Fire Prevention Inspector
Date Adopted by City Manager
12/01/02
Comp. Code
7706
IAFF
Classified
Job Title
Fire Prevention Inspector
Definition
Under general supervision, to assist in the implementation of a community oriented fire prevention and life safety program; perform fire protection engineering tasks; investigate fire cause; enforce fire laws; participate in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue and hazardous materials response as required; and to perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Investigate fires and fire-related incidents; enforce all fire prevention laws and ordinances; compile evidence, interview witnesses, and assist in the prosecution of persons charged with violation of fire prevention laws and fire-related criminal matters; develop and provide appropriate talks and demonstrations to schools, service clubs, and other organizations on fire prevention and life safety subjects; may research, develop, review, and prepare grant applications; perform inspections of properties to determine degree of compliance with fire laws and ordinances and development requirements; may occasionally supervise others; obtain compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; attend meetings as directed; maintain close working relationships with representatives of the Community Development, Police, Public Works and Park Departments; instruct fire personnel in fire prevention techniques; operate Fire Department computers; may function as a peace officer if required; subject to emergency recall during non-duty hours; respond to fires or other emergencies as directed; perform related duties as required.
Tools and Equipment Used
Vehicle, radio, pager, personal computer, calculator, phone, standard firefighting, hazardous materials response, and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment emergency medical equipment.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on uneven surfaces or in confined spaces; and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions ranging from below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except on emergencies where it may be loud.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services and hazardous materials response; geography, types of building construction, water supply and major fire hazards of the City of Chico; Federal, State and local laws, regulations and codes pertaining to fire suppression and prevention; principles of combustion, hydraulics, and building construction; characteristics of flammable liquids and gases; methods of educating the public; methods of fire origin and cause determination.
Ability to
Implement effective fire safety and prevention measures; enforce fire safety regulations firmly and effectively; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; conduct basic fire inspections; establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with other City employees and the general public; satisfactorily complete a Penal Code Section 832 course within one year after appointment; maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and as an Emergency Medical Technician; achieve State Board of Fire Services certification as a Prevention Officer II, Fire Protection Specialist, or Investigator II within one year of appointment. Become certified to operate an Automatic External Heart Defibrillator.
Experience
Two years experience performing duties similar to the Firefighter classification with the City of Chico or three years full-time fire/life safety prevention experience.
Education
High school graduation or equivalent supplemented by at least 30 semester units from an accredited college, of which 15 units must be from the California Community College Uniform Fire Technology, Fire Science, or Criminal Justice curricula; completion of the course work required to qualify for certification by the State Board of Fire Services for at least two of the following certifications: Investigator I, Prevention Officer I, Public Education Officer I, or Instructor I. An Associates Degree from an accredited college in fire science or a related field is desirable.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License; certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational. Possession of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation card required.