Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Perform a variety of technical inspections related to existing structures and buildings to enforce the International Fire Code and other related codes and standards; assist in providing fire prevention programs to the public; conduct fire investigations and perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Fire Marshal.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Conduct on-site technical inspections including but not limited to fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm and detection systems and commercial hood fire extinguishing systems.
2. Issue summons and complaints, notice of violations and other similar corrective action documents.
3. Conduct general business inspections, assisting crews with problem inspections and following up on citizen complaints.
4. Research and analyze applicable codes and standards, provide technical information to the public and other divisions, departments and outside agencies concerning requirements and methods of fire prevention and control.
5. Conduct investigations of reported code or safety violations; identify code-related deficiencies; ensure corrective action is taken as necessary.
6. Assist in providing fire prevention programs to the public; respond to requests for fire safety information related to code enforcement.
7. Serve as administrative coordinator for the Fire Department's Fire Investigations Team; investigate fires during and after business hours, implement team policy and directives, review reports, organize meetings, purchase equipment; serve as the main point of contact for support staff, internal customers, outside agencies and citizens.
8. Conduct origin and cause fire investigations; photograph, video record, and sketch incident scenes, code violations, evidence and fire damage.
9. Give expert testimony in criminal, civil, and judicial proceedings concerning incidents of fire code violations and fire investigations.
10. Enforce local, state and federal fire prevention standards, codes, laws and ordinances and hazardous materials regulation.
11. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention and investigations.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of modern fire prevention and inspection.
Provisions, restrictions and applications of the International Fire Code.
Construction methods, materials and techniques.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing buildings, fire inspections and fire prevention.
Organizational structure of City, County and other Government agencies as they relate to the activities and responsibilities of a Fire Prevention Bureau.
Methods and techniques used in coordinating and conducting investigations.
Municipal, County and District court procedures and operations.
Computer and software use in report preparation.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
Ability to:
Effectively interpret and apply the provisions of the International Fire Code.
Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations governing fire prevention.
Conduct a variety of building and fire code inspections and ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes and standards.
Read and interpret blue prints and specifications.
Explain technical code requirements to developers, contractors and the general public. Effectively respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Coordinate and instruct other Fire Department personnel in fire investigations and other related topics.
Conduct a variety of technical fire investigations; reconstruct fire scenes and interpret burn patterns.
Collect and analyze evidence.
Maintain and prepare accurate records and reports.
Testify in court as an expert witness Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Fire inspection, code compliance, fire investigation and operational firefighting experience preferred.
Training:
High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by training in fire science, fire technology, building construction, fire prevention, code enforcement, plan review or related field. Associate's degree preferred.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver license.
Possession of or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, International Code Council Fire Inspector I Certificate.
Possession of or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, a State of Colorado Fire Inspector I Certificate.
Possession of or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, International Association of Arson Investigators - Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI- FIT).
Possession of or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, International Code Council Fire Inspector II Certificate.
Possession of or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, State of Colorado Fire Inspector II Certificate.
Possession of or ability to obtain within two (2) years of employment, International Association of Arson Investigators – Evidence Collection Technician (IAAI-ECT).
Possession of or ability to obtain International Association of Arson Investigators – Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) is preferred.
Possession of or ability to obtain State of Colorado Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist Certificate is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Position is required to work as needed on holidays, evenings or weekends for fire investigation and fire inspection related activities and may be subject to stand-by and call-out. On-call, standby, and modified schedules are an essential part of this job.
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment and field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Hazardous physical conditions (mechanical part, electrical currents, vibration, noise, etc.)
Atmospheric conditions (exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases)
Hazardous materials (chemicals, blood and other body fluids, etc.)
Inadequate lighting
Local Travel
Environmental (disruptive people, imminent danger, threatening environment)
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job's purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.