Position Summary

This entry level position is responsible for learning, understanding, and administering inspections to ensure fire code compliance and safe building conditions. This position is responsible for the proper application of fire codes and record maintenance of inspections and related activities. At the request of the Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, or Fire Chief, for investigative purposes can be called to emergencies involving fire, medical and environmental concerns.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Fire Inspection

• Inspects residential, licensed care, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities and multi-story buildings; to determine and enforce compliance with local and state fire and life safety codes; assesses code violation progress through site visits, certified mail and legal action as needed.
• Inspects new and existing structures and properties for construction, occupancy, fire protection and exposures as required by the fire code.
• Provides technical assistance to the department; interprets policies, procedures, and documents relating to types of chemicals and requirements of disclosure laws.
• Communicates in writing and orally with the public, contractors, vendors, architects, engineers, State Fire Marshall, law enforcement, etc. in the compliance and enforcement activities.
• Determines if business emergency plan is required; reviews, evaluates, and processes business emergency plans.
• Interprets the various local, state, and national fire and life safety codes for the public and makes recommendations.
• Researches codes to properly document violations and complaints.
• Writes reports based on field notes; issues Notices of Violation and citations for code violations; initiates prosecution and prepares materials necessary for litigation.
• Investigates fire and life safety complaints received from the public and takes appropriate action. Maintains files, inspection reports and related documents as required by Fire department policies.
• Determines operational readiness of fire suppression systems, fire detection systems, alarm systems and fire extinguishers; tracks field observations and test documentation.
• Develops, produces, coordinates, and maintains hazardous materials data on facilities within the jurisdiction.
• Participates in public information/education activities.
• Assists Sr Inspector Public Education Officer, including giving talks, demonstrations, and presentations before community groups, schools, and other organizations and institutions as needed.
• Attends special events to ensure public fire safety.

• Works with other governmental agencies for compliance and enforcement of fire codes and standards, and hazardous material disclosure and enforcement.
  Participates in special projects in fire prevention that address community issues.
• Attends necessary meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications, audio-visual, and database materials to obtain required continuing education hours; and maintain/enhance professional development on principles, practices and new developments in the area of life safety and prevention.

• Responds as needed to calls or reports of actual, possible, or potential fire occurrences, motor vehicle accidents, explosions, uncontained hazardous/volatile/chemical contamination or other property or life-threatening emergency conditions to suppress, control, remove, contain, or otherwise mitigate the situation; provides emergency support for medical emergencies; searches for and rescues victims; performs or supports the performance of various types of technical rescue operations.
• Provides emergency and non-emergency incident responses as needed such as public assistance and other service calls which include assistance to physically impaired, evaluation and minor repairs to fire and smoke detection equipment.
• Cleans, maintains, and tests fire department and specialized equipment.
• Inspects personal protective equipment for readiness, and information officer of any maintenance or problems with the equipment.
• Serve as a role model or mentor to firefighters with a lower rank, as well as demonstrating adherence to all District policies, procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Conducts site visits to all commercial facilities or other hazardous structures/buildings/or areas within assigned district to maintain familiarity, evaluates potential code compliance and safety concerns, and assists supervisor with updating pre-fire planning information.
• Conducts public education and training programs such as extinguisher usage demonstrations, helmet and seatbelt usage, senior and child home safety concerns, and general health and wellness issues.
• Inspects alarm systems and fire control systems to determine compliance with prescribed fire code enforcement standards.
• Performs data entry and incident reports as assigned.
• Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Conduct tours, lectures and video presentations. Display fire apparatus. Participate in public demonstrations at local school programs and various civic and Fire District functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Marshall.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of fire department rules and regulations, city and county ordinances, National Fire Protection Association Standards and Standard Fire Prevention code in addition to other federal, state and local rules, regulations and standards.
• Knowledge of South Carolina Occupational Health and Safety Administration (SC OSHA) regulations.
• Ability to function at an intermediate level in all facets of Microsoft Word programs – word, excel, Visio and power point. Ability to input into BD databases, extract data and develop/analyze reports. Firehouse software.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials and hazardous substance reference manuals.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Must have the ability to learn, understand, and carry out the proper use of firefighting implements and tools.
• Knowledge of emergency medical and health techniques and methods in alignment with certifications/licenses held.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials, and hazardous substance reference manuals/
• Skill in operating ladders, two-way radios, cameras, atmospheric & chemical sampling equipment, and basic office equipment such as fax and copy machines.
• Knowledge of Bloodborne Pathogens and maintenance of current preventative vaccinations.
• Knowledge of department computer applications and software.
• Ability to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Skill in working for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times and entertains the public whenever they may enter the station.
• Knowledge of District policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of local government organization and its departmental operating requirements.
• Ability to analyze and prepare organizational and functional reports from research data.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

Language Skills

• Ability to explain relevant information effectively to various audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisors, business owners, vendors, architects, builders, and the public.
• Ability to write citations, ordinances, and inspection reports.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form.
• Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.

