Coordinates fire investigations with the County Fire Marshal’s office and various law enforcement agencies.
Issues special use permits per state and local codes including firework permits and compressed gas permits.
Supervises and trains part-time fire inspections staff; assigns and oversees work and inspection requests.
Additional Job Duties
Participates in fire training activities.
Performs related duties as required.