Fire Inspector

About the Role

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in the inspection of public occupancies to ensure compliance with the Fire Prevention Codes of the State of Ohio and/or City of Toledo. Performs related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and enforces the Fire Prevention Codes, Ohio Basic Building Code, and related regulations of the State of Ohio and/or City of Toledo to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of Toledo citizens through general fire safety inspections, final occupancy, and fee-permit inspections.
• Conducts field investigations of commercial and four-family or greater residential properties for sprinklers, standpipe and alarm systems, and possible fire code violations on a routine or complaint basis.
• Conducts final occupancy acceptance tests to determine proper installation and operation of fire suppression and detection systems.
• Issues written orders to responsible parties and advises of time frames for correction of all violations.
• Prepares and maintains files, records, worksheets, reports, and correspondence documenting testing, inspections, and related activities.
• Reviews plans and specifications to verify if installations are according to Code.
• Re-inspects properties after time frames expire to determine code compliance, extension of time, or court action.
• Discusses code violations with property owners, occupants, and/or complainants.
• Coordinates efforts with building owners and occupants to improve fire and safety conditions and assists in establishing emergency evacuation programs.
• Testifies in court and before Fire Prevention Boards of Appeals and Building Board of Appeals concerning code violations.
• Prepares letters and reports related to fire safety and inspection issues and cases.
• Takes pictures and measurements to document code violations.
• Performs and coordinates building inspections with other building inspection officials as needed.
• Participates in City-wide task forces to investigate complaints and code violations.
• Attends meetings with neighborhood and civic groups to answer questions about code enforcement or fire safety programs.
• Prepares and presents programs on fire code provisions.
• Attends continuing education programs to maintain required licenses and certifications.
• Obtains necessary documentation to justify search warrants and makes recommendations regarding same to supervisors.
• Appears before a judge to provide information regarding the need for a search warrant.
• Researches County Auditor property records to determine ownership as needed.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (GED) Tests equivalency.
• Five years of experience as a full-time firefighter, or three years of experience as a certified fire safety inspector, or three years of experience in the installation of automatic sprinkler systems subject to inspection for buildings and structures within the scope of use groups regulated by the Ohio Basic Building Code or nationally recognized building code.
• An Associate's Degree in Fire Science may be substituted for one year of experience in any of the three listed areas.
• Must possess a State of Ohio Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) Certification and a State of Ohio Fire Protection Inspector Certification. Individuals not certified as a State of Ohio Fire Protection Inspector (FPI) must obtain an interim certification from the Ohio Board of Building Standards to serve as a Fire Protection Inspector and successfully pass all tests for FPI within three years.
• Must complete the "Ohio Building Code Academy" requirements within one year of appointment.
• Must adhere to the continuing education standards of the Ohio Building Code Academy and maintain full certification as a Fire Protection Inspector.
• Must maintain education standards and full certification for Fire Safety Inspector in accordance with the Ohio Administrative Code rule 4765-20-16.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a copy upon appointment.
• Must be physically qualified to perform the duties of the position at the time of appointment.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a State of Ohio UST (underground storage tank) inspector Certification.

Skills

Knowledge Of:

• State of Ohio and Toledo Fire Prevention Codes and related laws, codes, and standards pertaining to fire prevention.
• Building materials, practices, and methods of construction.
• Fire and Rescue Department policies and procedures related to fire safety enforcement.
• Portable fire extinguishers.
• Legal procedures for code enforcement.
• First aid and CPR.

Skill In:

• Interpreting and enforcing fire codes and related regulations in a fair and objective manner.
• Verbal and written communications.
• Maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Reading blueprints, plans, and maps.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Operating a computer.
• Operating a camera.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently stands, walks, and sits.
• Occasionally lifts up to 25 pounds.
• Constantly speaks and listens as essential functions of this position.

Work Environment

The work environment described will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Works in an office and in the field.
• Typically works during regular business hours, but may also work evenings, weekends, and holidays to respond to fires.
• May work in elevated areas of construction and enter hazardous areas as required.