• Ability to receive relevant information effectively from various sources.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of people and deal with verbal and physical confrontations.
• Ability to communicate, using proper protocol and codes, when using two-way radios, and other modes of communication.
• Ability to make presentations to Department administration, District personnel and elected officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, press, and the public.

• Ability to read District policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; SDS sheets, safety manuals, maps, specialized maps/compass, etc.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions; including following orders of superior officers.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of complicated situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records law and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.
• Organizational and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.
• Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintains self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to use good judgement and effectively solve problems.

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications/Coursework

Education:

• High School diploma or have attained a GED. Associate Degree in fire science or related field preferred.

Experience:

• Must have completed at least two (2) years as a Firefighter II with the Bluffton Township Fire District; or have completed at least four (4) years as a Firefighter / EMT with another fire department and can demonstrate completion of all online/external courses; and
• Certified IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter 1 & 2.

Certifications/Coursework: Requirements are subject to change to ensure methods are current with industry standards.

Must successfully complete the following within twelve (12) months from hire:

• CPR/First Aid;
• Hazardous Materials Awareness in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120;
• ICC Fire Inspector I Certification;
• SCFA 8610: Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations;
• SCFA 2147: NIMS-ICS for the Fire Service, or equivalent training;
• SCFA 3213: Basic Arson Course; and
• Valid SC Driver’s License.

• National Fire Academy Course R0772: Fire Investigation: Essentials.

Must successfully complete the following within twenty-four (24) months from hire:

• National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator; and
• Attend a National Fire Protection Association Seminar on NFPA 13 or NFPA 72, or equivalent, as determined by the Fire District Training Officer after a recommendation from the Fire Marshal.

Must successfully complete the following within thirty-six (36) months from hire:

• SCFA Course 4171 – Fire Instructor 1; and
• Attend any continuing education course listed in the Fire Inspector promotional track, or as identified by the Fire Marshal.

• RMS Training on how to properly input, run reports, etc.
• Effective Writing Skills (Add-on from CO Academy)
• Record Keeping (Add-on from CO Academy)

Continuing Education

• National Fire Academy Course Interview, Interrogation and Courtroom Testimony;
• National Fire Academy Course Water Based Fire Protection Plan Review;
• National Fire Academy Course Hazardous Materials for Fire Inspectors;
• Any courses available from the National Fire Academy in the Fire Prevention: Technical or Management section or Fire/Arson and Explosion Investigation track;
• England Training: IBC, IMC, NEC based courses with the ability to take practice exams to prepare to take certification exam; or
• SCFA Fire and Life Safety Educator I.

Physical and Work Environment

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.

• Position requires extensive walking, bending, crawling in various types of buildings, and fire damaged structures.
• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 75-100 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Position may require raising & extending ladders and carrying heavy equipment up/down ladders or stairs.
• Enter buildings under post-fire conditions which might include smoke, residual heat, and limited visibility, in designated personal protective clothing including appropriate respiratory protection.
• Work in high places, open and/or confined spaces.
• May be subject to extended periods of intense concentration in the assessment of emergency, personal and public safety, and health situations.
• Use a variety of tools to remove walls and ceilings, requiring pulling and pushing motions with arms extending overhead for long periods of time, or to force entry into a building.
• Perform fire and emergency medical duties while exposed to heat, cold and/or wet environmental elements.
• Operate district vehicles during the day and at night, using depth perception and peripheral vision in emergency situations, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
• Moves material such as burnt building debris from one place to another using a shovel, rake or rubbish hook to rescue trapped or endangered persons, or to overhaul a burned-out structure.
• Works with cleaning fluids and agents, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, paints, or similar solutions using routine and nonroutine protective equipment.
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.
• Perform basic emergency medical functions, once trained, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for extended periods of time.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work may require wearing specialized personal protective equipment.
• May be subject to recall during during natural or man-made disasters requiring working extended periods ranging from 24 hours shifts or longer.
• May be required to operate hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, gas and electric saws as well as medical equipment.
• May be required to work in close proximity to multiple types of commercial and industrial machinery, and high voltage power/generation power sources.

Employees who decide to remain at Fire Inspector must continue to demonstrate performance that meets expectations and participate in on-going additional certifications and training in order to receive the step increase.

Note: Advancement to Sr Fire Inspector will occur after all time-in-grade and course requirements are met, satisfactory performance, and have passed all testing/competency assessments. All certifications/classes/requirements of this rank and Firefighter I, II, Fire Inspector I must be maintained in all subsequent ranks.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.