Fire Inspector

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness?   Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities?  Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as Fire Inspector, working with the Yuma Fire Department. The ideal candidate will be responsible for inspecting, educating, training, and enforcing fire and safety codes to protect people, property, and the environment. 

Under general supervision, enforces fire and life safety codes to protect people, property and the environment for the Yuma Fire Department (YFD); conducts fire and life safety inspections, and special investigations to determine origin and cause of fires.

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:

• 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.
• Performs assigned duties within scope of authority and training, and according to YFD policies and procedures; duties may vary according to job assignment and skill level.
• Attends pre-development meetings; conducts plan reviews and construction site inspections.
• Provides technical assistance to clients and monitors compliance with City codes and ordinances.
• Conducts incident investigations to determine origin and cause of fires; follows department guidelines.
• Answers inquiries, responds to complaints, and provides education in community risk reduction topics.
• Conducts juvenile diversion program for adolescents held legally responsible for fire setting activities.
• Maintains and prepares documents and records according to established standards and procedures.
• Conducts research on technical manuals, legal and code interpretations, and investigative regulations.
• Researches, analyzes and enforces applicable codes, statutes, and ordinances.
• 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 two years of related experience in model building or fire code enforcement; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Working knowledge of fire investigation and experience in determining origin and cause of fires is preferred. Associate's Degree in Fire Science, Fire Investigation, Construction Technology, Engineering or related field is preferred. Fire Inspector certification in a model fire code is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• National, State and City fire and life safety laws, rules, regulations, codes, practices and procedures governing code enforcement and inspection.
• Principles, methods and practices of plan review, code enforcement and building construction.
• Techniques for investigating the origin and cause of fires.
• Certification training requirements, methods and techniques for risk reduction, inspection, investigation, life safety and fire prevention programs.
• Methods and techniques of inspecting a variety of buildings and facilities, including building materials identification and specifications.
• City geography, traffic patterns, and the location of all streets, landmarks and buildings.
• Computers and specialized hardware and software for preparing reports and maintaining records.
• Safe work practices, occupational hazards and safety precautions.

Skill in:

• Inspecting commercial facilities for fire and safety code hazards and construction standards.
• Enforcing safety standards, codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Examining building plans, schematics and specifications, and recognizing the construction of buildings in order to identify deficiencies and apply codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Recognizing the type of construction, contents, and occupancy of buildings in order to apply appropriate fire suppression and rescue techniques.
• Prioritizing multiple tasks and projects.
• Working as a team member with other emergency services agencies.
• Recognizing fire and life safety code violations and working with responsible parties for appropriate remedies.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Current certification as Fire Inspector and/or Fire Plans Examiner in a model fire code is preferred. Certification as Fire Inspector I in a model fire code is required within one year of employment. Additional technical training and certifications are preferred and may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
 Vision is required to perform essential functions. Work is performed in a standard office environment; and within commercial, residential, and industrial occupancies, at construction sites, and emergency incident sites. Work involves working outside the regular working hours to respond and investigate emergency response incidents. Incumbent is required to perform standby duty and be available for emergency call out on a rotational basis.
 
 Work requires data entry, wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for extended periods of time, standing, lifting, carrying, and transporting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, and may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions, extreme heat, unstable buildings and structures, hazardous chemicals and materials emergency disaster situations, body fluids, infectious diseases and air and water borne pathogens.
 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT
 An employee in this class is required to reside within fifteen (15) miles of the City limits, and within the United States within six (6) months of appointment.