Requirements
Purpose of Classification
PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION
The purpose of this classification is to review plans (construction drawings) and to conduct fire and life safety inspections on existing and new industrial, commercial, and multi-family construction and occupancies for compliance with applicable Fire and Life Safety state codes and City Ordinances. Individuals serving in these positions will be expected to develop and implement community risk assessment and reduction strategies throughout the community. Employees in this classification will also educate the public regarding fire and life safety matters and investigate fires to determine the origin and cause.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Conducts inspections of new residential, multi-unit, commercial, and industrial structures in the City to ensure compliance with fire codes.
Reviews permit applications, building plans, blueprints, construction plans, and related construction documents for conformance with all applicable codes.
Determines whether construction work passes or fails inspections; identifies violations of laws, codes, or regulations; identifies construction performed without a permit.
Approves or disapproves proposed plans in accordance with applicable codes; discusses disapproved items, regulatory requirements, or problem areas with permit applicants, property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals; recommends solutions to problems.
Reviews specifications, read plans, classifies occupancies, and interprets and applies standards.
Prepares correspondence and inspection reports, handles complaints, and maintenance of records, participates in legal proceedings, maintains an open dialogue with the customer on plans review, and briefs emergency response personnel of hazards located in their response zones.
Prepares inspection reports, given agency guidelines, policy and procedures, and observations from an assigned field inspection, so that the report is clear and concise and reflects the findings of the inspection in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. (AHJ)
Interprets, explains, and ensures compliance with provisions of local fire prevention and life safety codes, National Fire Protection Association codes, State Fire Marshal Uniform Regulations, and other applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; researches codes as necessary; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Recognizes the need for a permit, given a situation or condition, so that requirements for permits are communicated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
Investigates common complaints, given a reported situation or condition, so that complaint information is recorded, the AHJ-approved process is initiated, and the complaint is resolved.
Conducts code-related research, writes reports, and posts/issues violation notices, ?not approved? notices, and correction notices as appropriate.
Performs water flow tests to determine adequacy of water supply for fire suppression needs.
Investigates fire cause and origin; prepares investigation reports; investigates fire false alarms.
Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
Provides technical assistance and information concerning fire/life safety codes, requirements, deficiencies, violations, and related issues; responds to questions or complaints; researches code enforcement questions/issues as needed.
Maintains current resource/support materials such as map books, law books, codes, ordinances, manufacturer listings, computer files, policies/procedures, manuals, and other materials for reference purposes and to determine possible contributing factors to fire incidents.
Attends public education events; presents information and responds to questions regarding the prevention of fire and life safety hazards for diverse age groups.
Observes and evaluates fire drills at schools, skilled nursing and medical facilities; provides recommendations for improvement of evacuation process.
Prepares and/or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, comment sheets, billing reports, position statements, technical study reports, statistical analyses, training reports, and/or other documents.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.
Maintains records, logs, and files of work activities.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, city officials, applicants, property owners, architects, builders, contractors, design professionals, engineers, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or give/receive advice/direction.
Attends various meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering data into computer, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, scanning, filing documentation, and/or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or valid equivalent.
Must currently possess a valid Florida State Certified Fire Safety Inspector I license; and
Must possess [or be able to obtain within fourteen (14) days of hire] and maintain a valid Florida driver`s license; and
Must currently possess, or acquire within two (2) years of employment, and maintain the following standard licenses:
Florida State Certified Fire Safety Inspector II
Florida State Certified Fire Investigator I
Failure to obtain the aforementioned required standard licenses within the allotted timeframe may result in termination of employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Florida State Certified Fire Investigator I or Certified Fire Explosion Investigator certification at time of employment.
Florida State Certified Fire Inspector II
An Associate?s Degree in a career-related field.
Two (2) years of previous experience in the field of Fire Safety Inspections and/or plans review.
Two (2) years of private sector employment in the field of fire alarms and/or fire protection systems, specifically as it relates to plan submission and review for compliance.
Supplemental Information
COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIES
Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals.
Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervisory direction.
Ability to understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with Supervisor, customers, other employees, other departments, other governmental and regulatory agencies, and the general public as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of Florida Administration Code, Florida State Statues and other Laws rules and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and building construction.
Knowledge of fire safety laws, codes, City ordinances, local and State requirements.
Knowledge of permit policies of the jurisdiction.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of fire prevention, inspection, plan review, and investigation.
Knowledge of plan review policies of the jurisdiction and the rationale for the plan review.
Knowledge of occupancy classification types.
Ability to calculate occupant loads.
Ability to recognize existing and potential fire and casualty hazards in structures and installations.
Ability to perform effective fire plan reviews and inspections.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to operate a computer and learn various record keeping programs.
Ability to operate basic photography equipment.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to speak effectively before groups.
Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others.
Ability to utilize equipment necessary to perform essential functions.
Ability to correctly apply codes and standards.
Demonstrated skill in both verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated skill in developing and implementing effective projects and plans.
Demonstrated skill in evaluating and responding to complex problems and issues.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationship with all persons interacted with during the performance of duties.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Physical Ability: Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (50 pounds).
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as fumes, noise extremes, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, or pathogenic substances.
The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Boynton Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.
CAREER PATH ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met within two (2) years of employment, and must be maintained. Failure to acquire and maintain the certification requirements, may result in termination of employment.
State of Florida Fire Inspector I or II
Fire Investigator training, certification/designation
VETERANS` PREFERENCE
Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City?s hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.
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