Senior Fire Inspector

Under general supervision, provides technical interpretations to contractors, architects, and engineers while conducting system plans review, monitoring code and permit information, and site inspections for new construction projects for the Yuma Fire Department (YFD); provides technical expertise in the administration of projects and fire codes, and manages required electronic reporting as well as electronic fire records for building and businesses.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Reviews plans and specifications of residential, commercial, industrial and capital improvement projects for compliance with Federal, National, State and City fire, life safety, fire-resistance, occupancy, emergency exit, ire alarm, automatic sprinkler system, standpipe system and fire pump requirements, standards, codes and ordinances;
• Conducts fire and life safety inspections and follow-up inspections for fire hazards, fire suppression systems, hazardous materials, building safety, and compliance with fire prevention ordinances; initiates corrective procedures as needed;
• Assists field inspectors in resolving difficult and unusual requirements for projects; coordinates special activities and projects with the Fire Marshal;
• Manages the juvenile diversion program for adolescents held legally responsible for fire setting activities.
• Checks for requested new construction inspections in the absence of the Assistant Fire Marshal, and ensures those inspections are completed; 
• Conducts field inspections for proper installation of materials and equipment to ensure emergency access and egress is provided and maintained, water supplies and water flow requirements are met and that approved fire suppression systems, materials, supplies and accessories meet the approved plans, standards and codes; 
• Conducts fire origin and cause investigations and related research; 
• Researches, analyzes and interprets City fire codes, statutes, and ordinances; provides pre-development technical assistance to property owners, developers, engineers and architects regarding City’s requirements for building and fire codes;
• Maintains and prepares documents and records according to established standards and procedures;
• Manages day to day fire inspection program details, ensures inspections are up to date in the records management system; assists with training the new inspectors in inspection knowledge and techniques;
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND one year of fire code enforcement and in conducting origin and cause fire investigations as the lead investigator; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, Construction Technology, Engineering or related field is preferred.
 
Knowledge of: 

• City policies and procedures;
• Federal, National, State and City building, fire and life safety laws, statutes, rules, and regulations;
• Plan specification review, code enforcement and building construction methods and practices;
• Building materials identification and specification;
• Certification training requirements, methods and techniques for risk reduction, inspection, investigation, life safety and fire prevention programs;
• Fire suppression, origin and cause investigation practices and procedures;
• Computer hardware, software and peripherals;
• Customer service and public relations methods and techniques;
• Organization and prioritization methods and practices.

Skill in:

• Effective oral and written communications;
• Managing compliance reporting programs and fire records software;
• Enforcing fire and life safety codes and regulations, operational standards and mandates;
• Responding to and investigating origin and cause of fires;
• Reading and reviewing construction documents, development plats, and capital improvement project plans for compliance with fire and life safety codes and regulations;
• Inspecting, investigating and providing technical assistance for code compliance;
• Inspecting construction projects for electrical, mechanical, and building code compliance or violation;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 
A valid Arizona State Driver’s License is required. International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I certification AND International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Certified Fire Investigator or higher certification are required. An ICC Fire Inspector II certification is required within twelve months of hire. Additional technical training and certifications are preferred and may be required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment; and in the field at commercial, residential and industrial occupancies, at construction sites, and at emergency incident sites. This job is classified as Safety Sensitive, and subject to Federal and state regulations. Requires the use of a City vehicle on City business.
 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT
Position is required to perform standby duty and be available for emergency call out on a rotational basis. Incumbent is required to live within fifteen (15) miles of the City limits and within the United States.