FIRE INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR I

Under limited supervision, coordinates and implements fire prevention and education programs and activities; conducts thorough fire and life safety inspections and provides construction and site plan review. Performs related work as required.  

• Assists in establishing policies and procedures for the Fire Inspection/Prevention Division of the Fire/Rescue Department.
• Reviews plats, site plans, construction plans, architectural drawings, engineering plans and shop drawings for compliance with all applicable fire codes and regulations and for hydrant locations.
• Conducts thorough fire and life safety inspections on new construction and existing buildings to ensure compliance with all applicable fire codes and regulations.  
• Conducts inspections for Occupational licensing/licensing removal and for Certificates of Occupancy.
• Calculates fire flow requirements for commercial buildings; witnesses fire flow performance tests prior to issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
• Inspects buildings and properties for hazardous materials.
• May conduct origin and fire investigations if qualified and approved by the Fire Chief.
• Conducts above-ground and below-ground flammable liquid tank inspections.
• Conducts fire inspections for special events; requests stand-by firefighters for events as directed.
• Prepares written plan review/inspection reports as required, noting any code violations and recommending revisions as necessary.   Prepares violation notices and citations to appear before the Code Enforcement Board as necessary.  Prepares cases for and provides testimony before the Code Enforcement Board.
• Responds to public complaints regarding potential code violations.
• Operates a two-way radio in accordance with system standards and guidelines. 
• Researches and interprets Fire Codes.  Updates code books; provides input/guidance in the development of related local ordinances and regulations.
• Meets with developers, contractors, engineers, architects, the public to provide guidance and information concerning code compliance procedures.
• Issues various permits and performs related inspections.
• Coordinates, implements and participates in special events promoting fire prevention/fire education; attends community meetings concerning fire safety.
• Conducts public fire safety education talks with school, community and civic organizations.
• Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire prevention operations; attends meetings, conferences and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate.
• Operates a vehicle, calculator, computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.; uses drafting instruments, gauges, measuring devices, tools, etc., for inspections and plan reviews.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Performs general administrative/office work, including but not limited to attending meetings, reviewing mail and literature, preparing reports and correspondence, entering computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by six (6) years of experience and training in fire inspections, plan review and/or code enforcement or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.   Must possess current Fire Inspector I.   Fire Inspector II certification preferred. Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

• Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Fire/Rescue Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Fire Inspector/Investigator I as applicable.   Understands the role of the position in relation to entire County operations.  
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other governmental agencies.  
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.   
• Knowledge in the areas of fire science, electrical, fire codes and ordinances, etc. 
• Ability to conduct thorough plans review and fire inspections, note deficiencies and prepare related recommendations.  
• Ability to plan and develop daily, short-term and long-term goals related to County purposes. 
• Knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities.   
• Ability to offer instruction and advice to co-workers and the public regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations.  
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.   
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.  
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.  
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.  
• Knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department.  
• Ability to communicate in a persuasive, firm and tactful manner with various agencies, members of the public and County departments.   
• Ability to make public presentations.   
• Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.   
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.   
• Knowledge of the use of computers for word processing and records management.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight up to twenty (20) pounds.

 (Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Ability to perform duties under adverse environmental conditions such as excessive heat, cold, odors, smoke, dusts, noise, machinery hazards, electric currents, etc.  
• Knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.  Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.