Under general supervision, performs technical and specialized fire prevention work inspecting existing buildings for compliance with applicable fire/life safety codes. Work involves inspecting buildings to enforce state/local fire codes. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in some phases of work. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness in frequent contact with the public. This position is a part-time position and the person occupying this position will not work more than 56 hours per two week pay period. This position is non-essential. Personnel occupying this position will not be scheduled to work when general County offices are closed. Personnel in this position will encounter sensitive information in the performance of their duties and are expected to maintain that information confidentially. Reports to the Captain of Fire Prevention.

• Ensures compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees, occupants, and other individuals; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Schedules and conducts regular and special inspections of existing buildings to ensure compliance with fire prevention and building code provisions; performs tests on fire protection and detection devices; works with building department personnel to identify/resolve problems concerning fire/life safety hazards; conducts follow-up inspections and investigations in cases of continued violations; cites violations and issues written violation notices; prepares reports and records of inspections.
• Receives and responds to a variety of inquiries and concerns relating to fire codes and fire inspections.
• Drives and maintains a non-emergency vehicle; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including in day/night hours, in congested traffic and in adverse weather conditions.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, inspection reports, life safety reports, specialized reports, training requests, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, inspection requests, inspection reports, architectural drawings, maps, laws, codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, or map books for reference and/or review.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, CAD, or other software programs.
• Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public.
• Communicates via telephone and two-way radio.
• Communicates with supervisors, employees, other departments, fire officials, business owners/occupants, contractors, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new methods, procedures, materials, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities; attends meetings, training sessions, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as required.

High School Diploma or equivalent; supplemented by vocational/technical training in fire inspections; supplemented by three (3) years of previous experience and/or training involving fire inspections; Associate’s degree in Fire Science preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Possession and maintenance of a valid 1031 Fire Inspector II and Hazardous Materials Awareness Certification by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as a Fire Prevention Inspector, which includes completion of the Core Module.

Must possess or earn American Heart Association or comparable healthcare provider CPR certification within three (3) months of hire.

Prefer DHCD certification as a Fire Protection Inspector.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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  Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the County and of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management Department practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Civilian Fire Inspector – Fire Prevention.
• Knowledge of fire safety principles and practices, fire inspection techniques, and municipal building inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, stationary fire pumps, and fire pump systems.
• Knowledge of applicable fire codes, fire safety and life safety codes, and building, electrical and plumbing codes pertaining to fire inspections.
• Knowledge of current literature, trends, and developments in the field of fire inspections.
• Knowledge of location and layout of County streets and buildings.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.
• Ability to conduct inspections in a manner to secure compliance with acceptable standards, to recognize existing and potential fire hazards, and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports of inspection activities.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, apply, and enforce regulations, procedures, and related information firmly, impartially, and tactfully.
• Ability to exercise considerable tact, courtesy and firmness in discussions with property owners regarding the fire inspections.
• Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, policies, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly, exercise good judgment, and adopt effective courses of action during stressful conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with co-workers, supervisors, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
• Ability to represent the department effectively and positively in public.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Ability to exhibit mathematical ability to handle required calculations.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with computers.
• Ability to demonstrate physical strength and agility to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions when required.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
• Ability to read a variety of informational and technical documentation, charts, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
• Ability to write reports and forms with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
• Ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures and policies, and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including emergency response codes, and radio communication codes.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, determine percentages, determine time and weight, and utilize high school level algebra and geometry.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.