Fire Inspector

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible technical and administrative work in the inspection of residential, commercial and public structures to ensure fire safety in new and existing buildings and through the enforcement of state and local fire prevention codes. Performs intermediate protective service work in the enforcement of the Fire Prevention Code with NC Amendments of the International Building Code and relevant local laws, ordinances, and regulations.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs intermediate fire prevention and code enforcement work involving the interpretation and enforcement of the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code, North Carolina Amendments of the International Building Code, hazardous materials regulations, and applicable local laws, ordinances and standards. Work involves conducting fire and life safety inspections, reviewing construction and development plans for code compliance, identifying fire hazards and code violations, requiring corrective actions, maintaining detailed records, and providing education and guidance to property owners, occupants, contractors, and the public regarding fire safety requirements and best practices. The employee exercises considerable independent judgement and professional discretion in interpreting and applying fire codes and regulations to a variety of situations. Extensive public interaction requires tact, diplomacy, and firmness in obtaining compliance while maintaining positive working relationships with citizens, business owners, contractors, and other stakeholders. Work requires a broad knowledge of fire prevention principles, hazardous materials regulations, applicable codes and standards, and departmental operations. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through observation, review of records and reports, field inspections, adherence to applicable policies and procedures, accuracy of code interpretation and enforcement, and effectiveness in serving the public.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsults with other departments and trades to ensure code compliance for applicable projects and inspections.
• Conducts routine inspections of new and existing residential, commercial, institutional, and other occupancies to identify fire hazards and ensure compliance with the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code, applicable amendments, and local ordinances and regulations.
• Reviews building plans, construction drawings, site plans, blueprints, and specifications for compliance with applicable fire codes and regulations, including fire protection systems, fire department access, hazardous materials storage, and occupancy requirements.
• Maintains inspection, enforcement, and program records; enters and manages data in departmental systems; prepares reports, correspondence, statistical summaries, and weekly activity reports for the Fire Chief, including inspection and code enforcement activities, and information supporting pre-incident planning and emergency response activities.
• Provides fire and life safety education, technical guidance, and code compliance assistance to property owners, occupants, contractors, businesses, schools, and the public through training, outreach, presentations, and community risk reduction programs.
• Assists with fire safety planning, evacuation planning, and evaluation of fire drills as assigned.
• Works collaboratively with inspectors from other agencies and trades to ensure code compliance for applicable projects and inspections.
• Responds to public complaints and reports of hazardous conditions, conducting investigations and initiating corrective or enforcement actions as appropriate.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance and ensure that corrective actions have been completed.
• Coordinates inspection findings with suppression and prevention staff to support pre-incident planning and community risk reduction efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code, applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, standards and fire department policies governing fire prevention, life safety, hazardous materials, and arson-related activities.
• Knowledge of building construction methods, occupancy classifications, fire protection systems, and hazards associated with construction, operations, and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of modern fire prevention, fire protection, fire investigation, and community risk reduction principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of information technology applications, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and inspection, records management, and reporting software.
• Skill in customer service, public education, conflict resolution, and achieving compliance through effective communication, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, government officials, City employees, and contractors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce fire codes, regulations, ordinances, and standards consistently, impartially, and with sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound judgment when addressing complex or sensitive situations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school, or possession of General Education Diploma (GED), supplemented by fire science courses or related fields.
• 2-4 years of experience in fire inspections, code enforcement, or fire and rescue services is required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Drivers License.
• Possession of North Carolina OSFM Fire Inspector Level II Certification, with the ability to obtain Level III Certification within two (2) years of employment.
• Ability to maintain all required certifications and continuing education requirements established by the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Fire Marshal.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and emergency response situations, as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The employee is subject to the hazards associated with the work including working in inside and outside environments, working at heights, in extreme hot and cold weather, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, electrical current, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, and working in close quarters.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer, inspect job sites, use measuring devices, and to operate a motor vehicle. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

SALARY RANGE

$54,085-81,128